Daniel Cann

Director Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice) has done a magnificent job of bringing Ian McEwan's bestselling novel to the big screen. The period is vividly captured with the costumes, sets, speech inflections and mannerisms of the characters. The cinematography is first rate as well, it looks wonderful. Thanks to its subject material the film is brutal at times. The hot summers day is full of foreboding and impending doom, evil permeates proceedings, but in a subtle way. Music is used well, even the sound of a typewriter is more than just that, it evokes pace and action and creates tension as the story unfolds.

The acting is flawless and the characters are totally believable. We like and care about Cecilia and Robbie thanks to Knighltey's and McAvoy's sincere playing. The film can appear graphic at times while never being gratuitous. Beauty is intercut and juxtaposed with danger and the darker side of human nature and experience.

The films narrative jumps to three and a half years later with Robbie now serving in France as a private in the army and Cecilia as a nurse in London. There is a very 'Brief Encounter' feeling to the proceedings and one scene in particular where the wronged lovers meet three weeks before Robbie is stationed in France is poignant and heart wrenching. Briony's accusation has clearly left its mark on the both of them and the film masterfully shows the effects of innocence and opportunity lost. The beautiful summers day has long gone and everything is now dull and listless, the two leads look pale and drawn. Little touches like this add to the overall feel of a dark, grainy, gritty world.

The film is full of excellent supporting turns but credit has to be given to Daniel Mays as Tommy Nettle, a comrade of Robbie as they try to reach Dunkirk and sanctuary. Nettles is a cynical and outspoken cockney and is an excellent foil to the virtuous Robbie. Their scenes together are moving and convincing as they witness the waste and futility of war. There is an exceptional moment as we see Robbie and his contemporaries running and the camera then sweeps up to reveal the beach at Dunkirk full of soldiers and equipment waiting to be evacuated in one of the most stunning visuals of the film. The sequence at Dunkirk is worth the price of admission alone as we follow the progress of Robbie as he wanders through the chaotic, bewildered and disoriented scene unfolding on the beach.

Briony, now 18 years old (and played by Romola Garai) has decided not to go to Cambridge and is instead working as a nurse at St Thomas' Hospital in London. This portion of the film have a lot of power as we see young girls dealing with the horror of treating young broken men returning from the war. The film is uncompromising and shows the war destroying a generation. There is a sense that Briony is trying hard to put things right and to do her 'penance' for her actions of years earlier. One scene where she scrubs her hands is particularly telling. The film is full of moments like this and has visuals that stay with the viewer.

We meet Briony in old age (played by Vanessa Redgrave) now a famous bestselling author as she is interviewed for television. All the portrayals are strong and Redgrave is no exception as her performance adds gravitas and weight to the character of Briony, we really do feel her sense of regret and despair. Despite being a flawed character the film sensitively charts Briony's life through the ages first as a precocious and imaginative child, into a caring and sympathetic young adult and finally into an old woman trying to put things finally right.

'Atonement' is a film that deals with regret, loss, tragedy and grief but never becomes mawkish or sentimental. It is stunning to look at and will grip the viewers from the opening shot right through to the end credits. I defy anyone not to be moved by this film. Perhaps the best British film dealing with love, romance, loss and heartache ever.

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