Technically perfect; plot lags behind

Rating: 5/10 (26 January 2008)

The movie starts innocently. But that doesn't mean it's innocent. Please, just don't expect any brilliant performances, you would be disappointed.
Except Saoirse Ronan, playing young Briony Tallis, who is really convincing, actors go for nothing. They are here, you can see them, but they are not playing. Keira Knightley can't play well, even if she wanted, because she has nothing to play, James McAvoy is not able to play at all.
Plot? Too chaotic and complicated story seems to be too much even for the filmmakers. You'll find yourself lost, and it's not going to be your fault. Strange story will make you feel at least uncomprehending. Too much life involutions and too little to be told in two hours.
On the other hand, the technique is excellent. I can say this was one of the best photography directions I have ever seen. What pleased me most was a continuous shot on Dunkuerque, which lasted about five minutes, when the camera followed Robbie throughout his walk around the place, left him few times, went its way and met him again elsewhere.
Good point for music too. Compositions of typewriter sounds together with Jean-Yves Thibaudet's piano created really interesting music background.
I give: 4 points for the technique, 1 for Saoirse Ronan. This movie is not one of those worth-visiting-it.