Atonement

Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) and Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) are meant to be together, until her pre-teen sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) falsely accuses him of raping their cousin. Arrested and sent to prison, Robbie is later released on the condition that he enlist in the British Army at the outset of World War II. With the lovers torn apart, Cecilia severs all ties with her family since they believe Briony�s �fanciful� story.

Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, screenwriter Christopher Hampton and director Joe Wright muddle things right from the start, when the opening sequence is subsequently repeated from a different perspective. The narrative quickly goes downhill from there, with one scene shown in reverse, and the events jumping around backwards and forwards through time so frequently it becomes impossible to figure out who did what and when. It seems the creative team is so desperate to be innovative, they have lost any desire to entertain their audience.

The film also explores the tragedy of war in gruesome detail and, adding to the unpleasant subject material, the film makes constant use of the repulsive word, �c***�.

The charming and likeable McAvoy, best known for playing Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, brings greath depth to his character, while (the emaciated) Knightley has clearly matured as an actress since the Pirates of the Caribbean series. As one of the most evil children ever to grace the silver screen, Ronan conveys incredible emotions through her immature eyes; we can see the wheels turning in her acetic head as she misinterprets what she sees and sets in motion a tragedy that will ruin many lives.

There is one elaborate tracking shot through the beaches of Dunkirk that is stunning in its scope and execution; this remarkable sequence, done without a single cut, involves hundreds of extras and merits a second viewing to appreciate all that is going on. Although the movie features exquisite cinematography by Seamus McGarvey, and impressive set and costume design, the score is punctuated by the clatter of keys on a typewriter which heightens the tension but becomes all too irritating.

A convoluted and confusing film with very little entertainment value, the abhorrent Atonement will leave you angry and agitated. Rating: 2 out of 10.