War film based on real life but fans all have the same complaint

Daily Record

26-05-2025

The 2001 war film, which has a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is set during World War II and is about British codebreakers who try to crack the Nazi Enigma code
Enigma, the British-American war thriller from 2001, has garnered a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite leaving fans puzzled over a significant issue. Set during World War II, the film features high-tension drama focusing on the efforts of codebreakers at Bletchley Park trying to decipher Nazi Germany's formidable Enigma code.
The movie, directed by Michael Apted and based on Robert Harris's acclaimed novel with an adaptation penned by Tom Stoppard, has been praised for its gripping portrayal of historical events.
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Even though the historical aspects have won it popularity, audience opinions remain divided as evidenced by mixed responses.
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On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer scathingly wrote: "Serious contender for worst film of all time. The acting is terrible, I mean really terrible, it is difficult to even work out what the story is supposed to be about, it is nothing to do with enigma in any real sense at all."
Conversely, another said: "The slow pace of the film was fine at the beginning while it introduced the period setting. However, that soon made it dull. Most of the main characters were uninteresting. Overall a very disappointing film.", reports the Express.
Despite boasting big names like Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet, Jeremy Northam, and Saffron Burrows who bring together a blend of spy drama and romance, Enigma's appeal is somewhat tarnished.
Behind its clever narrative and wartime suspense, the film faces criticism over one major stumbling block - its commitment to historical veracity, particularly concerning the pivotal role of Alan Turing.
Critics have earmarked Enigma for downplaying the essential input of Alan Turing, the bona fide mastermind whose work at Bletchley Park was paramount.
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Turing's crucial contribution in deciphering the Enigma code is ignored, as well as his seminal work in the early stages of computing.
The film instead focuses on a fictional protagonist, Jericho, which has prompted many viewers to debate its fidelity to historical accuracy.
A viewer said: "I loved the story even though it didn't give any credit to the TRUE genius who actually broke the Modern code...Alan Turing, and his Polish predecessors in the 1920's who originally broke the code way back then....oh well...Hollywood gobbles facts and regurgitates them as truths."
Enigma is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.