The Go-Between (1971)

The story here reminds me a lot of Atonement, where a child is exposed to adult love affairs in ways they can’t comprehend. Dominic Guard is a young boy staying with a more wealthy schoolmate’s family for the summer. After his mate comes down with measles, he finds companionship with his mate’s older sister who uses him as the deliverer of secret love letters to a neighboring farmer. Class differences are strictly adhered to here, where Guard’s character is openly mocked for his poorer wardrobe and it is unheard that an aristocrat could marry a simple farmer. While the Victorian countryside is a beautiful setting, everything is drawn out longer than necessary to tell the story.

Oscar Nomination: Best Actress in a Supporting Role