Review of The Imitation Game (2014) by Casualad — 01 Feb 2015

The Imitation game is a spy thriller set within World War II which follows Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and other mathematicians as they attempt to break the infamous Enigma code that the Germans were using.

Cumberbatch does put on a superb performance as the mathematician Alan Turing. Throughout Cumberbatch shows true passion for playing this character causing much emotion when necessary but some comedic elements as well. From time to time you feel for Turing as he makes his attempts to crack Enigma. Not only does Cumberbatch provide emotion but the other cast members are at the same level. Joan Clarke (Kiera Knightley) the female member of the group is as allows you to see such a strong bond developing between the two of them making them a great pair when they are on-screen together. The bond also extends to the other mathematicians like Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode) and John Cairncross (Allen Leech) which incites a sort of family between them expressing not only the darker moments but some of the comedic elements from time to time.

The story itself was incredible and kept me interested and engaged throughout. The film does put the emphasis on the Enigma code causing an awareness of how important the code really is. This emphasis does impact the story greatly in a positive way. During the film there are some extremely emotive scenes that envelope the audience die to the horrors of war and the importance of Enigma. The pacing was well done allowing time for not only the codebreaking itself but allow development of the characters and to see the changes of their understanding to not only Turing but to the code Enigma itself. There is a small part I did trip up on and did not understand however upon re-watching the film and investigating further it had become clearer. The most shocking part I found was the ending which makes me feel sad but more knowledgeable at the same time knowing what had happened within World War II and the factor that Turing played in.

In all the Imitation game was an excellent film depicting the behind the scenes of the spy network. It was great to see such emphasis being placed on the codebreaking rather than action which most spy films are affiliated with. The story of the code breaking is enhanced even further through all the actors. They all put on stellar performances exerting emotion throughout which furthers the importance of gaining the knowledge of the Germans. The Imitation game is a brilliant film and must be seen at any costs. It is worth your money and time.