I agree with the review. Beautiful, beautiful film to look at; I only wish I could have watched it on silent with the novel for subtitles.

The minor characters seemed rather two dimensional (although Benedict Cumberbatch was engagingly creepy - maybe that's just his look, though! - and Juno Whatsit who played ginger cousin Lola was very good. Romola Garai was my favourite Briony, all bug-eyed and over-keen). Mostly, though, I found both Robbie (McAvoy) and Cecilia (Knightley) unsympathetic and wooden. I also had this problem with the novel, but I think the film could have helped by expanding their scenes in order to compensate for the loss of Ian McEwan's explanatory prose. And I can't for the life of me understand the fuss about Vanessa Redgrave at the end. That scene killed the film for me, and I don't see what she did with the character that was so 'accomplished'.

Amy Allen, LDN,

'I wrote you...'

Atonement is a lush piece of filmmaking which reminds me of the David Lean school updated--though not quite so overwrought. Anyone who still has a taste for gutsy cinematography and doesn't mind a filmmaker taking a few chances to create extraordinary effects will appreciate Wright's canvasses. Also, quibbles made by American critics concerning the typewriter sound effects and other contrapuntal devices miss the point. The young Briony has arbitrarily written the fate of Robbie (played by a powerful James McAvoy), and the typewriter underscores this idea. Then again, I am open to the idea of nostalgia and postmodernism combined; is there some unwritten rule somewhere stating that they can't interact? Postmodernism by definition would overturn this judgement. Finally, while they are undeveloped and overdeveloped scenes in Atonement; I still think it's beautiful filmmaking. Is there something wrong with beauty nowadays? Loved it.

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/USA

So many viewers seem to have missed the point ... And certainly those in the lobby of the cinema where I saw ATONEMENT mumbled unhappily. If the film has faults through it (Who would believe that? Why is that there? It didn't happen that way, did it?) they are there to be examined at the end when we realise the "story" and that includes the characters, places, dialogue, outcome is ... to a great extent ... a convenience, a lie at worst, of the young girl (Briony) grown up. Was she even REALLY atoning? And whether 1935 or 2007, aren't we all more than a little guilty of saying things that make us look better ... ? So ... you TAKE THE STORY HOME WITH YOU and work it out. The film doesn't go back in the can ... for it to work you simply MUST see it again in your mind. Do a little work. Shame on those who just wanted pretty still pictures.

Ross Eldridge, Amble, Northumberland

I have to say I didn't want to watch this film at first, simply because of the fact that the media over-hyped it. But on starting university I have to do an essay about whether the adaptation from book to screen was a good one, which obviously involved me reading the book (which was most excellent) and watching the film. The first 10 minutes or so of the film left me a little disappointed because there wasn't much going on and it didn't seem to grasp the real essence of the book, but after that I couldn't take my eyes away. The film just suddenly grabbed hold of me! What a film for both James McAvoy! Where did that talent suddenly come from? And we all know that Kiera Knightly can play grumpy english bitch very well, but, even she surpassed herself in this film!!!!

Carrie, Manchester,

i loved the film, had there not been any media hype before the film was released however, i would have found it more amazing. The hype was HUGE, i thus prepared myself for a film that would shatter me emotionally, stun and wow me. I got none of this, instead i got a rather good film with good acting, if a little contrived... i agree with the reviewer about the older Briony's lack of storyline etc... also considering Keira had already done an Old-England style film with Pride and Prejudice somehow I was less than impressed with this performance overall. That being said she was a great actor and the film was very good, its just a shame that it was overhyped so much beforehand

vicki, london,

Were we the only ones who laughed at the point where the lead couple were in flagrante in the library and Keira becomes aware of the girl outside and says that she can hear someone coming? No, just us then!

Derek & Anne, Cornwall, UK

Atonement is an excellent book which to my pleasant surprise made a seemingly effortless jump to the big screen and blew this viewer away. Both Keira Knightleyand James MacAvoy were/are awesome. I cannot understand how your reviewer and others on the comments page disliked this film. I found it beautifully shot, excellently acted and utterly engrossing from start to finish. I didn't notice any pre-release overhype here in Ireland. However, I think it is a film of which the British film industry should be justifiably proud, just as we Irsh should be equally proud of Lenny Abrahanson's remarkbale film Garage which I saw at the weekend. Definitely a victory for substance over packaging in this understated gem.

Peter Gunning, Midleton , Ireland

I love this film. The typewriter/cello soundtrack is amazing, as is the wonderful cinematography. The direction and the way the story was told were really inventive and clever - I loved the beautiful Dunkirk scene, it was one of the best cinematic moments I have ever witnessed. The acting was also very good, however the music took centre stage for me, being a cello player. I
love this film because it is the first and only film that has made me cry. Simple.

Aimee - aged 15, Edinburgh,

Hugely disappointed with the film. The acting was distinctly wooden and second rate. Neither my husband nor I felt any emotional connection with the characters. The only thing that held our attention was the beautiful photography.

Janice, Aberdeen, UK

Hugely disappointed with the film. The acting was distinctly wooden and second rate. Neither my husband or I felt any emotional connection with the characters. The only thing that held our attention was the beautiful photography.

Janice, Aberdeen, UK