Atonement

Flicks, Andrew Hedley

A strong script, some fine acting, and some very assured directing from Joe Wright make up a very watchable film. Atonement is an interesting dissection of a theme, and proves to be a mature and confident cinematic treat.

Variety

Rarely has a book sprung so vividly to life, but also worked so enthrallingly in pure movie terms, as with “Atonement,” Brit helmer Joe Wright’s smart, dazzlingly upholstered adaptation of Ian McEwan’s celebrated 2001 novel. Period yarn, largely set in 1930s and ‘40s England, about an adolescent outburst of spite that destroys two lives and crumples a third, preserves much of the tome’s metaphysical depth and all of its emotional power. And as in Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice,” Keira Knightley -- echoed by co-thesp James McAvoy --proves every bit as magnetic as the divas of those classic mellers pic consciously references...

Newshub

Atonement is exquisitely shot. I just loved its pace, the use of sound to suck you in to that doomed hot English summer day and its use again to transition from scene to scene...

Empire Magazine

An adaptation at least as good as the novel - complex, delicate and devastating. Gorgeous cinematography, a lilting score and near-faultless performances, under Wright’s assured direction, make this the first contender for next year’s Best Picture Oscar...

Dominion Post

Atonement is a great big and unashamedly British epic. This is the film the poms scrimp and save their pennies for, only to blow the lot on one spectacularly competent piece of naked Oscar bait. The last time we saw this movie it was called The English Patient, and the time before that might have been Chariots of Fire. And fair enough too. Atonement really is pretty special, and actually deserves some of the tsunami of hype that is following it around the globe...

Christchurch Press

Complex, fragile and devastating in its impact, this spellbinding film will doubtless inspire some tears but rises above the dismissive term "tear- jerker".

This is a love story for mature adults, as witnessed and brutally messed up by an immature child...

BBC

Flourishes of 'hyper-reality' are grounded by sterling performances from Knightley (defined by a strong and elegantly poised backbone), Romola Garai as the 18-year-old Briony and, above all, James McAvoy. He exudes the essence of humanity in a truly soulful picture....