Atonement (2007)

Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit. Based on the British romance novel by Ian McEwan.

Director:

Joe Wright

Writers:

Ian McEwan (novel), Christopher Hampton (screenplay)

Stars:

Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, James McAvoy

Won 1 Oscar. Another 28 wins & 79 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Saoirse Ronan	...	Briony Tallis, aged 13
Ailidh Mackay	...	Singing Housemaid
Brenda Blethyn	...	Grace Turner
Julia West	...	Betty
James McAvoy	...	Robbie Turner
Harriet Walter	...	Emily Tallis
Keira Knightley	...	Cecilia Tallis
Juno Temple	...	Lola Quincey
Felix von Simson	...	Pierrot Quincey
Charlie von Simson	...	Jackson Quincey
Alfie Allen	...	Danny Hardman
Patrick Kennedy	...	Leon Tallis
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	Paul Marshall
Peter Wight	...	Police Inspector
Leander Deeny	...	Police Constable

Storyline

When Briony Tallis, 13 years old and an aspiring writer, sees her older sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner at the fountain in front of the family estate she misinterprets what is happening thus setting into motion a series of misunderstandings and a childish pique that will have lasting repercussions for all of them. Robbie is the son of a family servant toward whom the family has always been kind. They paid for his time at Cambridge and now he plans on going to medical school. After the fountain incident, Briony reads a letter intended for Cecilia and concludes that Robbie is a deviant. When her cousin Lola is raped, she tells the police that it was Robbie she saw committing the deed.

---

Plot Keywords:

writer | estate | british | fountain | love | 

---

Taglines:

Torn apart by betrayal. Separated by war. Bound by love

---

Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing war images, language and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Focus Features [us] Official site [uk]

Country:

UK France USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

4 January 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Expiación, deseo y pecado

Filming Locations:

Aldwych Underground Station, Aldwych, Holborn, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$796,836 (USA) (7 December 2007)

Gross:

$50,921,738 (USA) (4 April 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Relativity Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Dunkirk street scenes and generator room scenes were filmed on Grimsby Docks.

---

Goofs

In the scene in London streets, when Robbie and Cecilia are walking, the lens of the steady cam can be seen clearly reflected in the window of a parked car.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Briony Tallis, aged 13: I finished my play.

---

Crazy Credits

The title types itself out like on a typewriter.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Rotten Tomatoes Show: The Informers/The Soloist/Tyson (2009)

---

Soundtracks

"Bless 'em All"
Written by Jimmy Hughes, Frank Lake
Performed by Paul Harper and The Dunkirk Soldiers
Courtesy of Universal Studios

User Reviews

Atonement - a feast for the eyes.

My wife and I went to see the movie last night and were totally blown away by the whole experience. So brilliantly directed and acted. The movie time just flew by and we were drawn in and captivated by each dramatic moment. Never having read the book or been an expert on WW2, I had a truly open mind on what to expect and I'm not one of those who count every rivet or go looking for technical inaccuracies however small. This was truly a masterpiece of cinematography. We were treated to wonderful performances, lavish sets, shocking and thought-provoking moments and haunting themes. I had the privilege of being an extra in the Redcar, Dunkirk scene and once seen in its full glory and effect on the big screen I was simply in awe and glad to have been a part of it. Walking along Redcar beach from now on will never quite be the same again. I am quite sure that the movie will win a number of awards within the next 12 months, but that is not what really matters. Movies are there to entertain, tell a story and affect you emotionally and by God this did it in spades! If you have not seen it yet, you must!