A sad and romantic tale

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2008)

Based on the novel by Ian Mcewan. Set in 1935 young 13 year old budding writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her older sister Cecilia played by Keira Knightley, live a life of wealth and privilege in their British family mansion. Briony has a passionate teen crush on Cecilia's boyfriend Robbie Turner played by James Mcavoy. Robbie is the house keeper's son. Briony makes a very strong almost sexual advance to Robbie which he totally repudiates and she is hurt terribly by this rejection.
Briony witnesses one of her young girlfriends having sex with a much older man and accuses Robbie of the being the older man. The consequences are devastating for Robbie and Briony realizes she has at last broken up the intimate and loving relationship between Cecilia and Robbie.
As the years go by both Ceclia and Robbie remain in love and eventually temporarily unite despite both being caught up in the Second World War. Briony realizes what she has done and tries to atone but the long term consequences of actions were far beyond she could ever imagine. A tale of unrequited love for Briony. Other reviewers have mentioned the steady cam and four minute long shooting on the beach in France but this is common these days . The cinematography and the overall production values were superb. A very beautiful and touching love story with great performances from all the actors. A very sad and melancholy love story.
Those who enjoyed the great film " A Long Engagement" will really enjoy this one. If you are not moved by this film you have a heart of stone.