"I saw him. I saw him with my own eyes."

Rating: 10/10 (2 March 2008)

Atonement is an original drama that is both tragic and beautiful. This being my 3rd Best Picture nominee to watch, my thoughts were "Can it beat Juno?" Amazingly, it did (Although barely). The storyline is superb and strays away from many clichés in the dramas.
The movie is another one of those "star crossed lover" type stories. The man is accused of a crime that he did not commit and is sent off to fight in the war. The main actors, James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, drive the film in a very effective way. These two actors create a story that is truly believable and proves to be very immersive.
You will notice the unique cinematography almost as soon as the film starts. Every source of light is blurry and has a sort of bloom effect. This makes the film look whited out. Also it makes the film looks dreamy as if it is a part of a memory. Character progression is on the slow side but you get to know many of the character very well. The score, which the film won the Oscar for, is interesting and enjoyable. The film incorporates the tapping of the typewriter with the orchestral background music.
The one problem is quite obvious: the plot progression is rather confusing. It jumps from one point to another and goes back and forth. This is most annoying especially when it goes "2 weeks prior" in a scene where you're already confused as to where in the time of the film the current scene is taking place in. Although it wasn't that big of a problem for me, it might be a little aggravating for some viewers. Also some of the wounded soldier shots are quite gruesome and gritty. They are very graphic although majority of these shots are concentrated into clump of scenes and it is not something that comes back often.
The ending concludes all of the main three characters' stories up very well. It is a very emotional ending and is very well done. It is probably something you're not expecting and I thought it was a solid ending. Atonement is ultimately an extremely personal film. Each character has a unique quality to them and story that drives the film become very personal. As long as you can put up with the jumping plot and long-ish run time, you should find this film a treat. It uses emotions effectively, characters are developed well and you will care for them (Well maybe not that little girl. Personally I hated her guts). I thought this film was one of the best I saw this year and it is definitely a one you don't want to miss out on.