Imitate all dedicated movie goers and see this one without delay

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2015)

Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a mathematics professor in the early 1950'2, has experienced a burglary at his home. Yet, when the police come to investigate, they haul in Turing himself to the police station. What the charges might be will follow all too soon but, first, Turing tells a story of his life to one of the officers. During WW II, Turing was part of the code breaking team trying to crack the German's communication system, Enigma, which changed DAILY. Chosen for the job by a by-the-book Naval Commander (Charles Dance), Turing initially seemed to be anything but a team player. He's arrogant, odd, uncommunicative and insists on being in charge. This upsets those already on the job, including champion chess player Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode). This is not the first time that Alan has had problems getting along. Flashing backwards, the film shows his childhood at an English boarding school, where he was scorned and bullied by all his fellow students save one, Christopher. The two became inseparable and excelled at all subjects, especially math. A tragedy changes everything, resulting in Turing's further isolation. Back in WW II times, Turing does become the leader of the group, invents an early computer to help with the calculations of the Enigma code and earns the respect of the other topflight mathematicians, including Joan (Keira Knightley) on the team. He even becomes engaged to Joan when her parents want to withdraw her from the group, believing she will never find a husband. It can't last, however, because Alan is gay and must admit this. The breakers DO conquer Enigma and help win the war. But, at the time of his arrest, homosexuality is a against British law. Since his work was top secret, no one knows how much of a hero he was and is and, in any case, they convict him. What happens at the end is very, very sad yet his tale is truly inspirational. This movie is extraordinary in almost all aspects. Cumberbatch's performance equals that of Eddie Redmayne in Theory of Everything; wish the award ceremonies ahead could have dual top honors. Knightley, Goode, Dance, Mark Strong, and all of the rest are wonderful, too, dazzling the audience. Great congratulations should also be extended to the marvelous script, the masterful direction of three different time periods, and the tremendous costumes, settings, and effects. Do imitate all serious film fans and don't put off seeing this one. Its riches will be as stunning to you as to everyone the world over.