ATONEMENT

(7.5/10)

Well I had been excited to see this ever since I saw the trailer months ago and though some reviews tore it to threads, the majority really liked it. The problem with the film is that the book was probably really good and detailed and with the runtime being squeezed into just two hours- much is lost.

Keira Knightley and James McAvoy give great performances but their chemistry never quite clicks. An error the directors and screenwriters have made is that their love affair is supposed to be a secret from others...not from the audience! So we never get a real glimpse at what made them fall in love and why it is so special. To me the real story lays in the hands of Briony, the needy attention-seeking 13 yr. old who stumples upon a secret that she completely misunderstands. Her betrayal to her sister sets the plot on track for disaster. I won't give much away because going into this not knowing much proved a good thing for me, since the ending packs a punch! I also won't knock it for staying on a steady pace, I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by.

I just wasn't in the mood to be fooled by the amazing cinematography. The movie and sets are beautiful and intricate but no matter how well done any of that is- you can't keep a story hidden from us. I simply did NOT CARE for the romance and I wanted to. I ended up caring and feeling for Briony....and I know you want to scream "YOU #$%%# BITCH #$%%#%#" at her but we all can relate to making mistakes and assumptions. This one just...ruined lives. Anyway- please see it for yourself. It's sure to stick around for months in that it has been nominated for plenty but just keep in mind that I believe something is lacking. Bad? No. Overrated? Yes...