Atonement

So this year being my first as a real film critic, I decided that I should probably try and see all five films nominated for best picture at the Oscars. I have done rather well so far this year. I saw No Country for Old Men rather early, was one of six people in the world to go see Michael Clayton when it came out, thoroughly enjoyed Juno and just tonight took an opportunity to see Atonement.

            Let me start by saying all are quality films, but there was something a little more important to me about Atonement than the other three. It is a complicated story that I will not do the injustice of trying to explain, so I will just give you the bare bone facts so that you have the groundwork for what I want to talk about here. The story revolves around a young couple (Cecilia and Robbie) realizing that they are completely in love with each other. Cecilia (played by Keira Knightly, who impresses me more each time I see her) has a little sister with a crush on Robbie. In an act of mischief and jealousy, Briony, the younger sister, accuses Robbie (James McAvoy) of a terrible crime. The rest of the story follows.

            The rest of it shows the consequences. Robbie is given the choice to join the army and fight in WWII, or stay in prison. Cecilia disowns her family for believing such a charge and becomes a nurse. But the real power the film holds is in watching what has happened to Briony. She starts growing up, and realizes the devastation she has caused. She desperately wishes to reconcile with her sister, show that she has learned how wrong she was, and truly apologize. My heart ached as I watched her pleas for understanding refused, her wishes for forgiveness ignored. The colors and textures on the screen allow you to almost physically feel the terrible war-torn, love-lost lives these characters live as a result of a selfish mistake. The music and sound push and drive the passion and strength the characters carry. The film is, in a single word, beautiful.

            But it also makes us think. The title is no fluke. Briony wishes to atone for her crimes to the people she cares for. It forces you to think how devastating your personal sin can be on not only yourself, but for all those around you. I was forced to wonder- what have I demanded for myself that changed others for the worst? But perhaps more important than that was the fact that Atonement made me ache for the characters and the forgiveness they needed from each other so much, that I could not help but feel so thankful that we have a Lord so willing to forgive us despite our most terrible of sins and the lives our bad choices might damage. Hopefully, with His guidance, none of us will need forgiveness for ruining a life- but we should always feel thankful that our sins have already been atoned for.