Review of The Imitation Game (2014) by Armando P — 26 Jun 2015

When I think of war, I think of soldiers fighting to protect their countries. The Imitation Game does something marvelous in showing audiences the behind the scenes of war. War is not just fighting as this film shows very well with a lead character who doesn't even stand for violence. The Imitation Game follows a group of men and one woman on a mission to decode and crack Enigma, Germany's way of communicating attacks and plans in a "undetectable" manor. Benedict Cumberbatch leads an outstanding performance as Alan Turing, a somewhat anti-social, mathematical genius who prefers working alone rather than having others slow him down.

I was aware of the praise going into this film so it was no shock to me that I enjoyed it so much. This film's structure is indeed successful in telling a better story. This story is told through three different times in Turing's life, as a student attending school, himself building his Christopher Machine during World War II which takes center stage, and his life after the success of war while dealing with more personal struggles. This ploy in movies normally leads to minor confusions throughout the telling however, Director Morten Tyldum pulls it off with ease.

While watching, the struggles and frustrations felt by the main characters are delivered and expressed in such a way that makes them rub off onto the audience. I felt their same impatience from my couch simply because of their convincing acting.

The slow yet eager pacing played nicely along with a stellar theme track which played throughout the film. The song was simplistic in its base yet eerie and calm at the same time. It worked perfectly with the dark tone of war and yet the subtle hope for success from the characters.

This film bases itself off of true events and certainly feels that way as well. After this film forces the audience to care for these characters, when the screen faded to black I felt nothing but sadness for the men and woman who were under appreciated because of sworn secrecy. Maybe a happier ending would have been more uplifting but the truth deliveries the greatest story. It also helps in making people aware of how difficult it was for some people back in that time.

The Imitation Game is certainly an important film to watch and can teach many lessons to adults and younger generations. I doubt that was the last time I'll give it a watch.