Atonement (2007)
Joe Wright's sweeping romantic drama about a devastating lie, separated lovers, and the impossible weight of guilt across a lifetime.
Atonement - Movie Information
- Original Title: Atonement
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Joe Wright
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 27, 2007 (Sweden - 15), January 11, 2008 (United States - R), September 7, 2007 (United Kingdom - 15), November 8, 2007 (Germany - 12), January 9, 2008 (France), December 26, 2007 (Australia - MA 15+), December 31, 2007 (Brazil - 14), February 8, 2008 (Mexico), January 11, 2008 (Spain - 12), February 21, 2008 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Atonement - Abbitte (DE), Expiación (ES), Reviens-moi (FR), Försoning (SE), Expiation (CA), Espiazione (IT), 愛．誘．罪 (HK), تاوان (IR)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title Films
- Production Countries: France, United Kingdom, United States of America
Atonement - Plot
A young girl irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.
Atonement - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Atonement unfold:
Torn apart by betrayal. Separated by war. Bound by love.
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Atonement - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joe Wright
Main Cast
- James McAvoy
- Keira Knightley
- Saoirse Ronan
- Romola Garai
- Vanessa Redgrave
- Brenda Blethyn
- Juno Temple
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Harriet Walter
- Alfie Allen
Writers
- Christopher Hampton
Producers
- Tim Bevan
- Eric Fellner
- Paul Webster
Atonement - FAQs
What is Atonement about?
Atonement follows the devastating consequences of a lie told by thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis, who falsely accuses her sister Cecilia's lover Robbie Turner of a crime. The story spans decades, tracing how that single act of betrayal fractures lives, separates lovers, and haunts everyone involved across the backdrop of World War II.
Is Atonement based on a true story?
Atonement is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Ian McEwan's acclaimed 2001 novel of the same name. McEwan drew on historical research about World War II and the Dunkirk evacuation, but the characters and central narrative are entirely fictional, crafted to explore themes of guilt, memory, and redemption.
What does the ending of Atonement mean?
The ending reveals that the reconciliation between Robbie and Cecilia never actually happened — elderly Briony confesses she invented it in her novel as an act of atonement. In reality, both died during the war. It's a heartbreaking twist that questions whether fiction can truly make amends for real-world wrongs.
Who are the main actors in Atonement?
Atonement stars James McAvoy as Robbie Turner and Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, the doomed lovers at the heart of the story. Saoirse Ronan delivers a standout performance as young Briony, with Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave portraying Briony at older ages. Benedict Cumberbatch also appears in a key supporting role.
Did Atonement win any awards?
Atonement was a major awards contender, winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and earning seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It took home the Oscar for Best Original Score, with Dario Marianelli's typewriter-infused composition becoming one of the film's most celebrated elements.
Where can you stream Atonement?
You can watch Atonement by renting or purchasing it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability and pricing options in your region.
What is the famous long tracking shot in Atonement?
One of cinema's most celebrated sequences, the Dunkirk beach scene features an unbroken five-minute tracking shot capturing the chaos of the wartime evacuation. Filmed with over 1,000 extras, it sweeps across soldiers, carnival rides, and burning wreckage in a single breathtaking take that showcases director Joe Wright's extraordinary visual ambition.
How long is Atonement and what is its age rating?
Atonement runs for 2 hours and 3 minutes and is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects mature content including wartime violence, sexuality, and emotionally intense themes. Viewers in the UK and Sweden encountered it with a 15 certificate, while Germany rated it 12.
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