by Kate Rohr

Thank you to everyone who commented on my previous posts! I decided to use a suggestion from the comments on my first post, and am very very glad I did! So this weekend, I settled down with a cold Izze, a warm blanket and the critically acclaimed “Atonement.” But I forgot one thing: the tissues.

This film, nominated for Best Picture in 2007, is beautifully tragic, and it will make you cry. And cry. And cry some more. But it’s absolutely worth it.

“Atonement” is a romantic war film taking place in the 1930’s in which young lovers Robbie and Cecilia (James McAvoy and Keira Knightley) struggle to keep their lives from being torn apart because Cecilia’s younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) falsely accuses Robbie of a crime. McAvoy, Knightley and Ronan all prove themselves to be incredibly talented actors, conveying deep emotions not only convincingly but engagingly, allowing the viewer to connect with each character. While Keira Knightley is a favorite actor of mine and James McAvoy is just straight-up gorgeous, Saoirse Ronan impressed me the most. She was only 12 when they began filming, but her acting chops are that of someone much older. Even though I detested her character for most of the film, I loved the way Ronan conveyed emotions through her wide blue eyes.

The score from “Atonement” won an Oscar for Best Original Score, and truly deserved it. The music is almost as powerful as most of the dialogue, as it perfects scenes by completing the mood and tone. The sound of a typewriter further enhances the score, often ominously signaling important scenes or moments throughout the film. It also serves to tie the film together when it is revealed that the whole story is from Briony’s novel, as she is seen using typewriters throughout the film.

Visually, this film is magnificent. I’m seriously considering running away to the English countryside after watching “Atonement,” it’s so beautiful. But it also includes very striking images; my favorite one was a scene of beaten down soldiers camping out at the ruins of a carnival. The juxtaposition of dirty, injured men playing on brightly colored carnival rides as a Ferris wheel spins in the background is both sad and brilliant.

I’d like to thank Christina for her suggestion, because I LOVE “Atonement!” It’s a wonderful wonderful film, and I recommend it to YOU, whoever you are.* As for rating… I’m going with a nine!

Please continue to comment! I love hearing your thoughts and suggestions for other movies to watch. And like this if you enjoy this post, “Atonement,” or even James McAvoy’s face. Stay tuned for my next post!

*I feel like I should just warn you that this is probably not the greatest movie to watch with your parents… yeah. Just putting that out there.