Stunning

Rating: 9/10 (27 September 2007)

A beautiful, ethereal period piece that combines impassioned romance with ghostly magical illusions and stunning sepia-toned cinematography. Those looking for a twisty-turny, clever- clever Prestige-alike will be disappointed. Much has been made of the so-called 'twist' being blindingly obvious - but this misses the point entirely. This film is not about tortuous plot devices. It's a simple love story, and it's the brilliant writing, exceptional performances and sumptuous period detail that elevate it into something really special. Director Neil Burger takes the conventions of the folk fairytale - the oppressed beauty, the tyrannical prince, the mysterious saviour - and adds a real emotional depth and sophistication to create a tale that's touching and intriguing in equal measure. You really care about these characters, and their story stays with you long after the credits have rolled.