The Illusionist | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

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Where to Watch The Illusionist What to Know Critics Reviews Audience Reviews My Rating Cast & Crew More Like This Related Movie News Photos The Illusionist References

73%

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194 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

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

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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

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.

Jan 30, 2018

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: B

Feb 18, 2012

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Brian Tallerico

UGO

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.

Mar 24, 2007

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

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

Feb 14, 2021

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 11, 2020

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Kathi Maio

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

The legerdemain of The Illusionist is done with more finesse...it is that feeling of elation that makes it magic.

Feb 28, 2020

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Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Nothing to see here. Just a love triangle that goes bad and unexplained magic .Paul Giamati basically carries the whole movie. Rated 2/5 Stars • Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Avalon T This is one of the very best movies I've seen in a long time. It's superb acting with Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton, not surprising. This is a well written film with many unexpected twists and turns and a surprising ending.Make sure you watch to the very end and pay attention.I highly recommend this one. I wish I'd known about it earlier. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/01/24 Full Review emily m Excellent casting, acting, direction, and pace. Edward Norton's acting is simply superb in everything he tackles, and this film is no exception. 5+ stars. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/24 Full Review Twiggy H Mildly entertaining - rather underwhelming.Disappointing end, was rather vague as to be what actually happened as an ending but also a lap in character writing as surely the detective would have been more grief straitened at realising the crowned prince would have been correct and also that he killed himself because the detective made a mess. Rated 1/5 Stars • Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review s r Really well made and entertaining, definitely holds your attention throughout. Knocked off half a start because its rather far-fetched. But I was riveted and could not turn away, start to finish. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/16/24 Full Review Kathryn V Enjoyable! I did figure it out right away though unfolded very well. When she died, nope, he's a master illusionist. No slow spots. I kept going by this because I didn't think it could beat The Prestige. It was a great movie. Genius! Probably watch it again tomarrow. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

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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Synopsis A master magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) vies with Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie (Jessica Biel), the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancee. However, a police inspector named Uhl (Paul Giamatti) 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: Stillking Films, Bull's Eye Entertainment, Michael London Productions, 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