The Illusionist

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The Illusionist

PG-13

2006

1h 50m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

193 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

A master magician named Eisenheim vies with Crown Prince Leopold of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie, the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancée. However, a police inspector named Uhl 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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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

01/30/2018

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.

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Brian Tallerico

UGO

03/24/2007

Despite its two strong lead performances and terrific visual verve, The Illusionist ends up as a great example of an overly ambitious movie that's not quite sure what it wants to be.

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James Christopher

The Times (UK)

03/13/2007

3/5

Norton looks tortured and old before his time as the humourless Eisenheim.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jan 17

[Paul Giamatti]'s twinkling eyes and theatrical smiles offering everything from cagey mistrust to professional appreciation (often at the same time) gives him the flamboyance the film’s magic act never quite manages.

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

02/14/2021

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

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/11/2020

3.5/4.0

The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience.

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Kathryn U.

@RT61406320 Apr 30

Not realistic-who cares about the movie at all if the illusions cannot be explained/have credibility. This is just dazzling by ambiance. It was originally apparently a *short story*. What does that tell you? That, in part, there was not enough substance in it for more. If the author could understand how illusions are made, it would have been more than that/at least so for the movie.

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Casey W

@caseyw1993 Apr 20

A little slow but intriguing enough to make a good watch.

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Ryan B.

@GafferGamgee Apr 13

A highly entertaining movie with a great cast of actors to boot.

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Scott B

@sburke802 Apr 11

Great Movie. Script, Acting, Cinematography, all excellent.

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Scott P.

@GeneParmesan211 Feb 6

Great cast. Good watch.

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Mary S

@RT31692299 Jan 5

Excellent cast and interaction. Well worth the effort.

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Neil Burger

Director

Edward Norton

Eisenheim

Paul Giamatti

Inspector Uhl

Jessica Biel

Sophie

Rufus Sewell

Crown Prince Leopold

Eddie Marsan

Josef Fischer

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57%

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Synopsis

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

Director: Neil Burger
Producer: Michael London, Brian Koppelman, David Levien, Bob Yari
Screenwriter: Neil Burger
Distributor: Yari Film Group
Production Co: Michael London Productions, Stillking Films, Bull's Eye Entertainment, Bob Yari Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $39.8M
Runtime: 1h 50m