There is no denying the picture has a few stirring scenes and images, but much of the film (and the actor's performances) are hindered by a bombastic score from Craig Armstrong (who can be hit or miss).
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/torontofilmfestival/2007/09/atonement-soars.html The score also tends towards the bombastic in its more stirring passages. http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=34465
