Atone for nothing

Two words that regularly promise some hope for filmgoers are "Focus Features." \nThanks to Focus, cinematic treasures such as "Lost in Translation," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and most recently "Atonement." have been given to the masses. \nBased on Ian McEwan's novel, "Atonement" follows the story of Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), a young aspiring writer who falsely accuses her housekeeper's son Robbie (James McAvoy) of raping her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and has to deal with the ramifications of her accusation. \nThree actresses stand in as Briony, with the plot spanning several decades. With her wide, staring eyes and flitting glances, Saoirse Ronan conveys 13-year-old Briony's complicated feelings and motivations. Romola Garai's work studying Ronan's mannerisms pays off, keeping a smooth, convincing transition to 18-year-old Briony. Vanessa Redgrave puts the exclamation point at the end of the film, stepping in as 77-year-old Briony atoning for the consequences that unfold in the film.\nThe score complements both Briony's writing aspirations and agitation, incorporating pulsing typewriter sounds that heightens Briony's dilemma.\nThe movie's love story focuses on Robbie and Cecilia. A brush of their hands and the occasional quiver of Knightley's lips offer chemistry between the two that leaves you with a sense of frustration and loss after Robbie is separated from his lover.\nFilmed in several English locations, the scenes set in a barn loft or on a war-torn beach immerse the viewer in the war environment. Clothing like Cecilia's flower-sequenced blouse, Briony's nurse bonnet and the 1930s-era bathing suits also bring the era to life.\nA compelling cinematic interpretation, "Atonement" is a heartbreaking love story that will make you cry for all the right reasons.