In My Top Five Films Of All-Time

Rating: 10/10 (8 March 2017)

Whenever I am given the near-impossible task of "listing my top five films of all-time", one thing has held the test of time: since I first watched "The Prestige", it has been firmly ensconced on that list.
For a basic plot summary, "The Prestige" sees two young magicians dueling with each other to see which one can have the most spectacular act. Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) is a family man yet also devoted to his craft, while Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) is more of a natural showman with an obsession for greatness. When a tragedy befalls their friendship and they grow apart, an obsession with perfecting the "Disappearing Man" trick drives both of them to lengths most magicians would not be willing to aspire to.
This film is an all-time great primarily because of its tremendous plot. I won't say much about it here for fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say that director Christopher Nolan picked the perfect subject--magic--from which to tell this incredible story. It will keep you guessing until the very end...and then even further as you continue to try and piece together the significance of every scene or character interaction. This film isn't as literally complicated as, say, Nolan's earlier effort "Memento", but in terms of overall punch and drama it is easily that flick's equal (if not outright superior).
The acting is also superb, with Bale & Jackman absolutely brilliant as the leads and Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, Piper Perabu, & Rebecca Hall solidifying the auxiliary players. The slightest of glance or emotion can speak volumes in a film such as this, which features misdirection as one of its core tenants, and all the actors are wonderful at conveying that.
Basically, "The Prestige" is a movie that simply needs to be watched by all. It has the perfect "hook" in the magic-themed plot, and uses that metaphor as part of the overall storytelling device. Magic is all about obfuscation and sometimes outright deception, which are the main traits that Nolan uses here to craft an intriguing, engaging story and characters. Plus, as sort of an "added bonus", the film can be watched even as strictly a period piece (turn of the 19th century) and enjoyed thoroughly on that basis alone. Somehow, some way, you will find yourself completely caught up in the grandeur of "The Prestige".