20 ‘Atonement’ Quotes That Will Leave Your Heart Heavy

"Atonement" was a critically acclaimed success, not only because of the brilliant performances delivered by some of Hollywod's most prominent actors but also the many elements that went into its compelling storytelling.

"Atonement" follows aspiring writer Briony Tallis whose false accusation toward a man changed the course of her life and that of those around her. At 13 years old, she was in love with Robbie Turner, who was much older and did not feel the same.

Robbie was instead head-over-heels for Cecilia, Briony's older sister. When an incident occurred involving an attack on a woman named Lola, Briony claimed it was Robbie and stuck to that conviction for years.

By then, Robbie and Cecilia knew how they felt about each other, but were separated when Robbie was convicted of a crime he didn't commit. The lovers reunited after some years, by which they'd both undergone significant internal changes.

Not long after, they lost their lives during the early years of the second world war. Briony never got the chance to reconcile with them, but she atoned for her actions the best way she knew how: through writing. Relive some of the tragic film's heartwrenching moments with the quotes below.

A photo of young Briony with the quote, "The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you and live without shame." | Source: Facebook/AtonementMovie

Robbie Turner's Quotes

"The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you and live without shame." — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

"I can become again the man who once crossed the surrey park at dusk, in my best suit, swaggering on the promise of life." — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

"You'd be forgiven for thinking me mad - wandering into your house barefoot, or snapping your antique vase. The truth is, I feel rather light-headed and foolish in your presence, Cee, and I don't think I can blame the heat. Will you forgive me?" — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

"How old do you have to be before you know the difference between right and wrong?” — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

"Five years ago you didn't care about telling the truth. You and all your family, you just assumed that for all my education, I was still little better than a servant, still not to be trusted. Thanks to you, they were able to close ranks and throw me to the [expletive] wolves!" — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

A photo of Robbie Turner with the quote, "In the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia what they lost out on in life. I'd like to think this isn't weakness or... evasion... but a final act of kindness." | Source: Facebook/AtonementMovie

"If all we have rests on a moment in a library three and a half years ago, then I’m not sure …" — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

"Then you'll write a detailed letter to me, explaining everything that led up to you saying you saw me by the lake." — Robbie Turner, "Atonement"

Briony Tallis's Quotes

"In the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia what they lost out on in life. I'd like to think this isn't weakness or... evasion... but a final act of kindness." — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"Love is all very well, but you have to be sensible." — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"I decided not to take up my place at Cambridge. I decided I wanted to make myself useful, do something practical. But no matter how hard I work, no matter how long the hours, I can't escape from what I did and what it meant, the full extent of which I'm only now beginning to grasp." — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

A photo of Robbie and Cecilia with the quote, "I am very, very sorry for the terrible distress that I have caused you. I am very, very sorry…" | Source: Facebook/AtonementMovie

"What's the worst word you can possibly imagine?" — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"I am very, very sorry for the terrible distress that I have caused you. I am very, very sorry…" — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"So, my sister and Robbie were never able to have the time together they both so longed for... and deserved. Which ever since I've... ever since I've always felt I prevented." — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"What do you think it would feel like to be someone else?" — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

"If you write a story, you only have to say the word 'castle' and you can see the towers and the woods and the village below... But in a play it's... it all depends on other people." — Briony Tallis, "Atonement"

Related: 31 'Chasing Amy' Quotes: Utterings from an Unlikely Love Story

A photo of Cecilia with the dialogue, "Briony: Listen, I've known him all my life. And I saw him. Lola: Because I couldn't say for sure. Briony: Well, I can. And I will." | Source: Facebook/AtonementMovie

Memorable Moments from "Atonement"

"Come back. Come back to me." — Cecilia Tallis, "Atonement"

"Cecilia: You idiot! You realize this is probably the most valuable thing we own?!

Robbie: Not any more, it isn't." — "Atonement"

"Briony: Listen, I've known him all my life. And I saw him.

Lola: Because I couldn't say for sure.

Briony: Well, I can. And I will." — "Atonement"

"Cecilia Tallis: My brother and I found the two of them down by the lake.

Police Inspector: You didn't see anyone else?

Cecilia Tallis: I wouldn't necessarily believe everything Briony tells you. She's rather fanciful." — "Atonement"

[Cecilia and Robbie look at her, astonished]

Cecilia: I don't believe you.

Briony: He's married Lola; I've just come from their wedding.

Cecilia: Lola won't be able to testify against him now. He's immune." — "Atonement"

A photo of young Briony with the quote, "What do you think it would feel like to be someone else?" | Source: Facebook/AtonementMovie

The cast of "Atonement" included star actors James McAvoy, Kiera Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, and Juno Temple. The quotes above were only a peek into what the film truly offers its viewer. If these intrigued you, perhaps you'll enjoy these 41 "Love Simon" Quotes.