Atonement

Atonement is poised to do for James McAvoy what the Notebook did for Ryan Gosling. It is a sharply written and heart-wrenching love story set in late 1930's England that separates two lovers by deception, war and circumstance. The striking thing about the execution of the story on film is that for a period piece, it maintained a remarkably modern feel. Typically this would have a negative effect on the credibility of the movie, but for this particular story, it meshed well and gave it a somewhat more hip feel. Aside from that, the musical integration was unique in using a rhythmic typewriter sound as the young sister's theme music. Ironic because she is a writer and the tangled web of fate all begins with the imaginative mind of a young and naive girl.

Knightley plays the older sister who loses her lover due to a horrible misunderstanding that lands McAvoy in prison and subsequently in France as the British are beginning their fight with the Germans. The story then follows the three intertwining lives of the two sisters and McAvoy as they all cope with this life-shattering event. The story climaxes in a flash forward and a heartbreaking revelation that proves that the past can never be changed, and atonement is unfortunately an impossibility, no matter how repentant or remorseful one is.

The director captures the essence of the film with innuendo and scenes being replayed through varying character perspectives. The events leading up to the cataclysmic incident are innocent enough, and there are numerous single frame shots that seer images into the viewer's mind; works of moving art. The second act taking place in France takes a dark and bleak turn, showing much more war-related material than expected, but each character's involvement in the war is emblematic of the internal struggle and damage that they have experienced. That fateful evening was the end of innocence for all of them.

In the end, the film is wrapped up nicely in a manner reminiscent of the Notebook, but much less fulfilling. It is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, and the cast does an excellent job working together, conveying their stirring emotions with their eyes. The two actresses who played the younger sister carry much of the emotional burden of the film, but as a viewer, you can't help but feel the hopelessness and futility that McAvoy exudes. A particular scene five years later in which he confronts the younger sister, is charged with anger and resentment. She stole a life of happiness and love away from him and he displays that with the poise and confidence of a much more experienced actor.

Great story, well acted and directed with a unique and effective style. Definitely deserving of the many accolades and Golden Globe nominations. A love story, but much deeper than that. It truly explores the deep core of loss and regret, love and atonement. 8/10.