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The Illusionist

Play trailer Poster for The Illusionist PG-13 2006 1h 50m Mystery & Thriller Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Illusionist

The Illusionist

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
James Christopher The Times (UK) 03/13/2007
3/5
Norton looks tortured and old before his time as the humourless Eisenheim. Go to Full Review
David Walsh World Socialist Web Site 02/14/2021
The Illusionist is an attractively done piece of work, that leaves a relatively small impression. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com 09/11/2020
3.5/4.0
The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience. Go to Full Review
Kathi Maio The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction 02/28/2020
The legerdemain of The Illusionist is done with more finesse...it is that feeling of elation that makes it magic. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mary S Jan 5 Excellent cast and interaction. Well worth the effort. See more Shawn G @msgohio Dec 23 Good original story, Ed Norton was great in this one. See more Deepika V Nov 18 This is based from the short story by Steven Milhauser. The description of Eisenheim in the story almost matches Norton’s depiction in the movie. Norton does a great job in playing a magician—he’s believable, from his hairstyles, beard, and expressive eyes. Jessica Biel did a great job in acting as his love interest, there was a certain chemistry between her and Norton in their scenes. See more Robert C Jul 13 One of the best and most enchanting movies I have ever seen. The intrigue is haunting. The acting superb. I never knew knew what to expect from scene to scene. See more Calvin T @Calvin504 Jun 10 One of the greatest movies I've seen 💯✌🏾 See more Christina A May 4 Quite good. Top notch performance from Paul Giamatti. I understand the tricks were supposed to come across as Fantastical and that's what made Eisenheim appealing. Other than that, the movie does well immersing the viewer into the time period with beautifully shot scenes as well as the music score. A worthy watch for sure! See more Read all reviews
The Illusionist

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Movie Info

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
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
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