Stylishly crafted illusion that's definitely worth a look.

Rating: 8/10 (28 March 2007)

Based on a short story by Pulitzer Prize winner Steven Millhauser, The Illusionist is a stylishly crafted film (illusion) with the right combination of romance, politics and supernatural mystery elegantly handled by writer-director Neil Burger. A periodic film, it features a stylish, charismatic and a strong performance by Edward Norton as the enigmatic magician who decides to risk everything for the sake of his love. Writer-director Neil Burger does a great job in keeping the story rolling along, and like with any good mystery story the clues are nicely planted along the route. The film is shot with a lovely, old world and an aged feel which helps enhance its strong sense of atmosphere. The on-stage magic tricks are nicely presented, but this movie relies less on the magical arts and more on a simple illusion. A magician's appeal rests not upon his tricks, but his bond with the audience. Those watching know they are being misled, that all they see is nothing but an illusion. But it is how the magician presents that sleight-of-hand that holds the crowd spellbound.
The Illusionist keeps you guessing and wondering right up until the end and like any good magic act, finishes with a satisfying flourish. A must-watch!!!