Attempting to describe this film's plot would be futile (I tried in my review of "Eternal Sunshine" and it didn't work out too well) for it includes too much to make sense on paper. There is a letter mix-up, a visitor who may not be who he people who invited him remember him as, a forbidden love and raging jealousy which leads a young girl to make a horrifying accusation which threatens the life of one of the star-crossed lovers. There was really nothing about this film that didn't work: it had great music, great acting, a wonderful script, and a brilliant conclusion that is heartfelt without being sappy. Another strong suit of the film is to replay multiple events from various people's points of view, making the event more clear each time that it is shown. I will say that the first half of the film is stronger than the second half. The front is set up like a romantic thriller and the second half is more of a war film, which weakens it ever-so-slightly, but even its weakest points are well above average; not to mention the second-half's hair-raising twist. "Atonement" is a great ecploration of love, childhood innocence and, ultimately, sorrow. As far as content goes, there is one sex scene that does not contain nudity but is rather extensive, as well as a few disturbing war images. It is appropriate for most teens, but it probably won't really interest them; they may find it rather slow and tedious (even though they are sadly mistaken.) Just brilliant.

It really fine

i thought atonement was one of the best/saddest movies i have seen in a while!! although i do wish there had been more interaction between cecelia and Robbie before they told each other they're in love!! JAMES MCAVOY= BRILLIANT!!!!!! he definatley should have been nominated for an oscar for this movie!! the music was also fantastic!! i absolutley love this movie!!

I love this movie. It is so good! My parents hated it. But that is probably because they only watched like fourth five minutes of it and then decided that it wasn't worth watching the rest of it. I think that anyone over the age of 12 should see this movie.

This movie from Joe Wright, based on Ian McEwan's novel of the same name, is certainly one of the highlights of the 2007 movies. It may seem a little slow at first (I think it was drawn out a bit too much), but it's worth the price of admission. It is smartly done, with scenes being shown and rewound and shown with a different POV. The story is wonderfully crafted, and is an example of how someone does something terrible that betrays others, and puts off making things right to the point where she ends up betraying herself too. A side story is how this is just one example of the many couples who were tragically separated by the war. This movie was very well done and deserves its Oscar nominations.

I thought this movie was really sad but well done. The 13 year old Briony actress did a really good job in making her character have twists and turns. James McAvoy's character (Robbie)shows a lot of passion and patience in this film. If you're an adult who likes dramas and sad romance I would recommend this film. For kids/teens I would only recommend this film if you are really mature or if you read the book. * I read the book.

This was a beautifully filmed epic type picture. I enjoyed looking at it. but it's time shifting story telling was a bit confusing at times. For me, in the end it wasn't quite satisfying. But I really liked the originality of it anyway. I also had a hard time "buying into" the use of the controverial word, it seemed out of place to me. Because of the brief but fairly graphic sexual content I would not recomend this for those under 17.