One of the strongest movies of 07

Rating: 9/10 (26 August 2008)

James McAvoy gave the best performance in Atonement. I didn't think I would think that but he was terrific. I would give him an Oscar nomination for sure. Redgrave's eyes at the end tell all. Seriously you didn't even need her tremendous speech because it's all in her body language. Garai is great during and after her encounter with the french soldier as well as the apartment scene. The praise for Ronan doesn't capture how good and natural she is. Knightley was fine but doesn't rate with any of the Briony's or McAvoy.
The cinematography in the movie is remarkable. Not only for the stunning tracking shot but for when Briony goes into the library. The way the light comes off that hair thing and then the lamp.
The script was a very good adaptation of the book and the direction of Wright couldn't be better.