Atonement ~~~~

What to say? Atonement is a wonderful film. Slightly flawed, but who isn't?

Set in England just before, during and after the Second World War 'Atonement' follows the insanely heart-breaking consequences of a love affair which having just blossomed is torn apart by a third party.

Keira Knightly and,FiLm WoRM favourite, James McAvoy are the leads in what must be one of this years best films. The director Joe Wright is sure to be lost to the other side of the Atlantic being as good as he is. I haven't yet seen his Pride and Prejudice but I'm sure the offers must now be coming thick and fast...

Without giving the story away, Cecilia and Robbie are the star-crossed lovers. She a hugely wealthy educated society girl and he an adopted games-keepers son. The first part of the film is set within the grounds of the country estate of the family on the hottest day of the year and we see much of the day to day household action through the eyes of the slightly creepy little sister Briony. As she sits watching the grown ups, one wonders what horrid little thoughts might be going on in her mind. We soon find out.

Visitors to the house bring together the potential lovers and a scene of great passion is played out in library, much to the horror of a spying Briony. Childish thoughts combined with misinterpretation create a magnificently gut-wrenching scene played out to the entire ensemble. Tears? Yup. The hot, sticky, sexy day turns cold and dark so very quickly. The lovers are separated and in the spirit of the the title, Briony spends the rest of years trying to atone for the harm she has caused.

Cecilia and Robbie are forced into their new lives and the atmosphere is both sad and almost palpably tear drenched. Bound for France, after years of separation, Robbie comes face to face with the horrors of war. Cecilia turns her back on her family and becomes a nurse to the thousands of physically and mentally damaged soldiers returning from the fighting... as does her little sister.

You sense a real feeling of loss and missed opportunities for the couple but worse is to come...

By the end of the film, it's difficult not to feel that life really is one big joke on us especially when at the mercy of others. The use of social class divide and the notion of childish whims are excellent.

The one-shot scene of soldiers waiting to be rescued from a beach in France rivals that of the famous Saving Private Ryan opening scene of battle. The costumes seem meticulously put together and the leading actors are pretty perfect. Knightly could do with more of these adult roles and McAvoy has only just begun. I can't wait to see what he's doing in ten years.

Almost as much as the scenery and landscape was magnificent I have to mention the music. Running with the theme of writing and typing the thumping, crashing and haunting melodies in the soundtrack become the third lead character. Maybe a tad over-scored at the end when we meet Briony in her last incarnation as an aged writer, played beautifully by Vanessa Redgrave but none the less, wonderful, emotive and beautiful music throughout.

Support British films and go and see this. You will not be disappointed (unless your cold, cold heart has finally frozen over...)