“WarGames” may have been released 40 years ago, but the film continues to be relevant today. The classic hacker film often tops lists of the best hacker films and remains a favorite among young people passionate about computer technology. Released in US cinemas on June 3, 1983, “WarGames” captures the imagination of viewers with its portrayal of the possibilities of data transmission during a time when home computers were becoming increasingly popular.
The film revolves around David, who demonstrates how to break into someone else’s computer to his friend Jennifer. He dials into the remote computer via phone and acoustic coupler to chat, play and access information. The film also impressively shows the practical use of hacking knowledge when David breaks into the school computer to improve his grades. He succeeds by provoking discussions with the director and getting hold of the regularly changed password.
When David comes across an advertisement for unreleased games by new computer company Protovision, he tries to get hold of them. He uses a technique popularized by the film called wardialing, and with a manipulated extension, there are no charges for the many long-distance calls. However, when he finally gains access to the supposed Protovision computer, he realizes that it’s a military computer of the NORAD air defense called WOPR, adept at analyzing attack scenarios.
David and Jennifer start a game called “Global Thermonuclear War” on the Soviet side, not realizing that the game is being played on a military computer. The machine does not differentiate between simulation and reality and wants to win the game in reality, which could start a nuclear war. However, the heroes finally realize that some games cannot be won, and the computer learns this lesson by playing tic-tac-toe. He realizes that there is no winner in a nuclear war, and the missiles are not launched.
The film’s themes and topics are still relevant today, such as passwords, scenarios run by computers and the fear of nuclear missiles. The film also considers whether a machine can be left to press the red button in case of a nuclear attack. Originally, the film was not supposed to be about computers and nuclear missiles, but insights into the world of hacking and a report in Harper’s Magazine on NORAD’s underground military computer changed the direction of the script.
Directed by John Badham, “WarGames” remains a classic film with an economic success grossing over 100 million dollars. Matthew Broderick plays David, and Ally Sheedy plays Jennifer, who has an expanded role in the second half of the film. Their performances in “WarGames” helped launch their careers in Hollywood. The film was nominated for three Oscars for screenplay, camera, and sound.
