BBC axing 'flawlessly directed' period drama with 'sublime cinematography'

Period drama enthusiasts have mere days remaining to watch a critically acclaimed film lauded for its sophisticated direction and breathtaking visuals before it disappears from BBC iPlayer.

Atonement (2007) brings Ian McEwan's best-selling novel to life on screen.

Against the setting of pre-war Britain and the Second World War, the tale unfolds in 1935 at a grand country house where a solitary misinterpretation by young Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) wreaks havoc on her elder sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Cecilia's beloved Robbie Turner (James McAvoy).

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Briony's fabricated allegation leads to Robbie's incarceration and eventual military service.

The story then traces each character through wartime chaos and decades of remorse and isolation, delving into themes of romance, shame and the quest for forgiveness, reports the Express.

Under Joe Wright's direction, Atonement boasts a distinguished ensemble featuring James McAvoy as Robbie Turner, Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, Saoirse Ronan as Briony Tallis (alongside Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave playing mature versions), Brenda Blethyn, Benedict Cumberbatch and Juno Temple.

The picture is celebrated for its artistic brilliance - "flawless direction and cinematography that is nothing short of sublime," as one critic noted on film review site Rotten Tomatoes - and features the legendary five-minute continuous shot across Dunkirk beach.

Atonement's haunting musical composition by Dario Marianelli consistently receives widespread acclaim. As another review notes: "The soundtrack, the acting, the cinematography is just masterful... If you want to experience what a great piece of considered cinema looks like, this is it."

Atonement garnered universal praise from critics when it hit cinemas.

The film scooped the Oscar for Best Original Score (Dario Marianelli), two BAFTAs including Best Production Design, and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Drama.

The movie secured seven Academy Award nominations altogether - including Best Picture - and catapulted Saoirse Ronan to international stardom.

"If you enjoy yearning, heartbreak, and crying into your pillow at 2 AM, Atonement is the film for you... By the end, you'll be staring at the screen, tear-streaked and questioning life... A masterpiece in pain", one devoted viewer declared.

Atonement will be removed from the BBC iPlayer catalogue on Thursday, August 8.