heart wrenching love story set in WW2 (Atonement (DVD))

Member Name: lucya13

Product:	Atonement (DVD)
Date:	01/12/08 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cast, script, acting, setting, film locations

Disadvantages: warming to Knightley's perfomance takes a few mins, but i do think she pulls it off

In her career, I hadn't been a huge fan of Keira Knightley, but having read Ian McEwen's 'Atonement' on holiday, I couldn't resist watching the film.

The film is the tragic love story between Cecilia Tallis (played by Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (played by James McAvoy). The film is set during World War II, and starts with Cecilia's thirteen year old sister Bryony and her over excitable and wild imagination. The film is based on the repercussions following a lie that Bryony told when she was 13; about something she saw but didn't understand. I'm sorry if you think the descriptions are a bit vague, but I do think this film is excellent, and do not want to spoil it for anyone who has not seen it.

The cast is fantastic; the girl who plays the younger, almost cold Bryony is fabulous. The book is followed very closely, and a fan of the book will not be disappointed.

A large section of the film shows the repercussions of the war - both in England through the eyes of the nurses, and through the character Robbie who fights in the war in France. The war scenes are harrowing, in particular the wounded soldiers and how young the soldiers were. The intensity and passion in the love story is exceptional, and both Knightley and McAvoy keep the intensity throughout the whole film.

I've tried not to go into too much plot details, as I hate reviews where the plot is spoiled. I'm yet to come across anyone who didn't enjoy this film, and without spoiling the ending, the ending twist is heart wrenching.

Summary: passionate and intense journey of love, betrayal and childhood mistakes