An A-list cast join forces to retell the historic events behind the cracking of the Enigma code in what fans are calling a 'masterpiece' movie set during the Second World War.

Based on the real-life story of legendary mathematician Alan Turing, The Imitation Game sees Benedict Cumberbatch star as the computer scientist who played a pivotal role in the war. Using the real-life stories told in his biography, the film sees Turing decipher the codes sent by German intelligence to aid the British government in their victory.

At the time of its release in 2014, The Imitation Game saw a box office boom, grossing over $233 million worldwide. This meant it was the highest-grossing independent film of that year and was so well-received it was nominated across major award categories.

A Rotten Tomatoes review states: "I really enjoyed this movie. What could have been a tedious subject - codebreaking - was dramatic and suspenseful. All of the actors were terrific, and you really care about them, especially Benedict Cumberbatch's character.

You admire his brilliance but sympathise with his difficulties relating to people. And the relationship between him and Keira Knightley is poignant. I really think this is an excellent film."

Making the film so enigmatic alongside Cumberbatch was Kiera Knightley, who plays Turing's close friend and short-term fiancée, Joan Clarke. Viewers have claimed that the "superb acting" helps to "bring it to life", and it's their "superb" performances that landed them both nominations for best actor and best supporting actress at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes that year.

When Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, it was then that an intelligent Turing joined the cryptography to help analyse the Enigma machine, which the Nazis were using to send coded messages. The film shows the moment when Turing discovers a convoy about to come under attack but if they react too quickly it will blow their whole cover and the Germans will know they've been uncovering their secret messages.

As a result, the computer scientist is left with a difficult decision in order to minimise their chances of getting caught. Above all, it's these true stories of the behind-the-scenes heroes of wartime that moved viewers.

One person writes: The Imitation Game is a masterpiece that left me in tears. Alan Turing's brilliance and sacrifice are beautifully portrayed, reminding us of the unsung heroes who change history. It's a powerful story of genius and courage, and the actors did a fantastic job."

Another review claimed the film is "haunting". They shared: "A brilliant performance by Cumberbatch to honour a brilliant mathematician.

"The film is so encapsulating that by the time the screen darkens, you will want to reach through it and hug Turing tight and tell him his work is worthy of the highest appreciation."

If you're looking for an emotional rollercoaster or are keen to learn more about the intelligence that helped to defeat the Nazis, look no further than The Imitation Game, streaming on Netflix now.