Atonement, He Said

The critic's loved this film, but going in, all I knew is that it was a British film. I knew that because the a requisite member of the elite British film community was included, in this case Brenda Blethyn.

This film is based on a novel by Ian McEwan. This Romeo and Juliet tale takes place in pre- WWII England. The oldest daughter Cecilia, played by Keira Knightley is in love with son of one of the cooks. While the family approves of this young Robbie Turner, played by James McAvoy, to the point they have paid for his education, they are not ready to accept him as one of the family. Enter the fanciful, thirteen year old sister Briony. She has a crush on the older Robbie herself. He of course regards her as the child she is. when her visiting cousin is found supposedly raped Briony and the girl accuse Robbie.

When we next see Robbie he is behind German lines in France because his unit has been over run by the advancing enemy troops. He has bargained his way out of prison by volunteering for military duty. Cecilia has rejected her family because of their treatment of Robbie and is working as a nurse in London.

We see her reconciled with Robbie after his return and the confrontation between the three of them in the lowly flat Robbie and Cecilia are forced to live in. Briony admits her mistake and reveals the true rapist's identity. She agrees to confess and seeks their forgiveness, which is not forthcoming.

The end of this film will be no surprise to those that have read the novel, but the closing scene featuring Vanessa Redgrave is spellbinding for those of us that had no hint as to this outcome
This a wonderful film, well shot and constructed. The actors are well cast and competent.

I must give special attention to young Saoirse Ronan who plays the young Briony. You grow to dislike this young brat most intently. She is a mischievous and nosey little tattle tale, aside of course of being a vengeful liar. I've always said it takes talent to be an actor, but the most talent to play the bad guy. this young lady does it very well, which in my mind, bodes well for her future and requires us pay special attention.