Atonement (15)
Arguably one of Ian McEwan’s best novels, bringing Atonement (hailed by some as a masterpiece and ‘modern day classic’) to film whilst doing justice to the book is one mean feat. However, once again Joe Wright shines through as director in his second full length film. His first debut movie ‘Pride & Prejudice’ was praised by critics, despite some claiming it was overshadowed by the ’95 mini-series it was obvious that England had some new young talent in Wright.
The film adopts the book’s three separate sections, the first of which begins on a stifling hot day in 1935, with Britain on the edge of World War II. A young 13-year-old Briony (perfectly played by Saoirse Ronan) is seen tapping away at her typewriter creating a play for her cousins from the “North” to perform in.
Unfortunately her play is torn to shreds before it even begins, and so precocious Briony is left to her own devices. Led to the window by the sound of a trapped wasp Briony witnesses a confusing spectacle involving her sister Cecilia (perhaps Keira Knightley’s best performance to date) and the house maid’s son Robbie (James McAvoy in an Oscar-worthy performance) and a fountain.
Later the reality leading of this bizarre event is revealed, as the film displays its gorgeously multi-prospective plot. Some may find the editing quite confusing, but for most it’s simply wonderful seeing events told first through the eyes of a 13 year old, to then be shown the true events as they happened.
During the night a terrible crime is committed and due to Briony’s imaginative and naïve nature, and her lack of understanding of adult affairs she falsely accuse Robbie, separating the two lovers Cecilia & Robbie in a heart-wrenching scene.
Although the film essentially revolves around the relationship between Cecilia & Robbie, this is much more than a love story. It’s a tale of naivety, assumption, lies, consequences and most of all for atoning for ones sins, which is where the film and novel’s intriguing title originates from, that’s impact will remain long after the viewer has left the cinema.
The second section of the film is set 4 years later, and focuses around Robbie, who has joined the army to minimise his prison sentence after being unjustly jailed. It follows his journey with two other soldiers during the evacuation of Dunkirk. Whilst injured Robbie struggles his way through the trail he’s told to survive by Cecilia’s moving letters begging him to ‘come back’.
The complexities of Robbie’s character are beautifully played by McAvoy, perfectly capturing the innocent youth of his character as well as his corruption into a man who is torn apart by war.
The film seems to sing out for Oscars, and many scenes cement the idea that this is one of the best epic romances to have hit our screens in decades. Whether it’s the 5 minute tracking shot, which beautifully and horrifically tells the tales and woes of the evacuation of Dunkirk, the confrontation sequence between an 18-year-old Briony (Romola Garai), Briony and Cecilia or that sex scene – this is an unforgettable film that truly shows off the best of Britain’s acting and directing talents.
The ending, whilst some may find rushed, packs a much more emotional punch due to its shock factor. A collective gasp was let out from the audience during Vanessa Redgrave’s devastating prologue which will leave audiences paralysed for weeks.
Atonement hasn’t got a weak link attached. Every moment and every movement seems wonderfully planned and thought provoking. Even minor characters seem perfectly cast, and whilst all actors stand out it is James McAvoy who will remain in the mind of many for his lead, and Ronan for her impressive achievement, even more so considering her age. A must-see masterpiece, we will certainly be seeing and hearing much more of Atonement come awards season.
9/10
