we enjoyed everything about this movie. acting, story, scenery
Keeps you guessing. Quite good.
A romance with a difference! Very well acted but the romance between the 2 main characters required more depth! Apart from that a very enjoyable movie with an interesting plot.
Enjoyable and entertaining.
Pleasant throughout even if there are serious holes in the plot.
A fantastic movie that will leave you thinking. Very well done.
Love Edward Norton...great movie!
Yes, I enjoyed and would recommend it. It made you think about the fact that practitioners of any crime are all really just aspiring illusionists at varying levels of competancy. But don't expect the twist to make you burst a brain cell. Howwever I also loved the atmosphere - so low key and low tech, which was of course appropriate for the time period. Mind you I should warn you that I am guilty of some bias here, I have yet to watch Norton in anything that hasn't been worth the effort.
This was a great movie and the twist to the end was a happy one.
i found this very interesting i like the twist and turns very good
I'd seen this before and quite liked it. It was a good yarn but not enthralling. The tale is a poor boy meets rich girl, fall in love but the families tear them apart. The boy goes on to become a powerful illusionist and the girl is set to marry the Prince. Long story short this is the story of them meeting up again and whether or not he manages to spirit her away.
Excellent movie, very gripping, so many twists and turns. Fabulous acting, great script. The best movie I have seen in a long time. Better than THE PRESTIGE which this film is similar to.
What a movie It didnt reveal the real illusion until the end.
Edward Norton was great, the best actor for the role and Jessica Biel played a great role also best thing was the Family could watch this because there was no coarse language.
I enjoyed this movie it was very clever
We really enjoyed this. Personally I saw the twist but it as still a good watch. And it confirmed for me again, why I am such a huge fan of Paul Giamatti.
Ed Norton once again shows why he is one of the most engaging and under-rated actors in the industry. Fine direction and a strong script bolster this to being more than 'that movie people always think is The Prestige' (but is better).
"Is there any truth in illusions?". Everything about this movie from its intelligent script, subtle editing and haunting soundtrack are designed to let you decide what you choose to believe. There are hints everywhere to the lover's secret plot, or then again, maybe not, maybe there was no plot. Has Eisenheim planned everything or is that just what Detective Uhl chooses to believe happened, after all it is really Detective Uhl's story as he chooses to remember it and what he did not personally witness (such as the ending) he quite possibly made up.
This movie is one of the most underrated movies made, it suffers as a result of being unfairly compared to The Prestige but really the 2 movies have nothing in common. Unlike The Prestige, this movie was not designed to be a showy Hollywood Blockbuster but a quietly intelligent movie designed to entertain but to encourage you to question whether you believe in 'magic' or skillful illusions. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough for those with a curious mind who appreciate intelligent and beautiful movies.
Interesting movie with a strange ending. I like it.
Cleverly written and constructed, The Illusionist is a dark and mysterious period tangle that draws you in right from the start. The characters are just likeable enough, or deliberately hateful accordingly, and the plot takes you on an eerie journey through the life of Eisenheim and his apparent command of the divine. Paul Giamatti is excellent as Inspector Uhl, and his wavering alliance makes for a very interesting character. A very enjoyable movie. I was so engrossed in it that when I tried to reach for the lolly jar (without taking my eyes off the screen) I accidentally dipped my hand in my husbands cup of tea instead!!
Couldn't even finish watching it, yawn....
great little movie! Very intriguing and fun to watch right to the very end. Really good to watch. :)
great movie - great ending
This was an alright movie. Great cast, good acting.
The Prestige is still better in depth and intrigue in the genre.
The ending to the Illusionist was to predictable. The mystery was to obvious.
Plot was obvious from the beginning.
this is a really good film
great acting,good story,you must watch closely and follow every minute,
the ending has a huge twist.
The Illusionist is ok. That's it. It should have been great, but all the impossible magic tricks (as in, they are meant to be achieved by technology, but obviously can't be) start to weigh it down. It could have gotten away with one or two of these impossibilities, but the sheer number becomes ridiculous.
Now if it had been saying that all the magic seen was in fact real, I would have been a lot more forgiving, because that would make sense.
Wonderful movie - had it all - mystery, romance, intrigue - absolutely loved it!
This was a fantastic movie, keeping me interested until the very end. Very well directed.
This is absolutely one of those films which are enjoyable from start to finish. Seemed to have a bit of everything in - adventure, mystery, romance, history. Beautifully filmed, sublime story telling, great acting - (with the delicious Rufus Sewell). Love the twist at the end - briliant!
i was surprised Edward Norton decided to act in such a silly fairy tale. what a pity
Disappointing, clever but not as exciting as expected. The Protege is much better.
Well... I found it very enjoyable. Very different and would like to watch it again. Good reviews and accurate.
The Illusionist is a little slow moving, however is a 'magical' film with a huge twist. Norton and Biel both act well in this film. Well worth watching.
Very creative plot and ideas
had seen the film a few years ago, was ok to see again, but The Prestige was much better.
Ed Norton is excellent as usual and a good supporting cast. Wasn't sure what to expect but really enjoyed the movie. A bit of romance, some power plays from the royalty and some mystery. A good twist at the end. I thought it was going to be similar to The Prestige, but it wasn't. Definitely worth a look.
This one suffers by comparison with The Prestige, another film about a magician that came out at about the same time. The Prestige had a twist ending that actually surprised me, whereas I found the ending of the Illusionist merely irritating. Sometimes leaving a few things unexplained at the end of a film is a good thing, but in this case it just came across as a cop-out, as though the writers couldn't think of a way to make sense of it all.
Good performances. The story was a little too predictable.
Alright sorta kinda, don't like stories that go beyond the plausible, and without ruining it for you, it aint possible, worth a watch for the stars, period drama and concept
Great movie. Well worth the watch!
I liked this movie, predictable ending but enjoyable storyline anyway. Edward Norton is always enjoyable to watch too! Ha
i thought this was a magical and beautiful movie
terrific flick, enjoyed it immensely
THIS WAS A GOOD MOVIE BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE A BIT MORE MAGIC BUT GOOD STORY LINE
A truly brilliant movie; it holds you in its grip from the first moment to the last. The acting is supurb. Filmed in the Czech Republic, it recreates the turn of the 20th century in its appearance, enough so that you do not really pay much attention to the buildings or scenery. The magician tells us, and the public, repeatedly that all the "supernatural" events are just trickery, but we keep wondering... Of course, apart from having guidance and advice from professional magicians, the director of the film also had the advantage of using trick photography to great effect. Altogether, an enjoyable film.
thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and watched it twice - something I never do! Very stylish, a beautiful love story and unpredictable. the whole family can enjoy this. Ed Norton was gorgeous.
I really liked this. Similar to "The Prestige" (same era, common theme). All 3 main actors are excellent. The twist is very nicely handled. Recommended.
slow start but ended up being a good watch
This movie was very well acted. A definate for Edward Norton fans. Unfortunately the movie was a bit predictable but on the whole was an enjoyable nights entertainment.
Edward Norton was great and the film needed some patience but was well worth it.
NOT QUITE UP TO EXPECTATIONS.. sad really.
What a great movie! Very creative and clever, particularly towards the end. Can't believe I didn't watch it sooner.
Fantastic movie, great actors and story line. A lot of thought went in to getting this so good. The children loved it too.
Brilliant! It was a fascinating movie with twists and turns and kept me guessing till the end.
A wonderful story about love lost and regained, with magic and supernatural powers. A strange movie quirk set in vienna but all characters speaking english, albeit with a sligth accent.
Mesmerising. The Illusionist Edward Norton lightens his usual intensity to bring credibility to the romantic thread of this highly engaging story. Paul Giamatti is an excellent foil as the police inspector being challenged by the illusionist and manipulated by the menacing Rufus Sewell in the role of the Crown Prince. Loved the twist in the ending.
Good movie, with a good story line and some unexpected twists thrown in to boot. Ed Norton was a standout.
Thought it was a really good movie as it isn't all about magic or illusions. Ed Norton is great as usual
A little slow to get into but a greatly written film, a great cast and a great ending!
This film really should have received more acclaim as it really is exceptionally directed and acted.
I would definately recommend this title good plot, great twist, I really enjoyed it Edward Norton in another great role.
Good story - cross between Jonathan Creek and Derren Brown (cable tv shows). Good to see how some 'magic' is done.
Good movie - unusual. Good acting. Very Derren Brown stuff.
now this movie is worth watching keeps you going until the end, loved the twist and the end very good, glad every thing worked out for the best. I do say the prince got what he desserved, do not feel sorry at all
brilliant! absolutely brilliant!! sure shocked the hell out of me and i loved the ending. very good movie would definately recommend.
This is about magic illusion and love. I thorougly enjoyed it. Not to be missed
Great movie - Ed Norton is brilliant, love Rufus Sewell as a psycopath, storyline is gripping, what a yarn and what tricks!! and of course, there's the love story....
Great twist at the end. However slow in parts. Not one of Nortons best who I am a big fan of.
NO-SPOILER REVIEW
"AN ENTERTAINING FILM"
While there were no big surprises in the film and the ending was predictible, the journey to reach that end is an entertaining ride.
LOWLIGHT: The Crown Prince's character, written as a rather one-dimensional evil character with little nuance.
HIGHLIGHT: The final few minutes when the true version of events is realized by one of the characters and all the pieces fall into place.
This is a movie you won't forget, the twisting plot will leave you on the edge of your seat right untill the end of the movie and even then you will be breathless.
i highly recommend this to all and wil watch it again =D
This is one of the most outstanding movies I have seen and these comments are echoed by all the members of my family. Great work
Great story that had me hooked from beginning to end. Terrific performances by Norton and Giamati (as to be expected). I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
The Illusionist was a highly enjoyable movie, very entertaining and touching. Edward Norton shines bright once again. The shots are stunning and I found the style delightful. It is paced well with a great storyline.
Started off well with a sensitive account of the young magician's friendship with a daughter of the nobility, the depiction of life at the Archduke's court at the turn of the last century and some good shots of old Vienna. But the illusions conjured up by the magician when adult and performing on-stage were too fanciful for me to want to bother with their explanation or take this movie seriously.
I quite liked this one - the illusions were hard to believe though. The love story was however believeable.
My family watched this movie and we thought it was fantastic
Captivating, creative, and thoroughly entertaining movie. The performances by the main four actors are all very strong, and equally matched by a well paced and interesting script. The creativity of the illusions is wonderful, and I found myself wanting the movie to keep going.
While all the press went to The Prestige as the crown of these two magician movies, it was unfair for The Illusionist to dissipate so quickly. Despite their sharing of subject matter, the two are quite different. This is a gorgeous visual delight, both the setting and cinemtography deserve respect. It is though the quietly building air of mystery that makes The Illusionist a joy to watch. It suspends belief in a way we don't often see taken seriously, making its various shortcomings easy to forgive.
Awesome movie! Had a very good twist to it and the ending is not what you expect!
didn't make it through to the end of this one - too sentimental. "The Prestige" is much better.
i give it 4 stars for the beautiful way it was filmed, for the actors' performance of the illusionist and the inspector. There's a subtlety to this film that needs you to collect details. However, what spoiled it was the ending which was predictable to me.
thought movie was a bit slow at beginning but got interesting a third of way through
I really enjoyed this movie, well worth a look.
An enthralling movie with an unexpected twist
Those thinking that reading the novel will give them a clue as to the film....think again. Where as the book is an exposition on magic in the 19 century...the film is a mystery romance. And in my opinion the much better for it. The 4 leading actors shine in this tense, well photographed mystery. With a wicked ending, that I never saw coming, to boot. This is a five star movie for romantic mystery buffs.
i loved this movie. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and the clever ending. Yes, there may have been unexplained devices in the plot and a few other loose ends but I thought it was very good
Romantic 'fairy tale' with a twist of Houdini. Most of this film seems to have been shot after nightfall; probably to add 'atmosphere' as the slightly pedestrian script doesn't really lift the dialogue above the ordinary. The Prince Leopold character comes straight out of a comic book. Nonetheless very enjoyable...and a happy ending!!
sweet and smart story, wasn't as gripping as the prestige
Excellent acting from Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti, with a clever story arc that provides far more entertainment than expected. The magical "tricks" by Eisenheim were superb and had you wishing such excellence of entertainment and majesty existed today.
Interesting story line. Movie not only about magic but love as well.
goog movie fantastic all the way throught should have been a longer fime to expain eerything if it feels a little cramed but fantastic story line and romance
Not bad, a bit slow but a totally predictable ending. **SPOILER WARNING** As soon as he asked Sophie did she want to come away with him I knew straight away what was going to happen. I was waiting for the big shock twist ending and when all was revealed to Giamatti on the platform at the end I was like, "Oh is that IT!?" Ho hum. And what was the point of all the illusions anyway? How did they fit into the rest of the plot? Another repetitive score from Phillip Glass too. Order "The Prestige" instead. Much, much better.
I loved this movie. Wasn't sure what it was going to be like. Ed Norton is brilliant and Jessica Biel is stunning in this. Great twists and turns in the story.
good movie, well worth watching
A movie the whole family will love, ages 10 an up. The movie is smartly directed with actors we know little about and do a great job producing a wonderfully, mysterious ending!
A good story line. Could guess the ending but the story was so good you want to watch entire movie.
An enjoyable movie - Edward Norton does an excellent job as the main character Eisenheim - and there are plenty of twists in the plot. If you enjoy this movie, make sure you watch "The Prestige", which is a better example of the genre.
I'm told that "The Prestige" is the better movie. They are both in the same bal.park, late 19 century magicians and all their tricks (but are they just tricks, or is there something more ?). But I found this one surprisingly intriguing and very entertaining. Unfolded in an unexpected way (at least for me).
An excellent movie, intriguing and well acted. Held my interest all the way through.
Exellent ,a bit slow but good story ,good twist at the end .
Worth watching again
very very good. if like a lilttle bit of magic this is the movie for you. have watched it twice now :P
really good storyline. Thought it was a bit slow at the beginning but really got going. Clever!
Expecting a much darker movie, I sat down to The Illusionist prepared for a very bumpy ride. What I got instead was a very engaging love story/thriller with a clever twist at the end. I loved it and recommend it highly. I will watch this one again.
I liked this movie magically romantic...Ed norton is always good to watch..
A tremendous movie.Enthralling from beginning to end
A great movie. The magic is so real which you find it hard to accept as just only an illusion.
Well constructed story which drew us along to an ending we never saw coming. Edward Norton was excellent.
A really great movie. It has you enthralled right to the to the end.
A very good movie, a little cryptic at times but very intense.
Refreshingly different. I really enjoyed this, it kept me gripped the entire time.
Refreshingly different. I really enjoyed this, it kept me gripped the entire time.
Worth watching with a twist at then end.
Ed Norton delivers again. A refreshingly different story with spice & intrigue that keeps you guessing till the end.
Excellent. Don't miss this film.
A really great movie, one of the best we have seen for ages. A must see!!
What a great ending- had me fooled.
A good movies, a little dark, but quite thought provoking and I loved the twist at the end. Worth a look I assure you.
Quite an unusual movie, excellent acting and story. Photography outstanding. Did not end how I thought it would. I would highly recommend this movie
Wooden acting, predictable plot - Edward Norton miscast - Prisoner of Zenda' meets 'the Pledge' - ho-hum
Really incredible. Love a good thriller with very little blood splatter. This was very tightly scripted and acted.
Great story and fantastic twist at the end, recommended viewing
Great movie that manages to sneak a surprise up on you.
My wife and I enjoyed this film immensely. Always a fan of Edward Norton - esp Primal Fear. He really is outstanding in this film and the special effects were awesome. I rate it at 5 Stars.
Great movie. A really good storyline with a surprising and pleasant ending.
Seeing can be decieving an illusion, this movie was as good as The Prestige.
Here’s where the beauty of the DVD comes to the fore: not quite sure what’s happened? – go back and watch it again; still not sure? – turn on the director’s commentary. This is a great movie – you start out puzzled by where it’s going and finish still uncertain about what was real and what was illusion. Intriguing.
slow but watchable. Ed Norton is So charismatic compared to the extras interview, wow, makes me think he is a great actor!!!!!!!
Edward Norton is fantastic in this movie, great story line and a good twist at the end
Excellent movie with good plot and unpickable twist at the end.
I'd guessed what would happen about a quarter of the way in the movie but thought that it was too obvious and that there must be a shock revelation at the end. Nope. Totally predictable. Characters were bland, dialogue bland, whole movie bland.
Definately need to watch this one. One of the best magic movies I've seen in a long time.
Despite the Illusionist being simply impossible, this movie is surprisingly entertaining and intelligent.
I must confess that I did not know much about the storyline of this film, other than that it involved magic. From the opening scenes I was hooked. It has everything - romance, suspense - and keeps you enthralled from start to finish. Edward Norton and Paul Giametti are wonderful, with good support from Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell. The ending is terrific. Great musical score as well.
This is an engrossing movie with an unusual story. We half guessed the twist in the ending but we were still carried along with the film. The musical score is by Philip Glass in a more classical style than his usual minimalist writing. Like the tricks, the villages seemed to have been digitally enhanced but they were apparently filmed in actual Czech towns.
Certainly worth a look. Thought the ending was a bit obvious.
not to be missed. Clever plot Norton at his tortured brooding best .Keeps you interested all through the movie Highly Recommend
Very good film, well acted. Story lie has a few flaws but generally good entertainment.
An excellent movie. it kept me entertianed until the end.
Hard to avoid comparisons with "The Prestige". Edward Norton carries this one very well, although it is a bit supernatural more than magical.
Brilliant piece of work - really enjoyed this one
interesting movie - good illusions
If you liked "The Prestige" you will love this one. A pretty cool twist and Ed Norton gives a very believable performance.
Visually Beautiful. Clever and well acted. Fairly original, and entertaining storytelling. Really enjoyed it.
Well worth watching even though it was a bit slow to start
A bit slow and drawn out , but loved the carch at the end.
Fantastic movie, loved the era, the cast, themeand costuming.
Similar flavour to 'The Secret Garden"of years ago.loved it!!
I loved this movie. The complexity of the story line keeps you in suspense all the way to the end. A must see.
Very evocative production with some great performances and intriguing story. A great ending. I really enjoyed this one.
This was an excellent film! Edward Norton is brilliant, the story is entertaining and suspenseful. Everyone enjoyed it a lot.
A clever movie that does not overdo it in any department - romance, plot, etc.
An excellent suspense movie which seems to hark back to the restrained and well plotted dramas from the 40's and 50's. Edward Norton is very good as the illusionist and the magical sequences not just astonishing but truly out of this world. What is illusion and what is reality?
Brilliant movie. We think it is a movie that you can watch again and again.
this was a brilliant movie had you guessing all the time the ending was great, recommend it highly
Quirky and different, one of the rare movies that had myself and family still pondering and debating it a week later.
to put it simply a great movie
Excellent twists and turns. Didn't see the twist until just before the end. Very clever.
very interesting and kept me quessing till the end
It's a good watch, something different!
Beautifully shot, nicely entertaining
Definately worth watching A good plot with an interesting twist to the outcome.
Definately worth watching A good plot with an interesting twist to the outcome.
Very clever ending but I should have guessed it earlier
Slow in some points but things pick up about midway through; great twist which rescues the movie from an otherwise predictable storyline
Even when you can kind of predict what will happen after 2/3 of the movie, i still think is really well done. Norton is a great actor.
good movie to watch.Those that like an exciting ending well this is for you
I loved this movie. Although it seemed to be moving slowly, I had to stay there to see the end. It had me hooked.
A good plot with an interesting twist to the outcome.
Silly, predictable film with a few too many plot holes. Watch The Prestige instead.
Very good film should keep you guessing till the very end. I didn't know anything about this movie before i watched it and it was definitley worth it.
One of the best movies I have seen for some time
Very clever movie great to watch. Funny and a great story line.
It was quite good a nice movie for a rainy afternoon.
This is a bit of a quirky movie set some time in the past in Europe.
Very interesting cinematography (not that I'm a big arty movie person) and a twist at the end that I won't spoil for you.
We settled on 3 stars but its more 3.5
Godd fun, something different.
Excellent movie. Suspense in the story made viewers watch carefully & wait for the twist which was sure to come at the end. Actors excellent, location & filming well done.
Jessica Biel is superb...
Edward Norton, as usuall very good, twist at the end was neat,
Definately worth watching, a bit predictable however.
Very fascinating. Made you want to watch it a second time to make sure you didn't miss anything.
Sometimes hard to tell when the real magic began and the special effects ended. Great misdirection by the writer. I was fooled.
Good but not as good as The Prestige
clever but characters a little under developed
wish i knew how some of the tricks are worked out. illusion in itself is fascinating.
Enjoyable film with an unexpected twist although you need to suspend all belief with some of the illusions played out here. Edward Norton and Jessica Biel have the leading roles but I think the police inspector was a stand out.
Great movie had a really good twist at the end
Quality wasnt as good as it could of been must have been for the effect
Predictable ending but well worth watching. Usual lost love story with a difference and a twist. The illusions a believable
Explains some of the magic tricks but still leaves some secrets to ponder over, nice balance.
good did not see "that" coming
Better than I thought it would be, but certainly no "great movie". The performances were not that inspiring, and the plot derivative - even the "potion" of Romeo & Juliet that makes the girl appear dead.
Though this movie may seem to be about magic it is a love story with a mystery attached to it. Ed Norton is brilliant and the story line has you hooked right to the very end. This is not to be missed.
This film has an interesting story and the illusions are what you would describe as unbelievable, which kind of detaches you from what is happening at some points, because the stunts are so outrageously implausable. There is actually no effort made to make them realistic or believable. Amongst all of the shows, a love triangle emerges and there are definately some unexpected twists in this one. Worth watching, just don't expect any reality from the illusions.