I gave it an 8 but I really loved it....!!!!

Rating: 8/10 (25 September 2006)

I gave it an 8 because of the quality of the film.... It is good, at times really good... but it is not a GREAT film.
But it is sooo romantic and it is so surprising, so unexpected, intriguing yet puzzling.
I don't want to write much more than that because anything more would give something away. And the whole premise of the film is captured in its title: Illusion.
Other posters give a description of the film... I will just say it is visually stunning and amazingly acted. Paul Giamatti plays such a convincing personality that is completely different from his other roles: he is wise, calm, filled with good will in a job that both elevates his character while simultaneously forces him to be subservient. One would like such a character as he plays to be in a position of authority.
Ed Norton is always convincing though in a role that is not wholly believable but very engaging and entertaining. Jessica Biel is an incredible vision of loveliness, which is her prime purpose on the screen. But she executes that deftly and intelligently. It is the limitations of these two characters that prevent the film from being higher than an 8 in my mind. But that doesn't mean I didn't love the film. A film does not necessarily have to be great to be thoroughly enjoyable.
So if you relax and allow yourself to be swept away by the tenor of the film, you will come away quite satisfied.