The Imitation Game (2014) (Movie Review)

Director: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightly
Duration: 1hr 54 mins

The first time I heard of The Imitation Game, I thought it had something to do with magic. Despite that it had nothing to do with magic; the film had the air of the magical about it. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the lead role as Alan, a genius mathematician and lover of puzzles. Alan, shares quite some characteristics with Cumberbatches’ other avatar, Sherlock. If you have seen Cumberbatchs’ prowess as Sherlock, you can easily imagine his effective depiction of Alan.
Alan is a brilliant mathematician looking to serve in British Intelligence. The setting of the film is the Second World War and the Brits are looking to bring down the expansive Germans. The key lies in the German secret communication codenamed ‘Enigma’. Successfully cracking Enigma will enable the Brits to foil the German plans and disturb their strategy. Alan’s penchant for puzzles and his lively intelligence make him a frontrunner for the job.

A select group of the most distinguished intellectuals is formed and entrusted the task of breaking Enigma. Alan brings to the group apart from his brilliance, his almost extreme eccentricity stemming from his introversion. His exclusive independence makes it hard for him to collaborate with the others giving rise to tension. After nearly being kicked out, he manages through influence not only to return to the group but also to be made its leader. He changes the composition of the group and hires a woman, Joan (Keira Knightly), who shows signs of having a bright mind.
The team begins anew and tirelessly works to break Enigma. Alan, in addition to breaking Enigma must also break out of his self-erected walls. Joan helps him become a new person by challenging him and guiding him. With her support, he builds a machine that instantly decodes Enigma’s messages. Despite the numerous difficulties and insults he faces along the way, he ploughs on persistently, even obstinately.

The film teaches the importance of believing in oneself and of the need for companionship and support. Hardwork and persistence are vital requirements for achieving success. The film is pretty long and can be dull at times. The lack of background music does not help. The story is well portrayed considering it is based on true events. The film inspires and touches a sensitive chord. “It is the people who no one imagined anything about who do the things no one imagined.”      


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