Tremendously exhilarating and absorbing

Rating: 9/10 (18 November 2016)

Who would of thought a film about breaking a code would be so good, so compelling? While The Imitation Game cannot be considered a factual account of the life of Alan Turing and his remarkable wartime code work - it takes historical accuracy and basically throws it out the window - the movie is still a fantastic piece of work. The writer himself defended the lack of historical accuracy with the words "You don't test mark Monet's Waterlillies", An apt defence if ever there was one, though I'm usually on the side of historical accuracy myself. Better this than the Forrest Gump right-wing redo of history any day.
Benedict Cumberbatch is quite wonderful as Turing; giving one of the best acting displays I've seen in recent years. While Turing was not the virtual borderline Asperger's case depicted here, it's all in the spirit of empathising with the character. And you really do empathise.
I'm not a big fan of Keira Knightley but she was extremely good here, giving a layered and intelligent performance. Even Matthew Goode, who stuck out like a sore thumb in Watchmen, gives a relaxed and realistic display this time out. All the cast were fine, really.
The script was excellent; but again a caveat must apply that those looking for historical accuracy about the events at Bletchley Park, and the cracking of the Enigma code, had best look elsewhere. But I found this film to be humane and warm, and it's nice to know that Turing was at least pardoned and his work recognised so long after his appalling mistreatment. The film serves as a grim reminder of what intolerance can do to its victims. In short this movie is a gem.