Atonement
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, Atonement opens in England in 1935, on the
hottest day of the year. In the looming shadow of World War II, Briony Tallis
and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous Victorian
Gothic mansion.
As the family gathers for the weekend, the combination of the oppressive heat
and long suppressed emotions coming to the surface create an ominous sense of
threat and danger.
Briony, a fledgling writer, is a girl with a vivid imagination. Through a
series of catastrophic misunderstandings she accuses Robbie Turner (James
McAvoy), the housekeeper’s son, and lover of her sister, Cecilia (Keira
Knightley) of a crime he did not commit.
This accusation destroys Robbie and Cecilia’s newfound love and
dramatically alters the course of all their lives.
Awards:
- Best Picture BAFTA Winner 2007.
- Best Picture (Drama) Golden Globe Winner 2007.
Critic Reviews:
- " This level of storytelling and artistry is a rare treat, demonstrating
director Joe Wright's knack for working with adapted material. " –
Mike Massie
- " McAvoy, long an underrated actor and also a Golden Globe nominee,
fares even better here as the wrongly accused Robbie. " –
Richard Propes
- " Every bit as emotionally affecting as it is visually sweeping.
" – Matthew Lucas