UK/France (2007): Drama/Romance/War
Filmed on location in the UK, the story of Atonement spans several decades. In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony's vivid imagination. Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony - who has a crush on Robbie - is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested - and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever.
Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love.
Based on the novel by Ian McEwan; written for the screen by Christopher Hampton; directed by Joe Wright; produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster; executive produced by Liza Chasin, Richard Eyre, Robert Fox, Debra Hayward and Ian McEwan. (Working Title - StudioCanal, Relativity Media / Focus Features - Web site)
7 nominations, 1 Award
· Best Achievement in Music - Original Score 2007: Dario Marianelli
· Best Picture of the Year 2007: (Focus Features) A Working Title Production; Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster, Producers
· Supporting Actress 2007: Saoirse Ronan
· Achievement in Writing - Adapted Screenplay 2007: Christopher Hampton
· Achievement in Art Direction 2007: Sarah Greenwood - Art Direction; Katie Spencer - Set Decoration
· Achievement in Cinematography 2007: Seamus McGarvey
· Achievement in Costume Design 2007: Jacqueline Durran