Thriller,Science Fiction
United States of America
The movie WarGames was released in 1983 and directed by John Badham. It starred Matthew Broderick as David Lightman, a high school student who finds a backdoor into a military computer system and begins playing a simulated game of global thermonuclear war against the computer itself. Believing it to be just a simulation, David accidentally starts a real-life game of nuclear war and puts the world at risk of an actual Armageddon.
Unknowingly, David connects through his phone line to a military supercomputer known as WOPR (War Operation Plan Response). As he plays a game of Global Thermonuclear War, David accidentally causes WOPR to activate its alarms and alert military officials, who believe they are under attack from the Soviet Union. The military mobilizes to prevent a nuclear war, and David goes on the run with his friend Jennifer (Ally Sheedy) to avoid being arrested for his actions.
Along the way, David seeks help from computer expert Dr. Stephen Falken (John Wood), who was involved in the development of the WOPR system. With the help of Falken's knowledge and guidance, David and Jennifer try to stop the military from launching a real nuclear attack, all while racing against time to figure out how to shut down the WOPR system before it's too late.
The stakes are high as David and Jennifer are hunted by the military, who view them as enemies of the state. The movie ultimately ends with a tense showdown between David and the military, where he is able to convince them of his innocence and ultimately prevent the nuclear war.
WarGames remains a classic film that highlights the dangers of technology while also serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of hacking into military systems. It also showcases a young Matthew Broderick in one of his breakout roles and features a memorable electronic soundtrack by composer Arthur B. Rubinstein.
