The Illusionist

Play trailer

The Illusionist

PG-13,

2006,

1h 50m,

Mystery & Thriller/

Drama/

Fantasy/

Romance

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

74%

192 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

250,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

192 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.

Critics Consensus

The Illusionist is an engrossing, well-crafted story of mystery, magic and intrigue that is certain to enchant, if not hypnotize, audiences.

Read Critics Reviews

Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Jan 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

Mar 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)

Mar 13, 2007

3/5

Norton looks tortured and old before his time as the humourless Eisenheim.

Go to Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jan 17, 2026

[Paul Giamatti]'s twinkling eyes and theatrical smiles offering everything from cagey mistrust to professional appreciation (often at the same time) gives him the flamboyance the film’s magic act never quite manages.

Go to Full Review

David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

Feb 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

Sep 11, 2020

3.5/4.0

The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Hagrid M

Mar 30, 2019

Apart from the ending which is truly beyond imagination, this is also a typical story about romance. On the other hand, this film has a decent background. Burges managed to describe a world in the 19th century that was so thick and traditional. The Illusionist is a film about magic and an imaginative ending with political spices, complexity, religion, belief, and so on.

See more

Rey S

Mar 3, 2019

Great Movie. I have seen it 4 times. It takes at least 2 times to take it all in.

Kylo M

Feb 11, 2019

A great performance by Ed Norton and fine direction by Neil Burger make The Illusionist a fine watch. The Illusionist is almost an art house/mainstream hybrid, containing elements of both. The setting and budget are in accord with what one might expect from a movie in a limited run. The cast, however, contains a trio of high profile names, one of which is commonly associated with teen-friendly multiplex fare. In addition, Burger's story is at its heart a crowd-pleaser, and many who guess the film's "trick" won't hold it against The Illusionist. Those who are sticklers for detail may appreciate that most of the magic acts illustrated throughout the film are replicated from their real-life 19th century counterparts (some of which were surprisingly sophisticated for that day and age). The Illusionist is a great watch- it looks great, is acted impeccably, and is a nice treat to those who complain of not seeing the 1800s presented on screen.(This magic trick you don't wanna miss).

See more

Albus W

Feb 9, 2019

GREAT !!! This was a sleeper, been in my library for a while, never watched. Now... I think I will watch it again the second time for the clues! I did not expect the surprises. All the performers, spot on !! Ed Norton, great job, Jessica. Well, you are beautiful in any time period!! Great show !! Watch this one !!

See more

Draco W

Sep 25, 2018

A fun movie, but forgettable after all.

Draco S

Aug 28, 2018

Brilliant performances by all! Giamattii is a master as is Norton, Biel, Sewell, and Marsan. If you are looking for a good popcorn movie about love, intrigue, and hope that allows you to escape from today's real life issues then this is it. You'll be thinking about this film for a long time afterwards and your confidence in what is good in life and what matters in life will be restored and reinvigorated.

See more

Read all reviews

Neil Burger

Director

Edward Norton

Eisenheim

Paul Giamatti

Inspector Uhl

Jessica Biel

Sophie

Rufus Sewell

Crown Prince Leopold

Eddie Marsan

Josef Fischer

A Beautiful Mind

74%

89%

A Beautiful Mind

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Beautiful Mind

Cinderella Man

80%

91%

Cinderella Man

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Cinderella Man

Crash

74%

88%

Crash

Watchlist

Big Fish

76%

89%

Big Fish

Watchlist

Million Dollar Baby

90%

90%

Million Dollar Baby

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Box Office Guru Preview: 30 Days of Night Gets Halloween Started Early

Box Office Guru Preview: Halloween Strikes on the 31st

Box Office Guru Preview: Make Way for McLovin

View more photos

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, Fantasy, Romance
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

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings