A very well done mystery!

Rating: 9/10 (4 September 2006)

I have seen this movie, and was greatly impressed! It reminded me of that wonderful movie of the great Swedish director, Ingmar Bergmann- in 1958- called "The Magician" listed as "Ansiktet"- a similar tale of illusion- the acting in "The Illusionist" was superb- it was wonderfully staged in old Vienna (Czechoslovakia, I believe). So many items were left to the imagination- how did he pull off the supposed death of his loved one-(shades of "Romeo and Juliet")- and, in the end, as the realization of how it was pulled off, became clear to the Inspector- who liked magic and admired the magician- his facial reactions were perfect!
I love a mystery- and just to see the illusionist sit on the stage, with a wonderfully appreciative audience, waiting- waiting- one was left with the feeling; what was real, and what was illusion! I left the theater with a great sense of admiration. Would love to see it again!