Atonement: satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends.

The wrong: making me sit through this potential award winning movie.

The atonement: nothing.

Atonement stars the petite Keira Knightley and up and coming James McAvoy in a story about what wrong can happen when the smallest bit of jealousy and misinformation occurs.  The movie is great up to the conclusion of the unfortunate chain of events. It becomes a long drawn out bore of what occurs afterward until we get to the actual conclusion of the movie and find out what atonement occurs for the little girl who does the unthinkable wrong, causing a star crossed couple to be in misery for years.

What was good?  The soundtrack was haunting with its uses of piano plinking and typewriter typing, as we follow the character who needs the atoning, Briony, the little sister of Keira Knightley’s character.  It not only reflected the mood of the movie, but reminded us that this entire story is one that is being written.  The soundtrack could easily win for best original score by Dario Marianelli who also did that amazing soundtrack for V for Vendetta. Also, the cinematography was impressive bringing us into this world of Miss Briony, a world full of riches, landscapes, and war torn France and England during World War II.  Her play areas on the majestic estate’s grounds were breathtaking, almost magical allowing the viewer to see the ponderings of a 13-year-old child which helps us understand why she does what she does.

What was wrong?  The beginning was so great and had so much potential yet why did I have to see the story twice in the beginning from the little girl's perspective and from our lead characters perspective?  It just made the movie longer and didn't provide a point.  We know what happened from her perspective and seeing the other perspective didn't change that.  The movie got bogged down on trying to create a lost love that tries to get back together.  Does Keira Knightley and James McAvoy deserve Oscars?  No, McAvoy was better in the Last King of Scotland.  This is not a best picture movie.

The movie succeeds in an about face that brings us to present day and the story of Atonement being published.  We now know exactly what happened and I was intrigued, saddened, mystified – and we are left wondering …..

Forgiveness happens over time or does it?