Haunting and Hypnotic with Wide Appeal

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2013)

There is so much to admire in this Film. The Photography, Score, Performances, Story, and the overall different-ness. It is a tough sell these days, where Romance is set among Vampires and sinking Luxury Liners. But this is a timeless and well worn, but hardly irrelevant, Tale of Lovers not denied.
It is a sumptuous looking, hypnotic, and haunting Mystery that is so well handled and presented that it can, without apology, be labeled Cinematic Art. It combines all the elements that make up the celluloid canvas with a smooth, penetrating, and gorgeous appeal.
Using CGI for the Magic, some have said, is a totally unbelievable rendering of Stage Magicians, especially for the time-frame. But given that Audiences were not very sophisticated and could most likely be enthralled, if not totally captivated and persuaded by Mesmerism, as they were in Real-Life, this is absolutely believable. The visual persuasions, ala SFX, are here for 21st Century Movie Audiences.
Overall, this is a fine example of Classical Storytelling and Entertainment that is mostly absent from current Hollywood releases and it is a Fun and rewarding experience. It crosses all Demographics and Group-Think, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense of wonder and a taste for imaginative innovations.