Atonement

  • 2008


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86 %
83 % Certified Fresh
$ 129 Million
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Positive Reviews 108
Negative reviews 20
Average Rating 3.7/5
compelling romantic fantastic magnificent powerful

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  • Positive
  • Negative
4.5
The generous, sharp performances, especially Garais, deepen the storys emotional impact, as does Wrights assured, frequently astounding direction. Av Club
5.0
This is one of the years best films, a certain best picture nominee. Rogerebert
5.0
Fueled by a shocking love letter draft that Robbie unintentionally sends to Cee, Briony accuses Robbie of an unrelated sexual crime. Common Sense Media
4.5
Rarely has a book sprung so vividly to life, but also worked so enthrallingly in pure movie terms. Variety
2.5
A noble, well made, superbly performed and photographed (by Seamus McGarvey) semi failure. Time Out
4.0
Only later does she realize how one persons vantage, one persons truth, doesnt always square with anothers.
2.0
Even without all of this bungled structure and flawed internal logic, Atonement still fizzles. E Film Critic
3.0
Its the only epic I can think of that blossoms out of the notorious slang word for female genitalia. Reduced that way, it sounds kind of silly, and it .. E Film Critic
4.0
It is one of the rare British period literary adaptations that feels like a fresh and vital story instead of a museum piece E Film Critic
5.0
Atonement takes a familiar movie environment, a setting that we think we know, and uses it for an examination of a host of dark impulses, such as jeal .. San Francisco Chronicle
5.0
An adaptation at least as good as the novel complex, delicate and devastating. Gorgeous cinematography, a lilting score and near faultless performance ..
3.8
It is an amazing story, filled with quiet moments of profundity and more surprises than you could imagine. Ny Daily News
3.8
Theres much to admire about this adaptation of the Ian McEwan novel, enough that its occasional faltering can be easily forgiven. The Globe And Mail
3.0
An impressive expenditure of talent and craft on a complicated, stubbornly book bound story that remains at a frustrating emotional distance. Philly
4.4
An impeccable craftsman in the tradition of David Lean, Wright possesses the late directors considerable gifts for drawing out his actors. Philly
4.0
Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice) directs this expansive and beautifully edited film with its shifting timelines and rich ethical themes. Spirituality And Practice
3.8
For the most part, the result is a smashing success, filled with great performances and exquisite production design. Tv Guide
3.8
Overall, Atonement is a mixed bag, but far better than Wrights muddled Pride & Prejudice (2005) and ultimately worth seeing. Combust Ible Celluloid
4.5
Screenwriter Christopher Hampton and director Joe Wright have smartly dramatized the books wartime romance and tragedy. Chicago Reader
3.1
Director Joe Wright gave us a fine version of Jane Austens Pride & Prejudice a couple years ago, but this adaptation of another British romance isnt o .. Mark Reviews Movies
2.0
But the story has been so sweepingly realized, so stunningly visualized it isnt immediately evident.
4.4
In the end, however, Reservation Road wouldve clearly benefited from the presence of a stronger filmmaker behind the camera as Terry George just doesn .. Reel Film Reviews
3.0
The girl who was raped coincidentally, doesnt know who raped her. Lariat
2.0
Everyone is listless and deflated, the way lazy summer afternoons often make us. Eric Ds Nider
3.0
A handsome and good, but not great adaptation of Ian McEwans best selling, 2002 novel of the same name. Screen It
4.0
A skilful directorial touch and a refreshingly smart script. And the acting is good enough to carry us through the slightly dull patches. Shadows On The Wall
1.5
The lingering deaths of soldiers and the lost causes they embody serve as tragic backdrops to the less compelling plot points embodied by Briony and h .. Pop Matters
4.0
...without a sense of justice, Atonement just doesnt pay its penance. It turns a potentially magnificent movie into something thats merely good. Pop Matters
4.0
Impressively directed, beautifully photographed and superbly adapted drama with terrific performances from its cast. View London
3.0
Given the difficulties in transferring Ian McEwans trickily structured 2001 novel Atonement to the screen, director Joe Wright and screenwriter Christ .. Cs Monitor
5.0
But I dont think theyll be mocking Atonement on a sitcom the way The English Patient was ridiculed on Seinfeld. New York Post
3.8
On the whole, though, Atonement is a well acted and reasonably engaging period piece. Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..
4.5
Part highbrow British drawing room drama, part gritty war film, all entertainment almost all the time, Atonement is a masterful study of both the hurt .. Az Central
3.8
The movie never goes as deep as the novel (no movie could), but its a worthy approximation: a Merchant Ivory movie that turns in on itself with a luci .. Boston
3.5
Because hes often fondly amused by her, youre inclined to feel the same way. Smh
4.0
In short, I was thoroughly entertained for two hours, and on that score, I cant fault the movie in the slightest. Mountain X
4.5
Joe Wright directs Atonement with an eye to framing each performance with spectacularly vivid images, including a genuinely breathtaking tracking shot .. Npr
4.4
Christopher Hamptons screenplay respects the literary focus of Ian McEwans novel without falling into the trap of becoming uncinematic. Star Tribune
4.5
We need stories: thats what Atonement tells us, and reassures us that thats okay.
2.5
In a manner, this is a movie thats faithful to its source to a fault. Toronto Star
2.0
Wrights follow up to Pride & Prejudice brings out some of the novels qualities with polished production values and strong acting by Knightley and McAv .. Emanuellevy
4.0
And thats because, without going that far, there wouldnt be much plot to describe. Reel Talk Reviews
2.5
At some points Wright appears to be simply showing off the dexterity of his visual ambitions to the detriment of the storys emotional core. Q Network
4.0
It doesnt progress the plot or deepen character sufficiently, and looks like the kind of arty showing off that this director avoids elsewhere. Daily Mail
3.1
Like Wrights previous award contender, Atonement is just a good enough drama with many flaws, but excels with strong performances from McAvoy and newc .. Cinema Crazed
4.5
Wright has made a film that honors the imaginative responsibility of an adapter. Salon
4.5
The story that begins so frivolously, in elegant surroundings and shimmering long gowns comes to its conclusion with a piercing twist to the heart.
2.0
his is a must to avoid, particularly because it appears to be selling the message that writing is, by nature, dishonest. Flim Threet
4.0
Its a tenuous conclusion, working better on the page than it does on screen, but theres no denying the films raw power. Bbc
2.5
Profundity is never achieved because the would be encompassing love story at its center isnt given enough time to build and breathe. The Movie Boy
3.5
Atonement may look and sound like a Best Picture candidate, but thats all Wrights doing. Bullz-Eye
3.0
Epic and occasionally heartbreaking but never as powerful or cohesive as it ought to be. Las Vegas Weekly
4.0
Part costume drama, part war epic, Joe Wrights follow up to Pride & Prejudice is above all a touching love story with a potent sexual charge. Some vie .. Total Film
4.5
These performers not only have the looks for a sweeping love story, they also have the skill to throw themselves into the proceedings like they really .. Calendar Live
4.4
Wright is a real visionary for the romantic period piece expertly delivering truly spectacular vistas. Hollywood
3.0
Redgrave is magnificent in her moment, and theres something suitably scary in Ronans 13 year old viper. Seattle Pi
0.5
Any man who says he likes this slow paced, phantasmagorical movie needs a double shot of testosterone. Tony Medley
5.0
Evoking the ghosts of David Lean, Stanley Kubrick, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, Joseph L. Mankiewicz and John Schlesinger, Wright has crafted a .. Movie Freak
4.5
The Bottom Line: Atonement is a stunning, powerful sophomore effort from Joe Wright, likely to have as much impact on second viewing even if you think ..
4.5
Atonements goal is so ephemeral that film may not be able to do it complete justice. All that said, its still a fantastic piece of craftsmanship, bene ..
4.5
Keep any advance knowledge of this superb drama to an absolute minimum, as it deserves every chance to work its devastating wonders upon an unsuspecti .. Herald Sun
3.5
not a Jane Austin story, but it could be, if Jane Austin hardened up her subject matter a bit 7M Pictures
3.0
The film digs deeper and becomes more complex as it goes along, with a coda that delivers a powerful message: Art has the potential to heal and redeem .. E Online
4.5
This level of storytelling and artistry is a rare treat, demonstrating director Joe Wrights knack for working with adapted material.
4.5
Atonement is an awesome achievement I urge you to see it as soon as you can. Mirror
4.5
Yes, this is Masterpiece Theater on a large scale, and if that idea doesnt appeal to you, then this movie isnt for you. Three Movie Buffs
4.5
This is one fine film and I found it even more moving than the book. Abc
4.5
Impeccable design, perfect casting, sound that takes the clack of a typewriter and embeds it into all sorts of furious onscreen rhythms... I was swoon .. The Stranger
3.8
It taises important questions about the relationship between honesty and kindness, and ends on a powerful note that asks whether there can ever be tru .. Christianity Today
1.3
An overly ambitious, ultimately unsatisfying adaptation of Ian McEwens best selling romance novel. News Blaze
4.5
And it wouldnt devaluate my estimation of the project if we dont get the nominations. News Blaze
1.3
Sale of the love story is hampered by the sheer number of impossible coincidences that mount on the first day of events. Great Sound direction. Good C .. Ross Anthony
4.5
It showcases the best of Pau Tothills masterful editing, Dario Marianellis unique and moving score, Seamus McGarveys strong, vibrant cinematography, J .. Matts Movie Reviews
3.0
Fairly well directed, well written and well acted, and it never quite gets around to answering the fundamental question...why does this thing exist Antagony & Ecstasy
4.5
While Atonement doesnt drop off dramatically during its wartime segments, these scenes arent quite as compelling and screenwriter Christopher Hamptons ..
4.4
Most people will recognize Knightley, but its McAvoy who will have you talking after the credits roll Waffle Movies
1.3
... the only thing worse than leaving the theater unfulfilled is feeling manipulated and foolish for your own emotional investment. Movie Crypt
3.5
Forsters solid, unpretentious movie hits its marks squarely, and isnt afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve. News Week
4.0
Starry, sexy and unmistakably British, Atonement is the kind of film that comes along all too rarely. Entertainment Times Online ..
4.4
So I hadnt read Atonement when I sat down to watch Joe Wrights lush, lusty and altogether quivering adaptation. Chron
4.0
What a clever, ambitious, compassionate picture it is; what a success for Joe Wright and for Knightley and McAvoy. Its a film which aims at big ideas, .. Film Guardian
4.0
By Andrew Dalton | Associated Press LOS ANGELES Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald crawled, slithered and flew its way to the top of the week .. Mercury News
1.5
Despite all that, Atonement is at times an oddly compelling film, punctuated by spot on casting, strong performances and a not entirely unsatisfying t .. No La
4.5
The movie poses a fascinating question: Can one ever atone for a sin that destroyed somebodys life The exploration of the answer and the execution of .. Or Lando Weekly
5.0
Keira Knightley and James McAvoy are the star crossed lovers of Atonement, as good a film as one could imagine having been made from a great work of c .. Wsj
3.0
Nothing ruins a pretty good movie more than calling it great, and with Atonement, even pretty good feels like a stretch. Flip Side Archive
2.5
But in spite of Ronans breathless affect, Brionys perspective never takes hold; her inner world has no weight. Ny Mag
4.0
What really sets Atonement apart from other films is the incredible one two punch at the end that you never see coming and might think about for days. Review Express
3.8
I dont ever recall seeing a movie that did to me what Atonement did. It started off strong, then completely stopped working for me around the halfway .. Aisle Seat
4.5
One exception is Ian McEwans Atonement, a superbly crafted and eloquent meta narrative that triumphs as both meta and narrative. Boston Phoenix
3.0
A lushly shot, proficiently performed, and largely stultifying period piece that invites only mild, detached admiration. Nicks Chager
3.5
...This leads to one of the best romances of the year. The problem comes when an older Briony attempts to atone for her misdeeds. The Scorecard Review
4.5
Atonement has significant themes, tragic circumstances and profound lessons on life and personal responsibility. Its sooooooo booooooring. Can Mag
4.5
Director Joe Wright... drinks in the period while reaching beyond the surface and into the unsettled emotional lives of the characterspassion, betraya .. Stream On Demand At Home
4.5
Champions of the novel who oppose the imbalanced adaptation will find no wrongdoing with the look of the film. IGN Movies
4.5
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, me .. Spectator
2.0
This is a film that might have contained itself better, but it still stings with bitter truth. Detroit News
4.0
Atonement is one of the best and most powerful films of 2007 and should be well rewarded come Oscar time. Movies Ign
5.0
Her innocence isnt exactly shattered, but its chipped a bit, and in frustration and anger she blurts out an accusation that isnt true. Seattle Times
2.5
But no amount of camera anticness can conceal the chilliness at the heart of the film, fastidiously disconnected from class tensions or even honest, f .. Cine Passion
4.5
Few films this year were as magnificent looking and few as misunderstood. The Film Experience
3.5
Fortunately theres more to the film than epic romance. This really is Brionys tale and as embodied by Ronan, Garai and Vanessa Redgrave she becomes a .. Metromix.com
2.0
Theres no sinking into Atonement, no losing yourself to it, no moment when the screen fades away and the story and the characters come to the fore to .. Week In Rewind
3.0
The trailer for Atonement had me giddy with excitement I thought I was going to be in for a truly epic love story that spanned time, distance, war, be .. Eclipse Magazine
4.4
I gave it four stars and not only was it my pick for the best film of 2007 but it is also the film I predict will win the Best Picture Oscar on Sunday .. Crazed Fan Boy
3.8
The rat a tat tat of a typewriter strafes the soundtrack repeatedly to remind us of the power of storytelling and to suggest that words can hit like b .. Commercial Appeal
4.5
Chalk up another stunning achievement for Joe Wright, who must now be recognized as an auteur with few equals of his age and experience in world cinem .. Cinematical
4.5
Wrights direction and the highly literary adaption of Ian McEwans award winning novel by Christopher Hampton give this story an epic sweep. Movie Mom
4.5
Atonement may be an adaptation of Ian McEwans acclaimed novel but this richly cinematic film transcends the limitations of the printed word. Cinema Autopsy
4.5
Where Wright does succeed is in making absolutely lucid McEwans fascinating central theme of atonement. Patrick Nabarro
4.5
It is a refreshingly old fashioned romantic epic that truly delivers on its promise to dazzle the eyes and break the heart. From the Front Row
4.4
A swoon of thwarted love, Atonement is missing something, the heartrending something that would make an otherwise gorgeous film a romance for the ages .. 2 The Advocate
4.5
As a technical achievement, its one of the better films I have seen this year. The story is old school overblown and yet it is played so sincerely you .. Cine Rina
2.0
Atonement is an exquisitely crafted film bursting with the possibilities that cinema has to offer. Reel Times: Reflections on ..
2.0
And even when youre impressed by it, you know youre being played. ( Blog Oregonlive
3.0
An intellectual understanding of the story is clarified at the expense of any emotional connection to the characters on screen. Deep Focus
2.0
ltimately, the movie amounts to rolling lawns, lovely costumes, and characters that simply fail to resonate. MSNBC
3.8
is, in the end, mildly disappointing, a movie that is beautiful but without warmth. Hopefully Joe Wright can continue on the visual path he is blazing .. Chud
4.3
..you must admire the precision of Wrights craft and the accuracy of the performances of all the actors if youre a certain kind of moviegoer you likel .. Ar Kansas Online
2.0
Sweeping, showy, and stiff, Joe Wrights adaptation of Ian McEwans pedigreed bestseller traffics in florid staging and callow emotions. Ie Weekly
2.0
A cinematic fellatio for anyone easily impressed by set and costume design. Projection Booth Blog Spot ..
3.8
One of the many films around Oscar season thats easy to respect but hard to love. Sea Coast Online
4.5
On the Lack of Female Role Models In Hollywood, Peregrym doesnt believe there are a lot of these female role models. World Film About
4.5
Joe Wright (director) and Christopher Hampton (writer) have not only built an exciting epic from the book, but also provide the visual discovery of an ..
1.5
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. Tnr
2.5
The regret I felt the most while watching Atonement was not Brionys, but my own for having gotten myself stuck in two hours of drudgery. Arizona Daily Star
3.0
Against those odds, screenwriter Christopher Hampton and director Joe Wright have turned McEwans best novel into a fluid, sumptuous and thoroughly eng .. Contra Costa Times
4.0
Atonement exquisitely captures the essence and nuance of the page and translates it to the screen with breathtaking originality. Colorado Springs Gazette
4.0
Keira Knightley and James McAvoy deliver the sort of performances that have got Oscar written all over them as the doomed lovers in director Joe Wrigh .. Sky Cinema
4.0
Director Joe Wright is quickly establishing himself as a powerhouse adapter of period romance tomes. Peterborough This Week
4.5
the film actually transcends the novel at times, due in no small part to Seamus McGarveys fluid camera work. Las Vegas CityLife
4.5
Wright didnt just take a great book and turn it into a movie. He created visual poetry from beautiful prose.
4.5
Atonement is a fully formed pleasure of a film that only really stumbles in its editing and its closing moments. european-films.net
3.0
Fans of the original source material will definitely know what to expect here. The rest of us, who cant seem to connect to any of these characters (le ..
1.5
We got a run of, again, very very pretty images that, for me, added up to a lot of pretty images that never got around to affecting me on an emotional .. My New Plaid Pants



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