Year: 2007 Rated R Genre: Book-to-Movie, Historical Fiction, Romance, War Language: English Runtime: 2:03:00 Director: Joe Wright ☆ Main Cast: James McAvoy ☆, Keira Knightley ☆, Saoirse Ronan ☆☆, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juno Temple, Brenda Blethyn
Notable Mentions: James McAvoy and Saoirse Ronan as Briony Tallis
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I first watched the film in my twenties. I thought the film was boring. I hated Saoirse Ronan's character. I just hate that kind of girl. I was relieved to see Robbie and Cecilia back together during the third act, then had my heart shattered when I learnt the truth.
I rewatched the film in my thirties. I thought the first act was really strong. The second act was weak. The third act was alright. The first act had so many beautiful scenes. I loved the retelling of the same event from different characters' perspective. I love when non-thriller films use repetition. In the Mood for Love did that too. It makes the films intriguing. I wish there was more use of this technique in this film and In the Mood for Love.
I really like this film's score.
Saoirse Ronan was commanding, memorable, a tough act to follow. Romola Garai, who played teen Briony, did not come close to match Saoirse's intensity.
