Review of The Imitation Game (2014) by Jeffrey M — 18 Apr 2015
Moving, insightful, brilliantly acted, and well conceived, The Imitation Game is a biopic done right. Set mostly during the midst of World War II, Imitation Game serves to tell the tale of a man whose contributions to the war were profound, yet never properly understood, and lost against the fanfare of his later legal proceedings.
Like a lot of biopics, Imitation Game is fast and loose with historical accuracy. Turing's contributions can't be denied, but he was hardly alone in the efforts to break the Enigma code. However, this dramatic license serves the story and gives us a compelling narrative through which we can better appreciate the history. The direction fills the screen with humor, authentic dramatic moments, and genuine insights in to ourselves. At which point does someone's power make them a hero, or make them a tragedy? War is exceptional at clouding this very thing.
The script is smart and poignant, and the performances impeccable, notably from Benedict Cumberbatch. The film might simplify events, but it doesn't spoon-feed its audience, nor shy away from the nuance to be felt in the code breaker's actions, as knowing everything and acting on everything are two different things.
Compelling, powerful, and memorable.
4/5 Stars.
This review of The Imitation Game (2014) was written by Jeffrey M on 18 Apr 2015.
The Imitation Game has generally received very positive reviews.
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