The Prestige

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2:26

The Prestige

PG-13

2006

2h 10m

Drama

Fantasy

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

206 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

An illusion gone horribly wrong pits two 19th-century magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman), against each other in a bitter battle for supremacy. Terrible consequences loom when the pair escalate their feud, each seeking not just to outwit -- but to destroy -- the other man.

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Critics Consensus

Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is a dazzling period piece that never stops challenging the audience.

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Graham Fuller

Sight & Sound

Although the film's stunning reveals make the audience realise it has been duped... there is a protagonist to empathise with each time.

Nov 2, 2018

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It's quite a movie -- atmospheric, obsessive, almost satanic.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 7, 2007

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Brian Tallerico

UGO

An example of old-fashioned storytelling, the kind of magical movie that could have been made fifty years ago and, consequently, will still be watched fifty years from now.

Mar 24, 2007

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

Plus one of Jackman’s early conceits revealed what a good actor he can be, and we forget because of the body. He actually manages to seem like a different person and almost change the structure of his face in one early scene w

Jan 2, 2025

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Brian Pendreigh

Radio Times

Nolan constructs a fascinating tale that twists and turns at every opportunity, although there is perhaps one twist too many in a slightly overbaked dénouement.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 22, 2024

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Akhil Arora

AkhilArora.com

Nolan looks at how obsession can drive you beyond your limit and destroy everything, even when the simple answer is right in front of you. In the process, he … intentionally crafts an allegory of filmmaking itself.

Oct 17, 2023

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Kim P

Good, even flashy at times, but ultimately the film places tricking the viewer far above telling the characters' stories, which is I suppose the very definition of what a magician does. I felt like, other than obsession as motivation, I didn't know much about these characters.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/22/25

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Vansh M

This is simply on of the best piece of art i have seen. The atmosphere, the story and with every fram turning you see a new hero. This is really a masterpiece to remember.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/25

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Stathis K

Story: 10/10 – A brilliantly crafted tale of obsession, rivalry, and sacrifice. Every twist hits hard, and the final reveal is unforgettable. Atmosphere/Visuals: 9.5/10 – Dark, Victorian-era style that feels mysterious and elegant. Nolan builds tension in every scene. Soundtrack: 9/10 – Haunting, subtle, and perfectly fitting. It slowly builds the sense of unease throughout the film. Concept: 10/10 – Magicians, illusions, science, rivalry—one of Nolan’s smartest and most unique premises. Performances: 10/10 – Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both at their best. Their chemistry and intensity carry the whole movie. David Bowie as Tesla is a perfect touch. Overall, 9.6/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/25

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Erik V

Genius. Great film led by great acting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/14/25

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B S.

GOAT movie. Quite literally a work of art.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/25

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Billy C.

Arguably the best movie of all time. The story is absolutely phenomenal, as is the acting. Perfect movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/09/25

Full Review

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Christopher Nolan

Director

Hugh Jackman

Rupert Angier

Christian Bale

Alfred Borden

Michael Caine

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Scarlett Johansson

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Piper Perabo

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The Prestige: Trailer 1

2:26

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Synopsis

An illusion gone horribly wrong pits two 19th-century magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman), against each other in a bitter battle for supremacy. Terrible consequences loom when the pair escalate their feud, each seeking not just to outwit -- but to destroy -- the other man.

Director: Christopher Nolan
Producer: Aaron Ryder, Emma Thomas
Screenwriter: Jonathan Nolan
Distributor: Buena Vista
Production Co: Newmarket Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Disturbing Images)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 20, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 23, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $53.1M
Runtime: 2h 10m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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