Browser’s Magnificent Seven

Atonement 8.45pm beIN Movies Stars

A COMPELLING romance about the love of a posh girl and the son of the family’s housekeeper. The starcrossed lovers are torn apart by the girl’s meddling younger sister and World War Two.

In this superbly crafted yarn, Keira Knightley gives her most nuanced performance as Cecilia Tallis, a Cambridge undergraduate in the Thirties who falls for servant’s son Robbie Turner, a scholarship boy played by James McAvoy. A love letter is intercepted by Cecilia’s uptight little sister Briony, alias Saoirse Ronan, and the youth is accused of misconduct.

The war also intervenes, and Robbie faces destruction with the British army on the broken beaches of Dunkirk. Terrific action scenes include a five-minute tracking shot across the carnage of Dunkirk.

The sisters become war-time nurses in London and Briony realises the harm she has caused and attempts atonement. Good support from Benedict Cumberbatch, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave and a quality cast.

Directed by Joe Wright in 2007 from Christopher Hamilton’s adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel. Oscar for Best Musical Score.

Empire magazine called it: “At least as good as the novel — complex, delicate and devastating. Gorgeous cinematography, a lilting score and near-faultless performances.”