Iffy for 15+
Stellar literary adaptation too mature for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel set in pre-WW II England deals with themes -- including adolescent immaturity, class differences, lying, and passion -- that are too complex for all but the most mature teens to really be able to grasp and put in context. There are a couple of sexual situations, and the extended scene of the evacuation from Dunkirk is bloody and disturbing. A particular "bad" word ("c--t"), used out of desire instead of anger, is shown in typeface several times throughout the film. Other language includes "s--t" and "f--k"; there's also social drinking and period-accurate smoking.
- Families can talk about the impact of Briony's lie. What misconceptions led her to think she saw Robbie committing a crime? What does the story convey about the power of words and the flexibility of truth? Older teens who are precocious readers may want to read the novel and discuss whether the film is an accurate, adequate adaptation.
What to watch for
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Violence: The war-related scenes in France and at Dunkirk are disturbing: soldiers shooting their horses, a field full of dead schoolgirls, amputees, bloody soldiers, etc. There's a graphic scene of a patient's head injury at a London hospital, as well as many bloody men. Another scene shows dying and dead men, as well as a group of Londoners about to perish.
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Sex: Cecilia and Robbie share a few passionate kisses and an intimate lovemaking scene, but there's no nudity -- just quick shots of sleeves slipping off of shoulders and tuxedo pants opening, etc.
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Language: "C--t" (aka "the most horrible word you've ever heard") is shown typewritten, several times. Other words include "bastard," "f--k," "s--t," and more.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Like any upper-crust English family, the Tallises drink cocktails, wine, and champagne at a dinner party. During the Dunkirk scene, soldiers are shown drinking in a makeshift pub, while one character tries in vain to get a drink. Men and women smoke cigarettes, as was the style in the '30s and '40s.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Amazing by fernhopper61
This film was the best I have seen all year and I TRULY believe that it will win best picture at the Oscars. Perfectly executed, this film (after the book) touched my heart and has been worth the wait.
4
captivating by The Crow Critic
The movie held my intrest throughout. Overall I tought it was a great story with great acting. I definately recomend this if you are in the mood for a love story.
1
OOOOOHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by FRONT_ROW_
.Oh Goody..............I get to be the FIRST ONE to tell you the PLAIN TRUTH about this... TWO HOURS AND THREE MINUTES of a plot that did not hold my attention. When Vanessa Redgrave appeared I.....I KNEW IT WOULD ALL BE OVER SOON.... The film falls FLAT. We are supposed to stay awake long enough to buy into this story of a narcissistic child whose over active imagination sets off a chain of events that shatter the lives of those in her powerful path then follow her imaginationas she tries to redeem herself .
1
Don't Do It!!! by f4m
Minutes before movie, at dinner:
Waiter: "Hey, I just thought I'd let you know that those 3 girls over there just came out of Atonement and said it was TERRIBLE."
Brad: "We'll take our chances. It looks like it's gonna be great."
45 minutes into Atonement:
Me (whispering): "Hey, Brad.. Are you liking this so far?"
Brad: "Surrre.."
10 more minutes later:
Me: "Are you sure? I'm bored."
Brad: "Oh, thank God. I thought you'd be mad at me!!! This sucks!!!"
Me: "Wanna go?"
Brad: "I'll follow you."
We let out the biggest sighs ever walking out of that movie. I couldn't handle any more. I find my MBA classes much more engulfing than this film. I truly believe this is an example of the influence hollywood can have on society. Some critic says it's great and *BAM*!!! Money wasted. HOW DARE they compare this to TITANIC!!!!!!!! Must I add I created this account just to say how bad this film was???
5
An Absolutely Refreshing Experience!! by jaytrip75
I can honestly say that I came away from Atonement feeling an emotion I have never felt before. It was the feeling of pleasantly accepting an apology while still feeling the bitterness of the offense. This movie is brillantly written and beautifully shot. Some of the scenes actually made me ache with the strength of the love between the two main characters Cecilia and Robbie. The story is intelligently told. The flashbacks and flashforwards do not lose you and leave you saying, "when is this happening?" This movie is not for the Rambo fans, it is for the lovers, romantics and poets. Go see this movie. You will be enriched!
1
ABSOLUTE JOKE!!!! by Scoregasm
This movie was by far the worst movie I have ever seen in my life! It got 7 golden globe nominations so I thought it would be good, but for the serious movie it was supposed to be it was comical. There were many times in the movie where they leave you hanging because they skip 20 years at a time. People were leaving this movie during it and most the others were asleep. I would not wish the pain this movie caused to anybody else.
5
Very good. Nothing to atone for by Johnsbury
Atonement is a well written, finely acted and superbly directed film. It held my interest throughout. Great job by director Joe Wright, who, like a painter, paints lovely scenes with the camera. It is one of the rare films that one sees and is reluctant to let go of. It is so good, the story done so well, that you don?t want it to end. I approached this movie thinking it might just be a ladies film but it was not. It was a well balanced, intricate story with even appeal to men and women. It is a finely textured film with the best cinematography I?ve seen in many, many years. The director?s excellent work allows the viewer to totally accept the slightly improbable, as the story engages and gently pulls you into its complexity. Everyone in the film turns in a masterful acting job. I especially liked the three actresses that played Briney, from youth to aged adulthood. Keira Knightly, James Mc Avoy and the new young actress, Saorise Ronan, are perfect in their roles.
5
amazing by sports racer
A near-perfect film. Enthralling story, brilliant acting, and beautiful cinematography. A warning to those that are sensitive about treatment of animals: you may want to look elsewhere during one scene (at the beach - you'll know it when it comes up), though that particular scene was thankfully short.
I do recommend seeing this at the cinema and not waiting for the DVD release. I believe the small screen will lose too much of the colour and depth, the magnitude of the events unfolding.
5
An Impeccable Love Story by CynthiaC
An impeccable, dramatic adaptation of Ian McEwan`s bestseller. I read the novel before seeing it, and was impressed. Keira Knightley (Cecilia) is one of the greatest british actors of her time. And James McAvoy played the role of Robbie Turner wonderfully. The visuals were incredible, and deserving of the awards it got. For those of you that have not read the book, please do, because the emotional depth is invigorating. As most dramas, Atonement digs into the characters lives, explaining things that one may or may not need to know...PLEASE SEE THIS MOVIE!!!
5
I enjoyed the creative, almost surreal story, and the cinematographer. A piece of art. by valnelson64
Some might think it a bit melodramatic but I think that was an intentional part of the style and the story which comes more clear at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I think it made an important statement about the madness of war.