I’m not a huge fan of the “flash forward, change perspective, flash back” approach used to tell this tale, but it was necessary, I guess, to approximate the internal monologues of the novel from which it was adapted. That said, the cinematography and acting are delicious, the tension is real and the complex story is delivered as honestly as possible. The war scenes are haunting. Lovely way to end with Vanessa Regrave as the aging Briony. Definitely worth watching.

It’s strange.

The cinematography is stunning…there are several difficult or unique shots here, which make me want to give it more credit..and the love letter montage (with several attempts set to various songs) was gorgeous…but as far as the movie goes as a whole…….“Eh”

Unlike a few people/critics online whose opinions I continuously respect, I DO find McAvoy to be pleasing onscreen…he has the mannerisms of a stage actor, and when he (really) shoots, he scores, so his presence here increases my overall opinion….but at the risk of sounding superficial, Knightly in a backless dress is never a good idea, and this was an image that was unnecessarily repeated.

There were weak points in the screenplay, I’m guessing the novel is the way to go – but visually, this is certainly worth watching!

Well made but very depressing, I thought…

I was a little hesitant to watch this movie, mainly because of the fact that it’s Keira Knightley and I usually don’t like her very much as an actress. But I watched it.

Several times. And it got me every time. The transition from summer perfection to wartime despair, that long, continous shot at Dunkirk, Briony’s conversation with the French soldier… It’s just plain beautiful. And the final scene in which Briony reveals the truth behind Robby & Cecilia’s fates always gets me all weepy.

I watch this when I already feel sad, because I guess I’m just the kind of person who likes to wallow in it. I would say this is a movie to watch if you’re prepared to be really affected.

Pretty good. Not like Best Picture good— but worth watching if only for Keira Knightly who does a fabulous job. I felt like there was something lost in translation from book to film, though the film transcends and delivers on the story itself. My one criticism is that the older Briony didn’t seem to fit the younger Briony. Overall well done, though I strongly encourage you to read the book, too!

i actually went out and purchased a manual typewriter after seeing this movie ;/

i finally watched this. i thought it was ok. i enjoyed the different view points, and was v. fond of the typing noises throughout. i felt it was powerful and pleasing to my ears. kiera knightly proves once again how well she does in period dramas. she’s just beautiful for these parts. she lights up everything around her. i really enjoyed the end. to me it saved the whole movie. when briony is giving the interview and tells how she embellished the book. how cecelia and robbie never get their moment of happiness until death. her atonement.