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Atonement
Written by Nobuhiro Hosoki
Director Joe Wright, in his sophomore attempt, bases "Atonement" on the critically praised best-seller by Ian McEwan. One hot summer day in 1935, at a country estate in rural southeast England, 13-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), the youngest daughter of an upper-class family, is adding the finishing touches on a play she's written for the homecoming of her older brother Leon (Patrick Kennedy). Briony is a volatile and self absorbed girl whose older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) has for years been hiding her attraction to Robbie (James McAvoy), the Cambridge-educated son of the family housekeeper whose tuition had been provided by their father.
Before Briony has a chance to take center stage with her amateurish play, she looks out the window to witness Cecilia strip down to her underwear and climb into the fountain to retrieve a broken piece of a vase for Robbie. Innocent enough, but from Briony's POV, the gesture is mistaken for something outrageous. Just like her sister, Briony has a crush on Robbie, to the extent of testing his feeling by intentionally diving into a creek to see if he would save her. Unfortunately, he was reduced to fuming at her sudden impulses.
One momentous day, Briony sneaks into the study and interrupts Robbie and Cecilia making love, but she assumes he is assaulting her. The series of exotic and erotic events turn Briony against Robbie, and she conjures up the idea of accusing him to a crime of sexual assault committed against her cousin Lola (Juno Temple). A shocking revelation dashes Robbie's high hopes by confining him in prison--the only choice given to him is to serve in the army in World War II. Thus does a single irresponsible act lead in many unexpected directions.
Cut to five years later. Cecilia, who has left her family, moves in London to become a nurse, though she still very much loves Robbie and promises to wait for him to return from service. At a crucial battle, Robbie becomes exhausted by the horror of the war, and with two companions joins the rest of the retreating British army at Dunkirk, where they hope to board a ship to return home. Meanwhile, a mature Briony(Romola Garai), has turned 18 and has come to terms with her past. She makes atonement to redeem herself and prevent her unethical deed from wrecking the lives of her sister and Robbie.
Transition to many years later, as a terminally ill Briony(Vanessa Redgrave) is interviewed on TV for her last novel and reveals an indelible finale. "Atonement" is an amazing adaptation from screenwriter Chrstopher Hampton, who condenses some crucial events and avoids some dramatic elements though all perfectly fits for the conclusion, all while remaining faithful to the source material. Director Joe Wright captures a meticulous attention to detail and lavishes this film with imagery as if taken out of a great book, always drawing out a coherent performance from everyone in the cast. Keira Knightley offers a substantial performance, showing she can excel beyond her Hollywood blockbuster. James McAvoy continues to extend his talents and to surprise us with his steady acting.
Directed by Joe Wright
Written by Christopher Hampton
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan
Director of photography:Seamus McGarvey
Edited by Paul Tothill
Music by Dario Marianelli
Production designer: Sarah Greenwood
Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster
Released by Focus Features.
Running time: 2 hours 3 minutes.
Cast: James McAvoy (Robbie Turner)
Keira Knightley (Cecilia Tallis)
Romola Garai (Briony Tallis at 18)
Saoirse Ronan (Briony at 13)
Vanessa Redgrave (Older Briony),
and Brenda Blethyn (Grace Turner).