'Devastating' war film that 'sweeps you up on waves of heartbreak' airs tonight
The film has been described as 'perfectly-cast' and will leave viewers sobbing by the end
The BBC is airing one of the most heartbreaking films that is set against the backdrop of the Second World War.
Atonement, which was released in 2007 and directed by Joe Wright, will air on BBC Two at 11pm.
The film begins with a crime that takes place in 1935 England and chronicles the events after as two lovers are torn apart thanks to one girl's lie.
Keira Knightley stars as Cecilia while James McAvoy portrays the housekeeper's son Robbie in the devastating tragedy.
The film currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 83% and critics heaped praise on the movie when it was released. It also landed one star their first Oscar nod.
Empire Magazine said it had ""near-faultless performances" and was a "complex" and "devastating" piece of cinema.
Meanwhile, Rolling Stone described it: "It's some kind of miracle. Written, directed and acted to perfection, Atonement sweeps you up on waves of humour, heartbreak and ravishing romance."
Those who have viewed the film share a similar sentiment, with one commenting: "I remember seeing Atonement when I was an older teenager, and I also remember this being the particular story and rendition that showed me that "girly" love stories CAN capture the heart of a man.
"I don't want to get into specifics, or spoilers, but Keira Knightley and James McAvoy are absolutely amazing, as is everything else about this film as well. The score is beautiful, sensual and elating."
Another reviewed: "I absolutely love this film. Is everything I love in a film. Really brings the war to life in my eyes.
"The ending is excellent. Definitely had be balling and definitely did not see it coming. The whole film surprised me in fact. They all play really good parts in the film, never really been a big fan of Keira Knightly but think differently about her now. And Saoirse Ronan plays the Young girl, really well done. And just love James McAvoy."
Someone else penned: "This movie was absolutely brilliant but nobody prepared me for how devastating that ending was.
"It was the perfect example of everything a movie should be . Stunning frames, gifted actors, top of the line direction; But the writing is what blew my mind."
Another was left sobbing by the end of the film, explaining: "I actually had to laugh just a little bit upon finally exiting my fullscreen from watching this, because I still had the tab open, "is atonement sad", because I hadn't been looking for something too terrible at the time... obviously, it said that it was, but what it did not tell me is that I would spend about 100 of the next 120 minutes bawling my eyes out."
If you don't get the chance to watch Atonement on BBC Two, you can catch it on BBC iPlayer after.