I vividly remember reading about this film around the web and a favorite blog. Of course, knowing Benedict Cumberbatch (a.k.a. Sherlock Holmes) leads the cast made me make it a must-see “need” to watch it. However, until quite recently, I’d still not seen this one. Fortunately, the wait is worth it. the imitation game
The Imitation Game (2014) Film Review
Winning World War II looks bleak, and even for the most clever of minds, beating the Germans seems unlikely. This is why the intelligence community puts together a team of brilliant minds to do the impossible: break the German’s code. Their top recruit is mathematician, Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), a brilliant man ready to give his all to this project. Only Alan sees the solution to the codes as being something very different than those who work alongside him. Instead of the painstaking methods they use, Alan sees a mechanical machine as the answer. Much to the resentment of his colleagues, he sets about building it.
As a man, with a very dangerous secret, unable to connect with the world around him, Alan’s colleague’s resent him. They see what he’s doing as insignificant while they do the real work. But as Alan persists to a point of madness, each of them, including Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode), and with the encouragement of his confidant, Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), support what Alan is doing. But as it turns out, even with professional success, Alan’s most harrowing challenges have yet to find him.
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It’s rare that I see a film that leaves me with all-encompassing feeling of a well-done production. From the moment The Imitation Game opens with Benedict’s voice over (which also acts as a narrative of the story, so it starts at a later point and returns to “how it all began”) to the brilliant cast, everything inside this BBC production is proof of an exceptional drama. This opening voice over “sets the tone” for the rest of the film; it’s an enigma just like the code Alan is recruited to break.
A good script can be undermined by a bad cast, and vice versa. Fortunately, The Imitation Game suffers no such fate. The cast is dynamite. From the supporting cast which also includes Mark Strong (A&E’s Emma) and Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) to the leads, there’s no weak link among them. Since the last few roles I’ve seen her take on haven’t been win (in my opinion), it’s lovely to see Keira play a complex character. Then there’s Alan. His story is, undoubtedly, at the crux of this film. It’s through his story that we feel that sense of awe, inspiration and eventually, some sense of injustice. His sacrifices and incredible mind save countless lives, and undoubtedly help the war effort in ways we can’t imagine. Naturally, Cumberbatch plays this role brilliantly, delivering a multi-dimensional performance that’s mesmerizing. the imitation game
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There was some question, prior to the release of this film, about the direction of the script. Filmmakers chose to focus more on the obsessive importance Alan’s work is to him than that of his social life. I thought this a wise decision. It bolsters the film without sacrificing the meaning Alan’s work and life had during the war effort. I also find Joan and Alan’s attachment a particularly interesting distraction. There is some controversy surrounding their relationship, but from the little I’ve read, it seems a fair depiction of an unexpected friendship that was, in its own way, as beautifully loving as it is bittersweet.
Those who like The King’s Speech or Benedict Cumberbatch as an actor (that’s reason enough, right?) will appreciate this. Of course, it’s more than just its cast though it’s this that helps make this film the success it is. Not to mention, it’s also fascinating to see the first computer being imagined. Nominated for a handful of Oscars (and a win), it’s not hard to concede the brilliance of this film. Clocking in at just under two hours, nothing ever lags nor does the film feel like an advocate for anything other than the historical story it’s here to impart. Something of a surprise to me, it makes the experience that unfolds all the more poignant.
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CONTENT: Alan is a homosexual, so there are some references to his sexual orientation. Flashbacks to his school days show he’s friendly with one of his classmates (notes is as far as it goes). During these flashbacks, there is some bullying (shoving someone beneath floorboards); and there might be the common sprinkling of minor profanity. The film is PG13.
Note: this review was published in the archives five or more years earlier. Since moving to WordPress, 90% of the reviews, lists and articles need re-formats and/or other updates. Updated edits and changes to fit current formats have been made; it has also been updated with new photos, and republished.
Originally published April 29 2016
I loved this movie! I thought it would be pretty good, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The cast was amazing, like you said, and I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the plot. I could have done without quite so much emphasis on Turing's homosexuality, but overall it was a wonderfully done movie.
I loved this one, too, Kristin! It's such a wonderful, well made film. I actually didn't think the focus on Alan's homosexuality was bad, but maybe I just didn't "see" because I was so engrossed in the enigma of the plot. Either way, like you, I thought this one was masterful – largely due to the fantastic cast. :)
What an eloquent and persuasive review! I have been saying I want to watch this movie for about 6 months now, and have been putting it off… mostly because I know how Turing's own story ends, and find it heartbreaking. So I'm glad to hear that the focus isn't on his trial and death, but on his amazing war work. He was truly a genius, and the British—no, the Allies—were incredibly lucky to have him. Perhaps my husband and I will watch it this weekend.
Lark, hi! Thanks so much for visiting. Thanks so much for your kind words.
If you do watch this one, I'd love to know what you think. I thought it was brilliant, but of course, I may be bias considering how well I like Benedict and of course, anything BBC does is masterful. :)
This movie sounds great. Thanks for the review. Rick and I haven't seen it but now we will. :)
Hi, Katie! Hope you and Rick enjoy if you decided to see this one. It's really very good in my humble opinion. :)
Thank for reviewing Riss! Anything with Benedict in it is bound to be a must see or at least something to consider for sure! I'm a fan of these type of movies but I probably won't see it due to the fact he is homosexual and that it has some of the talk about the fact he is. Oh well…anyway, again, thanks for reviewing! I always enjoy reading what you have to say. :D
Hi, Kara! Great to see you over here, girl. Have I been missing your posts or are you taking a blogging break!? :)
I agree. Anything with Benedict is a must see. I remember wanting to see this one ASAP and then letting that slip. Finally, my dad mentioned Alan Turing because he'd been someone an author wrote about in one of the books he'd been reading. Needless to say, we BOTH wanted to see this one then. :) Anyway, I totally understand your reservation, but if you ever do see it, that aspect of Alan's life isn't a focus, but I respect your choice not to see this one. There's nothing wrong with that either. :)
I watched this one when it first came out. I remember very little about it specifically but I do remember liking it. Glad you enjoyed!
I quite like this one. It’s impressive on all fronts, including its star-studded cast! :)