The Illusionist

PG-13

Released Sep 1, 2006

1 hr. 50 min.

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

List

73%

196 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A master magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) vies with Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie (Jessica Biel), the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancee. However, a police inspector named Uhl (Paul Giamatti) tries to warn Eisenheim that he is playing a very dangerous game.

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Critics Consensus

The Illusionist is an engrossing, well-crafted story of mystery, magic and intrigue that is certain to enchant, if not hypnotize, audiences.

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Peter F

I love this movie so much. Just a true piece of entertaining and original art. Better than the highly acclaimed The Prestige in my opinion. Outstanding roles played by Giamatti, Norton, and the villain actor who is well known but can't remember his name. Coming back to watch it after almost 20 years it's even better than I remembered compared to most movies these days. It's a perfect example of character development and making us root for the protagonist and hate the antagonist through storytelling rather than lengthy exposition, backgrounds, etc. Essentially this movie "shows" the viewer rather than "tells" the viewer. More writers should take note.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/04/24

Full Review

Jordi H

The final twist is too cute and forgets that murder victims always are autopsied.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

Full Review

G K

Love this movie. Great story, keeps you interested with every scene. incredible acting.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/24

Full Review

Fred L

The film is well-written, and the camera work is excellent. Not boring in any spots, nor over-reaching either. Nice piece of work.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

Rich S

When your movie is pitted against cut-throats like Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman -- in the magic-themed movie "The Prestige" that came out just weeks after "The Illusionist -- you had better bring a bigger bag of tricks.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/19/24

Full Review

Ray G

It was an absolutely amazing movie! I could watch it every day!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/24

Full Review

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Neil Burger

Director

Ed Norton

Eisenheim

Paul Giamatti

Inspector Uhl

Jessica Biel

Sophie

Rufus Sewell

Crown Prince Leopold

Eddie Marsan

Josef Fischer

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

So, in short? Well, the scenery is very pleasant and this film would kill a couple of hours on a plane. But I don't think I'd advise schlepping to the cinema rather than, say, staying at home for a nap then a bit of cheese.

Jan 30, 2018

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: B

Feb 18, 2012

Full Review

Bob Mondello

NPR.org

The line between truth and illusion is blurred so persuasively that for a moment or two, you may even believe that a romantic costume drama could stand up to all those special-effects blockbusters in the dog days of summer.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

The Illusionist is an attractively done piece of work, that leaves a relatively small impression.

Feb 14, 2021

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 11, 2020

Full Review

Kathi Maio

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

The legerdemain of The Illusionist is done with more finesse...it is that feeling of elation that makes it magic.

Feb 28, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

A master magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) vies with Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie (Jessica Biel), the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancee. However, a police inspector named Uhl (Paul Giamatti) tries to warn Eisenheim that he is playing a very dangerous game.

Director: Neil Burger
Executive Producer: Jane Garnett, Tom Nunan, Ted Liebowitz, Joey Horvitz
Screenwriter: Neil Burger
Distributor: Yari Film Group
Production Co: Stillking Films, Bull's Eye Entertainment, Michael London Productions, Bob Yari Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $39.8M

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