Atonement

The first thing I can say about this movie is that it is a perfect adaptation of a marvelous book. The writers did an amazing job, really, the adaptation is flawless, I read the book, but some of my friends didn't and were able to watch the film fluently and understand it, because it stands by itself, you don't need to read the book to understand it. It is visually beautiful, excellent cinematography and art direction. The last scene was incredibly edited, it was a fest for the eyes, the entire movie was. Not only for the eyes, but also for the ears! The score is amazing, the whole sound of the movie is magnificent, the sound of the typing machine bounding slowly with the music and certain details like the annoying bee (brilliant!) to help the spectator follow the whole different points of view thing. Speaking of details, Joe Wright is the specialist. I adore the way he pays attention to them, he really understood the core and the simbolism of the book, he tried (and succeeded!) to make you see clearly the crucified position of Cecilia: in the library scene and when she dies, and some other things, but that was the main. He also shows his point of view about whose "fault" it really was and shows true simpathy for Briony. It is certain that he understands human realtionships and knows exactly how to capture them in a film, as well as showing his personality as a director. The close-ups are by far his signature, specially to the hands, which believe it or not, can be so expressive. They managed to make the ending work, I didn't imagine how they were going to make it on film, if it was going to be as good and as surprising as the one in the book, but it was very good. As far as the performances go, they are what was required and more. Keira Knightley was very correct, although she made her own version of Cecilia, a colder one, it's not the approach that she has in the book, but it works very well in the film, specially in the library scene. James McAvoy made a magnificent Robbie, he was very into the character and he really seemed to understand him, he deserved an Oscar nod. Saoirse Ronan was spectacular, she captured the complex Briony Tallis in her very core and did an amazing job. Vanessa Redgrave of course was superb, although didn't seem to really understand the character, she didn't convince me, in the book I felt extreme simpathy for her, but no so much in the movie. Romola Garai was scarely good, she had some kick-ass scenes. The rest of the cast was also excellent, stunning Brenda Blethyn stole the show as always, even though she had a very small part, and Juno Temple really surprised me. This was certainly one of the best films of the year.