Film Review: The Imitation Game

This week, I saw 'The Imitation Game' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Morten Tyldum; The film tells the true story of Alan Turing, a man who deserves far more credit than he gets I personally think. Long story short, WW2 would have been about three years longer if it weren't for him and his code-breaking team working secretly on a machine that would crack 'Enigma', the encryption machine the Germans used throughout the war. Anyone could pick up these messages sent but no-one knew what they meant without cracking the code that changed every day at midnight.

While the film follows the story of the machine Turing built to crack the code, it also gives a great insight into his life. He was secretive, quiet man, extremely clever, bullied at school and sadly due to the treatment of the British government and society at the time, forced to hide the fact he was gay. Ever since I first read about Turing a few years ago, I thought he was fascinating and the film (or Cumberbatch) portrays him excellently, how he deserves to be remembered. It can't really be classed as a spoiler as it's a true story that we know the ending of but; Turing died a criminal, suicide by cyanide because he had been forced to take hormonal therapy to "cure his homosexuality" by the police service. It was only in 2013, that the Queen gave Turing a royal pardon and was remembered for the astonishing work he did during the war that was kept a secret for fifty years. But I digress. (Seriously do some research into the man, he's amazing)

Back to the film. The way they told the story was gripping, there were parts that made you happy, sad, angry, essentially all of the emotions. Every actor was perfect in their portrayal of their character. I will always sing Benedict Cumberbatch's praises but he really is outstanding in this film, very different to anything we have seen him in before but still fantastic. Keira Knightley plays Joan Clarke, the only woman on the Enigma team, extremely intelligent but made to work elsewhere on the project very secretly as she was not allowed to work with the men. She fitted the role perfectly and portrayed her with class, just as she should have been. Other actors involved include Matthew Goode, Mark Strong and Charles Dance who also played their roles incredibly.

In terms of setting, cinematography etc, I could find no fault in the direction, costumes, lighting etc. The whole film just worked together really well to tell an important story that people certainly do not know enough about. The only problem I had was that in the middle, it wavers slightly and I would have thought some people would lose interest in what was going on.

Overall, this film was amazing and I highly recommend you go see it, particularly if you are interested in History!
10/10

Laura x

Things that I liked in Autumn

I know that is technically not Winter yet but it's close enough so I thought I would have a little round up of things of all varieties that I have enjoyed/would recommend/just have a ramble about to you kind folk

TV shows
As we all know I am a rather big TV addict which is kinda becoming a problem but so far, I've managed to stay on top my studies and life in general so here are my top (some old, some new) shows that I have been loving the past couple of months

• The Big Bang Theory - I know it's been around for about eight years now and I've always loved it but recently, I rediscovered my love for this show as I've been watching my boxset and just remembering why I love it. Funny, sweet and characters you can connect to, it's brilliant for when you just need a simple show to cheer you up
• How To Get Away With Murder- holy smokes this show is amazing. I'm always up for a crime drama and this is one of the best I've watched ever. A storyline that keeps you hooked, fantastically written characters portrayed by wonderful actors (Also Jack Falahee who plays Connor is possibly one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen. Ahem) and I honestly can't wait for more. I know the States are few episodes ahead and so far I have avoided spoilers as I'm watching in the UK but I just want to watch it all the damn time.
• Elementary, (Season 3) - Cannot speak highly enough of this show, been a fan of it since the beginning and season 3 is not disappointing thus far. Sherlock Holmes in New York with a female Watson played by the stunning and talented Lucy Liu, there isn't much more you could ask for. IT has plots that keep you guessing, the writing is almost flawless and my personal favourite thing about the show is that there isn't a perfect character, they all have flaws but they all embrace them and use them in their life to their advantage, which is something I think society needs to reminded of from time to time. Anyway yeah. WATCH IT.  (I mean obviously, if you haven't seen it, watch the first two seasons as well hehehe)
• Doctor Who - Given that I could talk about this show for hours, I think I might do a whole other post on this series (let me know if I should) but all I'm going to say is that I loved it despite some annoyances so I would say it's worth it. If not, just for Peter Capaldi who was fantastic as the new Doctor. 

Films
I won't lie; I'm normally a pretty big film buff but recently, I haven't had time to go to the cinema as much (Although I am seeing Mockingjay on Friday and I'm rather excited :D) or have a look through sky or netflix to find something to watch.

That being said, I did recently see 'Horns' which is Daniel Radcliffe's new film. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for something to mess with your head a little bit; Good storyline, good acting, a little predictable and a little bit long (it could certainly have been half an hour shorter) but all in all, a pretty good film which is worth a watch when you have the time or inclination :)

Books
Some books I've recently read and enjoyed

• Perfect by Rachel Joyce - Having read Joyce's previous book 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry', I had pretty high expectations for Perfect and I was not disappointed. In fact, I liked it better. This was just one of those stories that was heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. It had a moving story that made you think about not only those in the story but yourself as well. It was just very sweet but also rather sad so if you need a bit of a weep, I would recommend this book!
• Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown-Up - Written by the lovely Grace Helbig who will be known to most as ItsGrace on YouTube, this book was funny yet actually a very useful guide on how to be a grown-up. Given that I just turned 18, I find myself relating to scenarios that Grace describes and relying on her hilarious yet helpful advice on how to get through awkward new situations. Very funny and one of those books I can see myself just dipping into throughout the rest of my life if I'm honest!

Miscellaneous things
Here is a strange assortment of other random things I have enjoyed this past couple of months

• Sou&Co Orange and Pomelo hand and body cream-  This has to be one of the most amazing things I have ever smelled/put on my hands. It can be used as a body butter as well but I tend to use just as hand cream.  I often get dry hands for some unknown reason but this has been a lifesaver in keeping them soft and supple, which is brillant just as it starts to get colder as well. So if you fancy a little indulgence (go on, you deserve it), You can see their website here 
• Apple Tango - I'm not sure why but I recently discovered a love for Apple Tango so I thought I'd write it here. Do with that what you will. (If you don't know what it is, it is essentially a fizzy apple flavoured drink)
• Noel Fielding - I saw comedian Noel Fielding on his stand-up tour a couple of weeks ago and he was absoultely brillant so if you are up for a laugh and certainly a bit of weirdness, I would recommned seeing his tour if you can while it is still on. He was hilarious and commanded the whole stage and city hall perfectly - you can look for tickets here

That is about all for now folks, so I hope you've enjoyed reading :) Let me know what you've liked these past months.
Laura xo