Positive film review tone for Atonement

Rating: 8/10 (4 February 2008)

My original psyche of the period film "Atonement" was that it was going to be formulaic brit piece comprised of a bunch of socialites talking fancy, maids & butlers eavesdropping, protagonists trivializing major issues while defocusing on mundane matters, and all that "mumbo jumbo" talk that you get from the cinema Britannica. I must state that "Atonement" did encompass a few of the aforementioned elements, but the final product turned out to be a very enlightening film about atoning for one's immaturity. So "Atonement", I am truly sorry I did you like that. Because after "I saw it with my own eyes", I recognized that it did not merit my preconceived notion. I must atone myself now by writing a positive film review for "Atonement". The narrative stars James McAvoy and Keira Knightley portraying the romantic leads Robbie Turner and Cecilia Tallis. Robbie is the son of a Tallis' housekeeper and Cecilia is the eldest daughter of the wealthy Tallis family. So you see that Robbie does not have it "made" and Cecilia is constantly financially nurtured by those "Benjamin tallies"; or whatever Prime Minister is printed in the British currency bill. Robbie and Cecilia romantically fall for each other and are on route for the eventual nuptial until the visual disaster occurs. That would come in the form of Briony Tallis (played by Saoirse Ronan), the youngest Tallis who has a massive crush on Robbie, and her ravaging jealousy causes her to falsely witness a crime which she accuses Robbie as being the perpetrator. Poor Robbie gets convicted of the crime and ends up fighting in a war in order not to get jail time. So you can say that Robbie and Cecilia are apart because of the brawny Briony syndrome. The developmental plot of "Atonement" focuses on Briony in various stages in her life trying to make amends on the hell she caused, and also on Robbie and Cecilia's emotional solitary grief. The performances from McAvoy, Knightley, and Ronan hit the right thespian tone of "Atonement". Admirable brawny supporting work was also contributed by Romola Garai (who played Briony at age 18) and the legendary Vanessa Redgrave (who played the geriatric Briony). Director Joe Wright, who also helmed "Pride & Prejudice", should be proud of his unprejudiced direction of "Atonement". The costume design, art direction, and cinematography of "Atonement" were of picturesque amazement. Christopher Hampton's scribe was adequate but not Oscar-worthy; even though I love the "I saw him with my own eyes" line; It was an eye-opener! So all in all, you will not be sorry if you check out "Atonement". **** Good