Atonement

THE GIST: Briony is a young girl and blossoming writer with a vivid imagination. Her mistaken interpretations of a couple interactions between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie, the young man she loves, on whom Briony also has a crush, result in a scandal with far reaching consequences.

I had had this movie on my list to watch for a long, long time, and finally saw it. What a delightful treat.

A wonderfully written script (nominated for a Best Adaptation Oscar) layered with intrigue and drama, uplifted by a magnificent and organic score by Dario Marianelli (winner of a Best Original Score Oscar).

The costumes and sets are great and the cinematography lovely.

Finally, what fantastic performances by Saoirse Ronan (nominated for her first Best Supporting Actress Oscar), James McAvoy, and Keira Knightley, as well as Brenda Blethyn, Juno Temple, Alfie Allen, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Vanessa Redgrave.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Beautifully acted, written, and directed, this Best Picture nominee should be on anyone's list. A must-see.

Grade: 9