I was not prepared for this movie. It swept me of my feet. I usually prefer to read the novel first, but this time I didn't so I don't really know if it was close to the book. Specially loved the impersonation of Cecilia and Briony. And the photography! OMG! a collectors item, I'm sure.
But beware! If you like "happy" movies, this is not for you, it is not easy to digest the story. But for me it was as enjoyable as ever! Good job for the Director.

Awful. I wanted to shut the movie off in the first 15 minutes. But, I suffered through it. I have NO IDEA why this movie was even nominated for any award. I love period pieces and, still yet, could not watch it just for the scenery. The music was completely annoying with the typing brought into it. And where is the "Atonement." And when I kept hearing "come back to me" I thought I've heard that before with "Cold Mountain" couldn't they have been more creative knowing "Cold Mountain" used that phrase to identify to the movie ?????? It could have been so much better. Lot's and lots of unnecessary scenes and not enough scenes to see chemistry between the two loves.

Not always.
I mean not always is a good novel beautifully adapted to the screen (as I am reviewing a DVD it probably should have said TV or Home Cinema).
A bit melodramatic in parts... but those parts are tastefully and purposefully short... how could they have indulged in the prison period for example... but I do not like spoilers myself so... better if I am not too specific.

A great film. Well directed and casted... and an exceptional "montage".

RECOMMENDED (skeptical included)

ADB

The Bottom Line:

An exceptionally well-made and completely non-formulaic film which consistently defies viewer expectations, Atonement has left some viewers cold (particularly those who expected a standard love-against-all-odds picture) but it's a very impressive piece of moviemaking (the scene at Dunkirk should be on everyone's list of best shots of all time) and a movie I'm glad I watched.

Atonement was one of my favorite novels to read in college, and I think this film really does it justice. Although there are some slight variations in the novel from the book, for the most part, this movie accurately depicts McEwan's master novel. Highly recommend!

This was an amazingly directed film. The imagery is gorgeous, the story is captivating, and the structure is deviceful. There is this one ongoing shot that takes place when the 3 lost soldiers find their entire squad stationed on a beach. If you notice it, it is one shot that just keeps going as they walk.. and it's great. I would recommend this film to anyone who wants a film that is a period-drama-romance, but in a more creative way. I would be careful though to take just anyone to it as there is explicit sexual language.