Fantastic and Captivating!

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2008)

I read McEwans book of Atonement before I saw the film, which I would definitely recommend. When I watched the film it was all I had expected it to be and more. I was captivated by the confusion of Briony's actions, Celcilia's and Robbies love and the brilliant ending. The entire cinematography were perfectly arranged around the story, and created a flawless atmosphere. The music and lighting was what really struck me, corresponding with the scenes fantastically. There was, I'll admit, a lack of dialogue - though the characters presented by McEwan had always seemed concealed with thought, thus allowing the audience to create their own reasoning; conveyed extremely well in the film.
The war scenes were perfectly effective and truthful of gore and emotion. The ending was surprising, even though I had read the book; I had not fully understood it. I felt it was a severe twist to the story, yet made sense of Briony's character. The last scene with elderly Briony quickly became one of my favourites, with the truth of reality rather than a fairytale ending where everyone has a chance to right their wrongs.
Atonement has become my favourite film, and for audiences who enjoy a similar genre, this is one of my first recommendations! Bravo!