Lovely to Look at

Rating: 6/10 (2 January 2008)

I have mixed feeling about this movie. I tend to be a sentimental person so I enjoyed the love story very much. My husband (the logical one) did not. We both agreed that character development was a bit vague and there were a variety of story lines that never really seemed wrapped up. Joe Wright is brilliant, but he does not yet know how to tell a story clearly. He uses every trick in the movie directors book to dazzle just for the sake of it. Instead, it would be interesting to see him use his talent to really drive the story forward. I did have moments where I felt the director was saying "Look at this gorgeous scene, aren't I brilliant!". Yes, the 5 minute Dunkirk span is unbelievable, but why is it being done. Wright does it because he can. Branagh used this technique to show the actual battlefield sorrow and destruction in Henry V, thus he uses it with purpose. Anyhow, I digress. I give Mr. Wright huge credit for the performances he gets out of his actors. Keira Knightly has real acting chops and James MacAvoy keeps his momentum from Last King of Scotland going. Their scenes together are very strong and carry real tension. Ronan is very good as young Briony, but the real unsung hero of this film is Romola Garai who approaches a difficult portion of the material with real panache and emotion. She is a joy to watch. Even the supporting roles jump out at you. Of course Vanessa Redgrave takes a small part and makes it immensely emotional and powerful. I would see the movie just for the performances. All in all, it is worth seeing.