Breaking the Code [VHS]

Breaking the Code [VHS]
by Herbert Wise

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Product details

Actor: Alun Armstrong, Blake Ritson, Derek Jacobi, Prunella Scales, William Mannering
Director: Herbert Wise
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
Running Time: 90 minutes
Release Date: 1997-10-16
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: Starz / Anchor Bay
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

VHS Movie Reviews of Breaking the Code [VHS]

Movie Review: Expected more out of it
Summary: 3 Stars

I first heard of "Breaking The Code" as a play, with the same actor, Derek Jacobi, in the PBS mini-series "The Machine That Changed The World" (from 1992). Part 1 of TMTCTW showed a couple excerpts of the play, and it gave me the impression that the story really got into Turing's theories about computing, explaining them in a way that people could understand. These ideas have validity even today. I looked forward to this same depth in the TV production, but was disappointed. The TV version was more of a "message film". It emphasized Turing's homosexuality, which no doubt is an important part of his life. No telling of it would be complete without talking about it, particularly how it caused conflict with his government, which motivated his suicide. His mastery of mathematics is used as a jumping off point to show what a brilliant man he was and what a shame it was for the British government to oppress him. A valid POV, but I wanted more. The video version of the TV production (perhaps it was just the PBS version) contained another disappointment (it was no fault of the seller). A key scene showing how Turing was inspired to come up with his first theory on computing was trimmed and spliced together such that the train of thought was entirely lost. I know because I saw the complete version of this scene in a clip on YouTube. It felt insulting. The message of the video editors was "You don't understand mathematics. So we're not going to bore you with this." It felt as though Turing's unique contributions to our world (aside from the fact that he helped the allies win WW II) were completely swept aside, and instead he was used as an archetype of the oppressed gay man. It reminded me that TV is often dumbed down. Still, it's a powerful story. The climactic, tragic ending makes it worth watching. Aside from it disappointing my expectations it's a good story from a generalist perspective.

Movie Review: heartbreaking and superbly executed.
Summary: 5 Stars

There are probably only a handful of actors alive as good as Derek Jacobi; this account of Alan Turing's life and disgrace in the eyes of the British secret service demonstrates why he's so good. The empathy and outrage the viewer feels on behalf of the embattled mathmetician finds its equal in the awe for his intellect that the solution of the enigma ciphers merits. Much like Prick Up Your Ears, this film shows up societal prejudice and how damaging it can be in the face of true creative genius.

Movie Review: Double Entendre
Summary: 3 Stars

The world of cryptography is fascinating. So is the world of Derek Jacobi. It was a brilliant idea to offer a role of Alan Turing to Brother Cadfael. I set my heart to see a struggle of human intellect against the five rotating wheels. I wanted to see how a mind of a genius beats a U-Boat fleet. Unfortunately, instead of it, I've got another gay rights pamphlet. A point that no one should be punished for victimless crimes done in privacy is a very simple one, but not profound enough to keep viewer entertained for two hours.

Movie Review: A Touching and Intelligent Story
Summary: 4 Stars

I have just recently watched this video and found it to be an absolute delight! While several people fuss about the play not covering enough about Turing's theories, one needs to realize that it is a piece about the man, not his theories. The film version is somewhat different from the play version, which I was disappointed by. However, the performances are superb, all around great cast, but it is Derek Jacobi who gives such subtle depth and tremendous passion to this film. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys seeing an intelligent, meaningful piece about humanity.

Movie Review: Breaking The Code Is A Truly Heartbreaking Drama
Summary: 5 Stars

Having seen Breaking The Code for myself at the reccommendation of a few close friends, I came away with the conclusion that this is truly a heartbreaking drama, because, as Derek Jacobi's breathtaking portrayal of Alan Turing showed me, this mathematical genius did not receive the laud he so richly deserved for cracking the Enigma code and making a contribution toward the winning of the Second World War, because he was so unfairly exposed as a homosexual and crucified for it in the media, in much the same way our Savior was crucified for doing the work he had been sent here by His Father to do. The worlds of math and science lost a truly great figure when Turing died in 1954.

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Drama Video

Genres > Art House & International > By Country > United Kingdom
Drama > By Theme > Biography
Military & War > Drama
World War II

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