Decoded” (2024) Directed by Chen Sicheng (陈思诚) Based on the novel by Mai Jia (麦家), Starring Liu Haoran (刘昊然), John Cusack, Daniel Wu (吴彦祖), Chen Daoming (陈道明)
“Decoded” takes us on a thrilling journey into the world of code-breaking in World War II. Director Chen Sicheng turns Mai Jia’s popular book into a movie that’s part mind-bender, part emotional journey.
The story follows Rong Jinzhen, a supersmart but shy mathematician. He’s been picked by a secret government group to crack an enemy code that no one else can solve. As Rong gets consumed with his objective, the film explores the psychological toll of his work, straddling the line between genius and madness.
The movie’s visual style is one of its strongest points. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the cold, harsh reality of the wartime setting with the vibrant, surreal landscapes of Rong’s dreams. These dream sequences remind me a bit of “Inception,” and they’re not just visually stunning; they serve as a reflection of Rong’s inner turmoil and help unravel the story’s deeper psychological layers.
Liu Haoran delivers an outstanding performance as Rong Jinzhen, portraying the character’s vulnerability and brilliance with excellent depth. His portrayal is both compelling and haunting, making Rong’s journey into obsession and isolation feel incredibly real. The supporting cast is top-notch too. We’ve got Hollywood star John Cusack (as Liseiwicz) and Asian cinema veterans Daniel Wu (as Xiao Lili) and Chen Daoming (as Zheng Mou), each contributing significantly to the film’s emotional and narrative impact.
The movie also brings in some lighter moments through its two lead actresses, Ren Luyao (as Xiao Mei) and Chen Yusi (as Rong Biyu). Their charm and interactions with Rong add touches of romance and humor, giving us a break from all the serious stuff. These sweet and touching moments provide necessary relief from the film’s intensity, making the whole experience richer and more enjoyable.
At 152 minutes, some might find “Decoded” a bit long, but I understand it’s necessary for the story’s progression and character development. While the movie tries to explain the code-breaking in a way that’s simple to understand, I sometimes wish they’d gone a bit deeper into how it all works. This would have really satisfied the curious, analytical-minded viewers who are fans of these kinds of movies.
Despite this, “Decoded” is a well-crafted thriller that keeps you hooked with its rich storytelling, strong performances, and unique visual style. While it does require some patience, those willing to immerse themselves in its world will find a rewarding and thought-provoking experience. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after you’ve left the cinema. For fans of intelligent, visually striking thrillers like “A Beautiful Mind” or “The Imitation Game,” “Decoded” is definitely worth your time.
Rating
7.5/10
