This film (or perhaps more specifically, the story of the film) and me go way back. Late last year, WH Smith had a deal on for a brief period advertising Ian McEwen’s Booker Prize nominated novel for half price, and I had all intentions of taking them up on the offer until it ended abruptly. With a pile of other unread books on my shelf I have resisted the temptation to indulge and buy the book since then, but I haven’t managed to resist the temptation to see the film, now that is has been released on DVD.

Nominated as it is for an Oscar for Best Picture, with Keira Knightley nominated for Best Actress, the film certainly comes with a bit of a reputation to live up to. I was fairly sceptical that I would actually enjoy the film, but came away from it quite pleasantly surprised and moved by the story. Without giving too much away, the film revolves around a blossoming relationship between the two main characters, Cecilia Tallis played by Knightley, and Robbie Turner played by James McAvoy, and crucially, how this relationship is viewed by Cecilia’s younger sister Briony. The thirteen year old Briony is played wonderfully by Saoirse Ronan in the early part of the film, and I think it is probably fair to say that the believability of her character really does provide the foundation needed for the remainder of the story to shine. Her Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress is not unjustified.

Knightley and McAvoy give quite credible if not virtuoso performances, and there are more than a couple unnerving twists in the tale as it progresses to keep the viewer interested. I was once one of those people who thought it always better to “read the book” before seeing the adapted film, but I think this may prove to be the film that changes my mind. Upon seeing such a polished rendition of a wonderful story on film, I am only more eager than before to pick up the book and relive the story through McEwen’s no doubt eloquent words.

In short, Atonement comes recommended. Of the two “Best Picture” nominated films I have seen for this year (the other being Clooney-fest Michael Clayton), this one takes the cake for me. I have a feeling that Daniel Day Lewis’ performance in There Will Be Blood may change my mind, however, if the reviews for that film are anything to go by.