Atonement

Joe Wright, director of the most recent screen version of Pride & Prejudice, reunites with actress Keira Knightley for this lavishly appointed adaptation of Ian McEwan's bestselling 2001 novel Atonement. The story begins in 1935 Britain, where 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan) and her wealthy family live a privileged life at their country estate. When Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), well-educated son of the family's housekeeper, falls in love with Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley), the young teenager—who has a crush on the handsome young man—feels compelled to interfere and falsely accuses Robbie of a crime he didn't commit. Her jealous, spiteful action sends the housekeeper's son to prison and breaks her sister's heart. The film then jumps ahead five years, as 18-year-old Briony (now played by Romola Garai) tries to atone for her childhood indiscretion, and a recently released Robbie joins the British army during World War II (in a section of the film that boasts a well-mounted, realistic reenactment of the evacuation of Dunkirk). The themes of repentance and reconciliation are predominant, while the personal stories of the three principals loom larger than the worldwide conflagration blazing around them, all of which is faithfully captured in Christopher Hampton's Oscar-nominated script. Highly recommended. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by director Joe Wright, a “Bringing the Past to Life” making-of featurette (27 min.), seven deleted scenes with optional commentary (8 min.), a five-minute “From Novel to Screen: Adapting a Classic” featurette on adapting Ian McEwan's book, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this Best Picture nominee.] (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Feb. 2, 2010—Universal, 123 min., R, $26.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2007's Atonement sports an excellent transfer and a 5.1 DTS-HD soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are nearly identical to the previous DVD release, including audio commentary by director Joe Wright, a “Bringing the Past to Life” making-of featurette (27 min.), seven deleted scenes with optional commentary (8 min.), a “From Novel to Screen: Adapting a Classic” featurette on adapting Ian McEwan's book (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray debut for this multiple Oscar nominee (and winner for score).]