ATONEMENT

Atonement is a beautiful and wonderfully acted romantic epic, but for me there was a little distance, that left me wanting. I understand that as based on the book, the time-jumps could be, in keeping true to the original text, however, again...It kept me from feeling as deeply as I could have. Our romantic leads don't get enough of a back-story, for me at least, to get fully invested in them.

It felt like, what I believe it was meant to be, a tale told by someone trying to remember it, properly. At key moments, however, that worked quite well. Especially, as...well, I'd give it away if I were to expound.

James MacAvoy and Keira Knightley do have a smoldering chemistry, even within the confines of their rushed romance. I must also give the director credit for creating a love-making scene that was tastefully sexy.

Newcomer, Saoirse Ronan also has a strong confident turn as Briony, a key player in the film.

Since it's getting close to that time, there are a couple of key behind-the-scenes contributions that I believe are deserving of Oscar nominations. Cinematography, is one of them.

With gorgeous vistas and expertly filmed confines, every scene is impeccably framed. I would not be surprised if this film picked up that award...And there's the score. It's inventive use of typewriter strokes underscores the film's trajectory, perfectly. I also would not be surprised if MacAvoy got a nod, this year.

There are those who would undercut this film, in favor of No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood, simply for being what it is, a romantic epic. Those people are rating a genre and not the film. It is almost as well done, as No Country, but just as as I said, a different genre...

I remember the whole Saving Private Ryan vs. Shakespeare in Love debacle and how that was basically the same sort of thing...Nevermind, that The Big Lebowski and Jeff Bridges, in particular, got shafted, that year...

I say if you like romantic movies, you'll probably like this. If not, you know what to do.
This gets the from me.

PARENTS: There is one dangerous little bit of profanity dropped, in written form. The subject of child-rape is brought up and of course, war wounds are on prominent display. Mature tweens and teens might be able to handle it.