DNFromMN--Movie Review--Atonement

ATONEMENT

Opens December 7, 2007

“It’s a story about what a young girl sees from her bedroom window, or thinks she sees.” It’s a line from the film, and it’s the perfect description for the driving action of it.

A precocious tween writer sees her sister argue with the family’s gardener in 1938 England. Later, something happens at the family estate, which the tween witnessed… or did she? She says it was the gardener and he’s sent off to war. Was she honest or did she lie, and what would her motivation be for telling the truth or not?

Spoiling a movie is something I would hate to do, but I’m pretty sure that I’m not giving anything away from the first 20 minutes. But here’s the thing, the movie is 2 hours long, and I thought it ended rather abruptly. I lost all sense of time during the movie, as it drew me in completely (it may not, a cynical friend who came with said it dragged in places).

This film is lush and beautiful, praise be to the location scouts.Director Joe Wright previously did the other Keira Knightly starrer, Pride and Prejudice (which KK got her, IMO, undeserved Oscar nod). And this movie is so much better than that Jane Austen-er, which I liked,but didn’t love. There are so many subtle touches to Atonement that I just want you to experience them and appreciate them, but don’t wait to expect them (I’d hate to ruin it). The beach scene is so chaotic but controlled; the editing of he-said/she-said scenes; and the ending, dear God, that full on head-shot monologue was perfect.

The acting is of course top notch. I’ve always thought Keira Knightly was unusually beautiful, but not particularly talented. She nailed all but one scene in this. James McAvoy really is charming and perfect in this role, and will inspire much lust for those who like their men sensitive but playful. And the young girl, Saorise Ronan, gives you those moments you got when you saw Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense; those goosebumps of how natural acting can come and not be forced or mugging for the camera. I only hope that Saorise can over come her name and the baggage that comes with being a child actor (and hopefully we won’t see her busted for a pot DUI in 5 years).

So what’s it worth? $15.00. It’s worth full price and a box of Goobers. This movie doesn't need a blogger to promote it, all the real reviewers will be raving. I just hope that I can convince a slightly different audience to see it.