to envy or not to envy? to hate... or to hate bitterly?

Rating: 9/10 (24 October 2006)

Seeing this movie filled me with wonder at the power of visual imagery! At the power of human emotions! Not a story about magic... but a story of rivalry, then envy... down the pathway to anger then hatred... to murder... and there are no heroes... no good men.
Not about magic, this story revolves around opposing, forceful personalities which finally clash to ultimately destroy one another.
This movie is not a feel-good type, but dark, brooding, and intense. It is cinematically and artistically beautiful and the time-period adds mysterious overtones yet never overwhelms.
The two magicians are not magicians as much as they are opponents who hate one another and would do anything to destroy one another. It is a story of human weaknesses and madness. Nothing pretty about the outcome.
The story is well-written, the actors & actresses are magnificent, and the whole thing is well-done.
And we all need to be reminded that to hate this way is to invite into the soul that which steals your joy.