<strong>4 movies all aspiring mathematicians should watch</strong>
Mathematics is a subject that is either loved or hated by most students. There is hardly anyone who is neutral about it. If you have an aspiring mathematician at home, here are some movies based on the lives of mathematicians. Their life stories are sure to inspire students. Here is a list of 4 such movies that budding mathematicians will enjoy for sure.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Directed by: Matthew Brown
Released in: 2016
The Man Who Knew Infinity is a biographical drama about the genius Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and features the prime of his life. The story unfolds when he writes to his idol Professor GH Hardy, the then Head of the Department of Mathematics in Trinity College Cambridge and a beautiful bond of friendship develops between the mentee and his mentor. The movie has been adapted from the 1991 novel of the same name written by Robert Kanigel.
Lessons Learnt: Even ordinary kids can turn out to be extraordinary adults if they believe in themselves.
The Imitation Game
Directed by: Morten Tyldum
Released in: 2014
This war drama is based on Alan Turing, an exceptionally gifted young British mathematician and cryptanalyst. The plot revolves around his life’s most important project, leading a code-cracking team in order to help the Allied Powers during the Second World War. His mission was to successfully aid them shorted the war span and in turn save millions of lives. Needless to say, that the story is massively inspiring, and to top it, there are complex mathematical equations and puzzle-solving. Turing with his fellow mathematicians try to build an innovative machine to crack the enigma code aka a Cipher device used by the German army to destroy their enemies. The film went on to win the Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Lessons Learnt: Machines are only as powerful as humans make them to be.
Shakuntala Devi
Directed by: Anu Menon
Released in: 2020
Shakuntala Devi is an Indian biographical drama about the genius Indian mathematician Shakuntala Devi and how her unhinged talent in Mathematics earned her the title of a ‘human computer.’ The plot covers her entire life, from her childhood struggles to her free-spirited adult life with its ups and downs as she wins over the entire world with her exceptional talent with numbers. This film is highly motivational for all young mathematics lovers, especially girls.
Lessons Learnt: Hard work and self-confidence are the ultimate keys to success.
Good Will Hunting
Directed by: Gus Vant Sant
Released in: 1997
Good Will Hunting is a story about an eponymous protagonist named Will Hunting, an exceptionally talented mathematician. Despite his tremendous intelligence, he could only land a job as a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of world’s most renowned institute to pursue mathematics. Throughout the film, Will is seen solving complex mathematical equations, such as functions, matrices, vertices and graphs all the while facing an emotional turmoil on his own. When he is unable to carry on anymore, he resorts to psychiatrist Dr. Sean Maguireto for help who gradually helps him recover. The story not only focuses on mathematics but also talks about the importance of mental health, and is a must watch for all growing teenagers.
Lessons Learnt: Mental health should be prioritised above all and resilience helps one cope with challenges.