The Prestige

PG-13

Released Oct 20, 2006

2 hr. 10 min.

Drama

Fantasy

Mystery & Thriller

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List

77%

206 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Chelsea D

Bro the plot twist go hard

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/24

Full Review

Terry M

Amazing film, mind-blowing finale. Loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/24

Full Review

Kingston M

One of my favourite movies ever! Would definitely recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

Full Review

John L

The greatest movie I’ve ever watched

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

Full Review

Mitchell R

Released in 2006, and currently on my Top 10 personal favorites list, The Prestige features some of the best modern actors and actresses to hit the silver screen. I will admit, I have seen this film quite a few times (I will tell you why later), and the more I watch this film the more I catch on to the little details. I mean (come on) this film has both Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as the main characters. The best part is they go head-to-head against each other (I know what your thinking, this film has both Batman and Wolverine... mind blown). Let me explain, this film is based in the late 1890's (possibly early 1900's, I can never really tell) in London, England as two magicians struggle against each other to give their audiences "the greatest" magic trick in the world. These two magicians are locked in a fierce rivalry against each other to the point were it affects the people around them. Each moment when one magician thinks he has the upper hand the tables turn to leave that magician only empty handed. Of course, being that this film is a Christopher Nolan flick, a bigger plot emerges that eventually puts a stop to this epic rivalry. Besides the fact that this film is fun and interesting to watch, to understand this story completely you must watch this film again and again. This film is not The Matrix confusing, but in this film, every single detail is important to the story. It took me a few times to watch this film just to understand the ending. The performances of each of the actors and actresses is excellent, especially Christian Bale. This film must be one of his better films other than the Dark Knight series of course. This film also features several other familiar faces that the audience would appreciate. Not only does this film have the best actors in its corner, but a strong story line that carries this film all the way to the end. This film is one of best films about an individual's attempt to grasp the impossible and to stay ahead of his competition. The characters will soon discover that their pursuit for the impossible has taken them down a path that was unintended by each party. Whenever I get an opportunity, I always make time to watch this film at least once a year. Nowadays, it doesn't seem like many people watch or even talk about this film. Which is a shame because this film is a good film, even better than films I have seen this year. If this film is not a classic now it should be in the future. Personally, I could watch this film at any time in the day, and it will still be good. Anyway, if you love films with plot twists, drama, rivalry, intense moments, and mystery then you will love this film. In summary, this film is one of my personal favorites for a reason and that is because this film is the best. I recommend this film to anybody just looking for a solid film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/24

Full Review

Hargie M

As the film reached its breathtaking conclusion, I was left stunned by the sheer audacity of Nolan's vision. "The Prestige" wasn't just a movie – it was an experience that challenged my perceptions and left me questioning the nature of reality itself. And long after the credits had rolled, I found myself still grappling with the lingering echoes of its themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/20/24

Full Review

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Christopher Nolan

Director

Hugh Jackman

Rupert Angier

Christian Bale

Alfred Borden

Michael Caine

Cutter

Scarlett Johansson

Olivia

Piper Perabo

Julia

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The Prestige: Trailer 1

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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

Full Review

Bob Mondello

NPR.org

The film is never less than engaging, though considering that the title The Prestige refers to the moment in a magic act that gives it its "wow" factor, it's kind of a shame that the ultimate "reveal" in the movie is a little too tricky for its own good.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

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

Rated: 3/4

Sep 7, 2007

Full Review

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

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

For the Win (USA Today)

In terms of building narratives on top of narratives, this one really cemented Nolan as one of cinema’s most cerebral storytellers.

Jul 20, 2023

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

The Prestige is a thrilling film but it requires multiple viewings to better understand the narrative.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 17, 2023

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Chris J. Ball, Valerie Dean, William Tyrer
Screenwriter: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher 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
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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