Ravishing visually, and a consuming watch
Sarah from Tipperary, 02 Apr 2008
I saw this as a preview pre-hype, and was unexpectantly blown away. as a fan of the novel. With panning shots that move and distress, and visual, sound, and music motifs that draw one into the story, this movie is a must see. But I make it sound dull.
The acting is wonderful, and KK manages not to pout even once, instead is sexy and convincing. The story is intgriguingly presented, and to my shock, every member of my family was as sucked on small screen in as I had been big-screen. Watch it!!
Accomplished
Ciaran from Dublin, 08 Feb 2008
I have never read the book so I cannot comment on this as an adaptation, only as a movie. Beautifully and intricately shot throughout, Atonement is a high quality production that deserves the accolades it has received. The story is interesting and the film as a whole, especially the first half, moves quickly along and keeps you enthralled. Both men and women should enjoy this as it hasn't a trace of sentimentality while still telling a heart-breaking tale. Acting all round is excellent too.
Beautiful but confusing
John from Dublin, 11 Feb 2008
Beautifully shot and well acted adaptation of the book, that preserves much of the atmosphere, but unfortunately fails to allow the viewer to understand the origins of events on a disatrous summer's day. A confused young girl leaps to a judgement that destroys the life of her sister and her sister's lover, causing a family rift and sending him to the horrors of the Dunkirk evacuation, but her motivation is never clear, nor the source of the initial tension between the two lovers. A flawed gem.
Beautifully portrayed
Ginger from Dublin, 18 Mar 2008
This film was wonderful. I'd just finished the book 2 days before viewing it & the film actually lived up to the book for the most part. The cast were perfect in their roles & the set designs were breathtaking. The actresses they chose to play Briony through several decades really looked like the same girl aging naturally, which is rare in film. I was a little disappointed that they had to leave out some of Robbie's story, but it would have made for too long a film. All in all, well done.
Jason from Dublin
Michael from Dublin, 16 Jun 2009
Avoided this movie for ages (a) Keira’s in it so probably a chick flick (b) based on a book by somebody McEwan, must be a chick flick. I am now full member of the numbskull club cos this movie is as far from ‘chick’ as you get (so is book according to my Darling Piranha, who reads.) Rich & beguiling story, presented in an enticing, nuanced fashion, beautifully shot & compellingly acted. In short, a seriously good film. Car chases? You’re obviously repressed, pal. Come outta the closet.