College Times

Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Movies

Media Credit: Courtesy Focus Features

2007 was full of Academy bait that was actually worthy of the critical praise. From "No Country" to "Michael Clayton" the drama genre had no shortage of winners. However, the common thread through most of these flicks is that they're all incredibly depressing.

Case in point, "Atonement," a period drama that will simply make you cry. Based off the popular novel, "Atonement" tells the story of misunderstandings and the trappings of sex in an almost murder-mystery fashion.

"Atonement's" storyline really serves to give actors of this quality room to breathe. Keira Knightley has another worthy excuse for strapping on a corset, while James Mcavoy earns more buzz to become the next big actor.

The real standouts are heavyweight trio of Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave as Briony at different ages. Despite being the source of all the trouble in the film, "Atonement" succeeds at not making Briony a bad person, and by that accomplish it was what it intended. People die, loves are lost and there's a ton of crying in between.

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