An epic story of love, tragedy, and atonement.

Rating: 8/10 (13 March 2008)

The best movies and novels about ill-fated lovers are GONE WITH THE WIND, ROMEO AND JULIET, A FAREWELL TO ARMS, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, BRIEF ENCOUNTER, and WUTHERING HEIGHTS, which is my personal favorite. This movie tries to live up to those standards, especially A FAREWELL TO ARMS and WUTHERING HEIGHTS.
The film is set in three parts. In the beginning, we find our real-life young lovers, Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), a daughter from a wealthy family of aristocrats, and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). a proud gardener, who is the son of a housekeeper on the Tallis' estate. They develop a passionate romance over time. Cecilia's younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), wants to be a novelist and she also has a crush on Robbie. That's when things turn nasty. When Briony catches Cecilia and Robbie having romantic interludes, she develops resentment and jealousy towards Robbie. After a series of mishaps, Briony falsely accuses Robbie of rape and he is sent off to prison. As a result of this terrible situation, Cecilia starts to estrange herself from her family, especially Briony.
The second part of the film is set during the start of World War II, where Robbie has made a deal to avoid prison life and join the armed forces in France. Cecilia has become a nurse in London. During this time period, they write and try to make contact with each other. The Battle of Dunkirk ensues and Robbie must fight with Cecilia on his mind every step of the way. The special effects of the battle sequences, which make use of CGI technology, are very impressive. Will Cecilia and Robbie meet again after the war? I'm not going to say, even though others have shared additional comments regarding the end of the film.
The final moments of the movie are about Briony's test of atonement. By this time, Briony, too, has become a nurse and has prepared a novel that sheds light over her treatment of Cecilia and Robbie. The novel depicts a better life for the two lovers, despite their actual fate. The final moments of the film bring the movie into full circle, where an aging Briony (Vanessa Redgrave) explains the "true" facts of her novel to reporters. This is where the audience is left hanging. Some people wanted more from Cecilia and Robbie, but they get Briony's confession instead? Ouch, that hurts. Can you imagine if the director had shown the lovers' "true" fate and then Briony's last testament to the press? The tomatoes would have been REALLY flying at the screen! I guess that it is hard for most people to forgive, and even harder for some to say "I'm sorry".
Score: 8/10