It played me like a very willing violin.

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2006)

I got so taken away with the acting, the film work, the beauty of old Vienna (I hope it wasn't computer generated), the intelligent dialog and the faces of the main players that I thrilled to the "illusions" and went along for the magic ride to the very end - much to my delight.
It doesn't happen too often that I can stop with "critical analysis" and just enjoy.
I love the fact that in a costume/period drama like this, where everyone keeps their clothes on, the faces are given so much of the screen. And, this film is loaded with great faces. The four leads said it all by capturing their characters and using their considerable talent.
Go see this and wallow in what an entertaining, quality movie should be. be.