Beautiful, brilliant, but....

Rating: 8/10 (20 January 2008)

I was completely amazed by Atonement, the performances were incredible, the cinematography was lush and brilliant, and the score was genius (it superbly and perfectly carried and underscored the film). Watching this move I was mesmerized by its beauty and captivated by the performances of the cast. James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, and Saoirse Ronan deserve every accolade. If this film has one weakness, it is in its pacing. Though it pains me to admit, it does drag in parts. If you are looking for a dramatic/action war film, this is not it. However, if you are looking for something that really does explore the human condition with all its strengths and flaws, then I cannot recommend a better film.