This is a long overdue entry. Thanks to Ripplevox, Gene and i went for a preview screening of the movie Atonement. Must watch!
Briony Tallis is a 13 year old fledging writer and the antagonist of the film. The story starts with the distinct sound of a typewriter in the background, weaving through the scenes and intertwining with the sound effects and music, running through the entire film. The story begins with Briony witnessing an incident between her older sister Cecilia, more affectionate known as Cici, and the educated housekeeper's son, Robbie Turner.
Young, whimsical and over-imaginative Briony misinterprets what she saw, and with a series of unfortunate events involving her, Cici and Robbie, the young girl throws the lives of the trio into a lifetime of misery, loss and guilt. (She has a crush on Robbie too, which explains her over reaction to the events) She accuses Robbie of a heinous crime he did not commit, leading the lovers to be separated as Robbie is thrown into jail.
Fast forward - It is war time, Robbie has been released from the jail after given the choice of staying there, or serving the country as a soldier. He meets Cici after years of separation. Briony herself has grown up into a young girl. She follows the steps of her estranged sister, giving up her place in Cambridge and took up the vocation of a nurse, to pay for her mistake.
There's no point in me going into details after this and spoiling this, but what happens afterwards is a deeply moving story that escalates as the trio fight to survive the war, Briony's betrayal and the effects of war. Will Briony be able to atone for her sins and will the lovers live happily ever after? You gotta watch it yourself (or google for spoilers if you're an ass).
The cinematography for the film is pretty good, a particular favourite scene of mine - By the seaside, thousands of soldiers rest and wander round the beach and a war-damaged carnival, some dead, some injured, others singing mournfully for the lost, and others drinking in merriness (as merry as they could be, in such fucked up situation) And in the backdrop, a ferris wheel standing tall against the setting sun.
Like what the FUCK man. So tragic, yet so beautiful.
ATONEMENT.
Torn apart by betrayal. Separated by war. Bound by love
