Atonement . . . wow

I thought director Joe Wright's 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice was awful, but he makes amends with the brilliant English period piece Atonement.

Keira Knightly is again Wright's leading lady and she is superb as Cecilia, the beautiful elder daughter of a wealthy family in 1930s England. She's the object of desire for Robbie (James McAvoy), the university educated son of the housekeeper. Thing is, housekeeper's sons know their place in society and don't profess their love for the upper classes. Robbie does - shockingly - leading to a stunning misunderstanding and accusation that will cloud the destinies of all concerned.

Yes, all the hype is true - this literate, believable and finely acted drama is all you've heard and more with a stunning conclusion that will haunt you. Oscars await and I can't wait for Universal's DVD, which I hope will be packed with extras.

If you liked Wright's version of Pride and Prejudice, I beg you to get hold of a copy of the BBC TV min-series starring Colin Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) - it blows the 2005 version off the soundstage! Read more at Andy's DVD Reviews.