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In a decades-spanning story of love, betrayal and redemption, 13-year-old aspiring writer Briony Tallis’ (Saoirse Ronan) crush on a young working class man (James McAvoy) has surprising repercussions on his blossoming romance with Briony's older sister (Keira Knightley). The trio meets again years later when Briony is fully grown (and played by Romola Garai).

Big question: Can "Atonement" live up to its status as a frontrunner for the best picture Oscar? And does it do justice to the celebrated 2002 Ian McEwan novel on which it's based?

Catch it: Despite a hot—though fully clothed—sex scene, Knightley and McAvoy generally come across more like brother and sister than passionate star-crossed lovers. They're both good actors, but they've done better work elsewhere. Fortunately there's more to the film than epic romance. This really is Briony's tale and—as embodied by Ronan, Garai and Vanessa Redgrave—she becomes a captivating screen character. Although a film can never take us as deep into an individual psyche as a novel, the screenplay by Christopher Hampton ("Dangerous Liaisons") makes a noble effort and the seamless work of the actresses stands out.

Skip it: If you'd rather not experience the graphic sight of a severe head wound, like Briony does as a nurse during World War II.

Bottom line: Although this should've been the film on which director Joe Wright stepped up to the big leagues, it's actually less successful than his surprisingly satisfying debut "Pride and Prejudice." But “Atonement” is still a well-crafted drama for adults that avoids period stuffiness and builds to a knockout ending. It's good enough to make you want to read the book.

Bonus: A little more on the actresses who play Briony: Redgrave was the first one cast, though she has the least screen time; Ronan's first name is pronounced "sear-sha"; Garai, as the last one to join the project, spent time fitting her movements to Ronan's to preserve the character's continuity.

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