It's no illusion, this film delivers on every promise

Rating: 8/10 (23 September 2006)

Eisenheim (Edward Norton) and Sophie (Jessica Biel) are childhood friends. This is odd, because Sophie is a duchess and Eisenheim merely the son of a cabinet maker. They meet in secret until, one day, her relatives discover their friendship and forbid them to see each other again. Heartbroken, Eisenheim goes abroad for 15 years. He returns as a talented magician and causes quite a stir with the shows he puts on in his native Vienna. One evening, a crown prince attends a show with his fiancé, beautiful Duchess Sophie. The prince volunteers his lady for a magic trick and it is a stunner. But, more important, the two old friends are reaquainted. They rediscover their love for each other but know that it can not be permanent. The crown prince is an evil man who would hunt them down wherever they would go, it is said. Is there no way that true love can triumph? This is a lovely, lovely film that takes the viewer to a different time and place with splendor. The principal actors are wonderful, Norton and Biel giving touching performances as the lovers, and Rufus Sewell giving another fine but dark turn as the evil prince. (Hopefully, someone, someday will give Sewell another comedy such as Uncorked was, to appear in.) Paul Giamatti also embodies his role as a Viennese police officer very well. The settings and costumes are magnificent and the script is sweet, well-written, and efficient. Those who love history, magic, and romance will take to this film like a moth to a candle. But, truly everyone who sits down to watch the movie will get caught up in its unusual and beautiful story. It's no illusion, this film truly delivers on every promise.