Atonement (2007)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Joe Wright

Writers:

Ian McEwan (novel)
Christopher Hampton (screenplay)

Release Date:

4 January 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | War

Tagline:

You can only imagine the truth.

Plot:

Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit. Based on the British romance novel by Ian McEwan.

Plot Keywords:

Sister | Fountain | Letter | British | Typewriter

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 23 wins & 67 nominations

Cast

Saoirse Ronan	...	Briony Tallis - Age 13
Ailidh Mackay	...	Singing Housemaid
Brenda Blethyn	...	Grace Turner
Julia West	...	Betty
James McAvoy	...	Robbie Turner
Harriet Walter	...	Emily Tallis
Keira Knightley	...	Cecilia Tallis
Juno Temple	...	Lola Quincey
Felix von Simson	...	Pierrot Quincey
Charlie von Simson	...	Jackson Quincey
Alfie Allen	...	Danny Hardman
Patrick Kennedy	...	Leon Tallis
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Paul Marshall
Peter Wight	...	Police Inspector
Leander Deeny	...	Police Constable

Also Known As:

Reviens-moi (France)

MPAA:

Rated R for disturbing war images, language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

123 min

Country:

UK | France

Language:

English | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:15 | Ireland:15A | Netherlands:12 | Canada:14A | Finland:K-13 | South Korea:15 | Germany:12 | Australia:MA | Singapore:M18 | Malaysia:U | Norway:11 | Sweden:11 | Brazil:14 | Taiwan:PG-12 | USA:R (certificate #43417) | France:Unrated | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Argentina:16 | Portugal:M/12 (Qualidade) | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Japan:PG-12 | Hong Kong:IIB | Norway:15 (TV rating) | Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

Aldwych Underground Station, Aldwych, Holborn, London, England, UK

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

The opening film of the 2007's Venice Film Festival. Director Joe Wright, at 35, is the youngest director to have a film open this prestigious event.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the fountain scene that Briony witnesses, after Cecilia has left, Robbie sits with one leg folded under his body. When we see the scene again, he sits in a different position.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Briony Tallis, aged 13: I finished my play.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2007-12-08)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Miss You

Atonement - a feast for the eyes.

My wife and I went to see the movie last night and were totally blown away by the whole experience. So brilliantly directed and acted. The movie time just flew by and we were drawn in and captivated by each dramatic moment. Never having read the book or been an expert on WW2, I had a truly open mind on what to expect and I'm not one of those who count every rivet or go looking for technical inaccuracies however small. This was truly a masterpiece of cinematography. We were treated to wonderful performances, lavish sets, shocking and thought-provoking moments and haunting themes. I had the privilege of being an extra in the Redcar, Dunkirk scene and once seen in its full glory and effect on the big screen I was simply in awe and glad to have been a part of it. Walking along Redcar beach from now on will never quite be the same again. I am quite sure that the movie will win a number of awards within the next 12 months, but that is not what really matters. Movies are there to entertain, tell a story and affect you emotionally and by God this did it in spades! If you have not seen it yet, you must!