Atonement

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Atonement

R

Released Dec 7, 2007

2h 3m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

219 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

This sweeping English drama, based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). When the couple are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia's jealous younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), all three of them must deal with the consequences. Robbie is the hardest hit, since Briony's deception results in his imprisonment, but hope for Cecilia and her beau increases when their paths cross during World War II.

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Critics Consensus

Atonement features strong performances, brilliant cinematography, and a unique score. Featuring deft performances from James MacAvoy and Keira Knightley, it's a successful adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

It is an elegant and sophisticated film, one that never condescends or shirks from the complexity of the novel and its grand themes - war, love, sex, memory, betrayal, redemption - but it's also strangely unfeeling.

Aug 23, 2018

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: A-

Feb 14, 2012

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Christopher Orr

The New Republic

Atonement is a film out of balance, nimble enough in its first half but oddly scattered and ungainly once it leaves the grounds of the Tallis estate.

Sep 22, 2008

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…Atonement might look from its glamorous shell like the usual British fantasy about WWII romance, but has something tougher, more meta and more timeless inside…

Rated: 4/5

Sep 7, 2024

Full Review

Andrew Collins

Radio Times

Atonement transcends the expectations of its country-house setting, via the privations of war, to deliver a knockout twist that works better on the screen than it did on the page.

Rated: 5/5

May 30, 2024

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Patricia Karounos

Refinery29

Your heart breaks for Cecilia, Robbie, and what should have been, as well as an adult Briony...

Oct 23, 2023

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Ahmed A

This movie is a tale of woe. As much as I hate sadness, I love this movie. The execution is great; every plotline has led to something eventually. The acting was so great and lively. This movie may lead to some tears if you are not so emotional, and it will strike you with anguish if you are. It is a reality check and a reminder that in life not every story end happily. Some stories never even end.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Dani G

Very good in its structure. Good storytelling, good performances, good editing

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

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Christopher S

The soundtrack, the acting, the cinematography is just masterful. A lovely a story and tragedy that uses the war as a character in the film, but manages to portray the fear and sadness of living through and in the war too. It's just a great film to watch if you want to experience what a great piece of considered cinema looks like.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/18/25

Full Review

Max V

Don't waste your time. This disjointed dreary tale relies on nice cinematography and irritating time jumps to try to keep you awake. Sleep is good for you, do that instead.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

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Frans B

Sumptuous, breathtakingly beautiful, sophisticated. Amazing and capable cast in glorious characters. Elaborate and exquisite production, dreamy cinematography and fascinating storyline. Riveting and engaging. Cleverly written and intelligent throughout. A joy to watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

Elliana H

If you enjoy yearning, heartbreak, and crying into your pillow at 2 AM, Atonement is the film for you. It lures you in with dreamy cinematography, a hauntingly beautiful score, and James McAvoy being unfairly attractive—then it emotionally wrecks you. Just when you think love might win, the movie whispers, “Lol, no.” By the end, you’ll be staring at the screen, tear-streaked and questioning life, while Dario Marianelli’s score plays over the sound of your sobs. A masterpiece in pain. 10/10 would ruin my evening with it again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

Full Review

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Joe Wright

Director

James McAvoy

Robbie Turner

Keira Knightley

Cecilia Tallis

Romola Garai

Briony - Age 18

Saoirse Ronan

Briony - Age 13

Brenda Blethyn

Grace Turner

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Synopsis

This sweeping English drama, based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). When the couple are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia's jealous younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), all three of them must deal with the consequences. Robbie is the hardest hit, since Briony's deception results in his imprisonment, but hope for Cecilia and her beau increases when their paths cross during World War II.

Director: Joe Wright
Producer: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Paul Webster
Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Working Title Films
Rating: R (Language|Disturbing War Images|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 7, 2007, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $50.9M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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