Atonement





"In this drama based on the critically acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan, a childhood lie irrevocably changes the lives of several people."
Netflix

My husband, John, and I first watched this movie a couple of weeks ago and watched it again last night. It's certainly the type of movie to watch more than once. This is one of the most provocative and heart-wrenching films that I've seen in ages. I have not read the novel so I knew only a little of the subject matter ( not for younger viewers). I was so taken with the cinematography and beauty of the costumes. Kiera Knightley's now infamous green dress ( as seen in one of the above photographs)is extraordinary! I will not write too much about the plot as to not spoil it for those who have not read the book or seen the film but I will comment that James McAvoy's performance as the ill-fated Robbie is nothing short of brilliant. He is fast becoming one of my favorite actors. I dare say that Kiera Knightley also surprised me in her role as Cecilia. She is a strikingly beautiful woman and her acting has certainly come a long way. The girl portraying young Briony, Saoirse Ronan, is astonishingly captivating and a true pleasure to watch. I have little doubt that we will be seeing this young girl in many more films to come. Another interesting fact about this film is that the scenes of the beautiful Tallis estate were actually filmed on location at Stokesay Court , an 1891 Manor House in Shropshire, England. The Production Company actually paid to renovate a large portion of the house just for the film. Extraordinary! Please take the time to go to http://www.stokesaycourt.com/ and visit Stokesay Court's Website. There, you can read about the history of this most interesting estate.