Mixed Feelings

Rating: 6/10 (13 January 2008)

At this point, I have seen too many great films to be enchanted by long and beautiful shots accompanied by moving music. And I agree, Atonement was visually beautiful. But many scenes dragged on long after it conveyed both the plot and emotions. The final scene was a painfully abrupt change of tone. The acting of both the Bryony's was excellent. And McAvoy was great as expected (but Last King of Scotland topped). The manipulation of time with young Bryony was well done in that it conveyed the childhood innocence and juvenile misinterpretations. A movie I would recommend with similar setting is "A Very Long Engagement." Overall: Entertaining, very emotional, and well acted.