There is a lot of yearning going on in Atonement, and not all of it is confined to the actors on the screen. The movie itself, adapted from the Ian McEwan novel, aches to be an Oscar-friendly romantic epic, even if its best moments are the more intimate, delicate drawing-room scenes. Keira Knightley, reteaming with

“Marquez’ material is endearing when read, but it can be embarrassing to watch.

“…like being trapped in a closet with your greatest regrets.

“…more whimsical and charming than you would ever expect from a picture about suicide.”