Romola Garai delivered the best performance of the three Brionys, and also delivered my favorite female supporting performance of the year so far.

The thing you have to remember is that in essence none of the film is 100% real. Its a recollection of the events from the perspective of Briony as an old women which is one of the main reasons some of the more OTT or melodramatic aspects of the story make perfect sense. She wanted to give them a happy ending so in essence she romanticized or heightened certain aspects of the story to achieve this.

I defiantly agree with Romola Garai being overlooked.

I really would like to see it again. I thought it was terrific.

I'd also like to see it again. The ending changes the entire way one would view the movie and understand the varying perspectives behind every event. I'd like to see it knowing the ending.

For what? Me loving it at least as much as the first time or for you to keep bitching about it? 'Cause I guess that's about even.

Either way, two words: personal taste. End of discussion. Now go see Juno again, and help me pimp Bug for the KJ movie awards

Same here. She was by far the best of 3, IMO. That one line "I am very sorry for all..." was just brilliant. Most memorable moment of the movie.

I don't see how it really changes things. Well, I mean, other than the fact that part of the story no longer exists. Otherwise, it just reiterates the emotional core of the film.

I agree, that was gut wrenching. Even I wanted to forgive her!

Right, old Briony even said she had dementia, so I see why she wanted to romanticize things as much as possible.

Something I didnt quite understand and maybe some of you can shed some light on it...

What was the significance of the dying French soldier that Briony was called to attend to. Where did he come from? What was his deal? It seemed like he came out of nowhere and the moment he died - the head nurse was there telling to Briorny her work was done.

I didn't get it either. His was the only one surrounded by a curtain, too.

I think maybe it tied in with the ending thing...like, it happened because it fit the story, yknow?

Yeah it looks like it seeing that we didnt know this was Briony's re-telling during the film itself.

I thought the curtain may have been an indication that it was a death bed and he wasnt expected to live perhaps.

Good point, about the curtain. I kinda figured there would be others in the same, or worse condition though. It just sorta stood out.

There were atleast one or two other curtained off beds in the scene she walks away from the French guy. I took not because I thought the exact same thing re: the curtains. The rest of the guys were just laying around in beds all over the place.

What I also found odd was the fact that the French soldier asked her how her sister was and if she ever married the guy she was in love with (Robbie). Then moments later he said something along the lines of "oh I remember you now.." to Briony. Seemed odd to me especially considering he was in love with her and wanted to marry her. But perhaps thats part of the selective memory issue.

I had a feeling that while Briony did interact with the French soldier, that entire conversation didn't happen. Maybe she used the character of the soldier as a means for her to confront or remember or recap that everything was her fault. Or something like that. Seems that whatever came out of the soldiers mouth regarding her love or lust for Robbie is somewhat of a summary of the events of the first act and where she stands at that moment.

Very good point. That makes perfect sense. Come to think of it - Cecilia says as much about her sister (that she is good at making up stories) when the police are investigating Robbie for the rape.

Great points in the discussion Gerry , I'll nab that second seat beside Kimi for you

Christian covered my response.

I also agree that the whole conversation with the French soldier didn't happen, it was indeed a plot device for the old Briony to punish herself a little bit more (she was so good at it afterall) and perhaps to bring the reader's sympathy more to her side, so to speak (if we want a more cynical approach)?


(EDIT: Well, if you think about it, one thing usually implies the other...)

Did anyone else notice the most direct connection between this film and Cold Mountain/The English Patient?

Anthony Minghella plays the interviewer at the end of the movie. I saw his name during the credits, heh.

Yeah...I caught that. Did Wright think that was funny or something?

So, I saw Atonement (DVD screener, guys - don't get too excited).

...and I liked it.

However, I wasn't as moved as some of you. I'll join the loyal/MadGez/etc. group that found it to be a beautiful film (give it every technical award, except the ones that No Country is applicable for and did better with, heh), brilliantly-directed and well-acted (though nothing outstanding here - hell, I wouldn't nominate anyone in here but my "Best Actress" and "Best Supporting Actress" categories are lacking, so I guess I will), but didn't move me.

And...



Maybe I'm just heartless and unforgiving.

Solid B.

(P.S. - this is the second Oscar film I've graded better than loyal - can I get a cookie or something?)

I saw this again yesterday. Still my favorite film of the year.

No, and I agree with both of you. Its a good film but was missing that little extra something that would've pushed it up the next level.

Grade: B

The only thing good about the Notebook was Rachel McAdams