Like reading a book; you need to decide on it for yourself

Rating: 10/10 (29 December 2007)

I waited several months to see this movie. After finally seeing it, it was hard for me to decide whether I really enjoyed it or not. My expectations, as the advertisement built it up as if it were the next English Patient. To a degree, it has some similarities with the flashbacks and romance but instead of the story being told by the lovers, it is told by a third party.
In 1935, 13-year-old apprentice writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and luxury in their enormous mansion. Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the family's grounds keeper, has feelings for Briony's older sister Cecilia (Ms. Knightley). He hopes she has similar feelings towards him. All it will take is one spark for this relationship to illuminate. When it does, Briony who has a crush on Robbie is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested. By Briony's false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Later on in life, Briony comes to her senses and realizes what she had done and seeks for atonement.
An interesting aspect to the film was how well it showed different perspectives. For instance, there is a scene where Robbie and Cecelia stand and talk near a fountain. It first shows a 13 year old Briony looking at them through a window, wondering what they're talking about. Right after that, the film shows the same scene through Robbie's and Cecelia's viewpoint of what they actually said and did.
The editing was unpredictable at times and made me somewhat confused, but the more I thought about it, the more interested and engrossed I felt about the movie. It was like reading the original novel, leaving the audience to ponder on what'll happen next and how everything would be tied together. The 130 minute film was not set at quick pace, but the character's different stories and viewpoints made it an enjoyable and deep thought movie.
The direction was absolutely breathtaking. One of the most amazing scenes in the movie was when Robbie entered Dunkirk. The camera has one aerial shot, and then pulls to his viewpoint of the chaos and tragedy. The cinematography was beautiful and suited the tone for the time period. The score by Dario Marianelli really set the mood for the film. When something sad happened in the film, the music was sad. When something suspenseful happened, it was uplifting. However, I felt sometimes that the music may have been overdone in a few scenes.
The performances were wonderful. Keira Knightley is brilliant as Cecilia. There's no doubt that she'll get a second nomination for Best Actress. James McAvoy, whom I felt was perfect in The Last King of Scotland, was astonishing. Of the many scenes he was in the movie, the one scene that moved me most was when he comes upon a group of dead school children. It was a very emotional scene, but the tears in his eyes were even more moving. He should definitely get the Best Actor.
I can't forget to mention the supporting cast either. The three actresses who played Briony from Saoirse Ronan at 13, Romola Garai at 18, and Vanessa Redgrave at old age were all amazing. Of the three, I feel that Saorise Ronan did the best job. Unlike many child thespians, she was not rehearsed. I could easily understand her feelings and motives.
Overall, this was an excellent movie. This has not been the best year for movies like the last few years, but this is the best I have seen for this year. I can see at least ten Oscar nominations coming its way, including Best Picture. 10/10