brilliant film certain to move you

Rating: 9/10 (1 November 2007)

It is rare that a film in which nothing really happens, can have such a huge impact on the audience. I was really stunned by the cinematography, and the brilliant acting of all the actors.
I went into the film not sure what to expect but came out amazed (and a little depressed!) It's not just a love story, but one of personal reflection and facing up to the consequences of your actions, even if you have to atone for them your whole life.
I think the performance of 13 year old Briony really deserves a mention - it was essential that all 3 Brionys link together seamlessly, to make the film effective. However the young Briony's the first we see of this central character - if she'd been a whiny annoying brat the entire effect would have been lost but she played it so well and it was believable that she didn't simply lie; she was so appalled as to convince herself of Robbie's guilt. A great find.
Aside from that I still can't believe this epic work was only Joe Wright's second, and he's so young. A very talented director who stuck faithfully to the book - which I'm now going to read and compare. He captured the emotions and motives well, leaving no doubt in my mind about each characterisation. The slow tempo only allowed long still shots to emphasise this effect and that 4.5 Dunkirk scene was just breathtaking. Even though it wasn't like the opening in Private Ryan, which was gritty, this almost had a tranquil beauty, which nevertheless showed the realism of war in crystal clarity. The intertwining shots and objects through Robbie's eyes were also placed just right that there was always something to look at.
The uniqueness of this film is that it is not memorable throughout (though it's certainly memorable) but that there are certain scenes, such as the library scene, the Dunkirk scene and the scene where briony goes to see Cecilia, which are so vividly done that they'll always stay in your mind, a long time after the end. A very raw film that has plenty of feeling. Definitely worth seeing, with some patience.