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Atonement

Play trailer Poster for Atonement R 2007 2h 3m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 218 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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Atonement

Atonement

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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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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator 08/23/2018
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. Go to Full Review Christopher Orr The New Republic 09/22/2008
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. Go to Full Review Alonso Duralde MSNBC 05/01/2008
2/5
[U]ltimately, the movie amounts to rolling lawns, lovely costumes, and characters that simply fail to resonate. Go to Full Review Cameron Meier MeierMovies.com Sep 9
5/5
Best film of the 21st century. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com 09/07/2024
5/5
…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… Go to Full Review Andrew Collins Radio Times 05/30/2024
5/5
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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FR f @theferra69 1d Goodmovie, emotional, and with plot See more 21 - Priyan B Nov 4 Characters weren't deep enough and shallow screenplay ruined the movie. Rating: 4/10 See more Sofia P Oct 17 I read the book, and I really hated Briony. I couldn't stand her at all. I watched the movie because of the cast, as I really love Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, and in fact the two of them is what makes this movie worth it. Surely worth a watch, not my favourite movie, though. Nice costumes and setting. See more Shreyash K Sep 14 One of the best Romantic movie in my watchlist! it has Depth,Love,Regreat.... Everything which is enough to make grown men cry. Everyone should watch it atleast once in life. See more Vixo S Jul 16 I never thought I'd like this movie so much. Atonement is one of those films that stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s both elegant and devastating, with flawless direction and cinematography that is nothing short of sublime. Every frame feels meaningful, and the now-iconic tracking shot on the beach remains one of the most memorable moments I’ve ever seen on screen. James McAvoy and Keira Knightley deliver extraordinary performances, conveying intense emotions through nothing more than glances and subtle gestures, making it impossible not to feel moved. Saoirse Ronan brings incredible depth to an already painful story. A beautiful and heartbreaking film about the weight of our actions and the scars they leave behind. See more rotem k Jul 15 Broke my heart. Definitely. And i still can't forgive the little girl. Such an amazing movie. A classic. See more Read all reviews
Atonement

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Cast & Crew

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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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Atonement

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Movie Info

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
Relativity Media, StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Universal Pictures
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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