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The Illusionist (2006)

PG-13  |   |  Drama, Mystery, Romance  |  1 September 2006 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 272,769 users   Metascore: 68/100
Reviews: 641 user | 233 critic | 37 from Metacritic.com

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

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(screenplay), (short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist")
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 8 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
Josef Fischer (as Edward Marsan)
...
Jurka
Tom Fisher ...
Willigut
...
Young Eisenheim (as Aaron Johnson)
...
...
Doctor / Old Man
...
Loschek
...
Herr Doebler
Philip McGough ...
Dr. Hofzinser
...
Count Rainer
Michael Carter ...
Von Thurnburg
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Storyline

In late nineteenth century Vienna, renowned illusionist Eisenheim is reunited with the Duchess von Teschen when she is volunteered from the audience to participate in an illusion during one of his performances. Despite having not seen each other in fifteen years when they were teenagers, they almost immediately recognize each other as Eduard Abramovich and Sophie von Teschen, they who had a doomed romance at that time due to their class differences. The Duchess is soon to be wed to the Crown Prince Leopold in what would be for him a marriage solely in pursuit of power: overthrowing his father, the Emperor Leopold, as well as overtaking the Hungarian side of the empire. The Crown Prince is known to use violence against women if it suits his needs or purposes. As such, the Duchess, who realizes that she still loves Eisenheim and he her, can never leave the Crown Prince without it jeopardizing her life. After Eisenheim humiliates the Crown Prince at a private show which results in an ... Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Nothing is what it seems


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

1 September 2006 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El ilusionista  »

Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$927,956 (USA) (18 August 2006)

Gross:

£161,900 (UK) (20 August 2010)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

|

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

According to an article on production costs in Eastern Europe published by Bloomberg (August 25, 2005), the average extra on this film was paid around $30 a day. See more »

Goofs

When the crown prince slaps Sophie's face, the slapping sound is heard a fraction of second later than the slap occurs. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
woman in audience: It's her. I know it's her! She wants to tell us something.
See more »

Connections

Featured in The Jay Leno Show: Episode #1.91 (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

The Illusionist
(uncredited)
Composed by Philip Glass
Performed by Michael Riesman
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
A Wonderful, suspenseful, sensual escape from reality
16 September 2006 | by See all my reviews

I love movies of all type for different reasons. Action movies to become stimulated physically, comedies to laugh my troubles away, suspense to sit on the edge of my seat. But mostly, I attend movies to escape from a humdrum and dangerous world. "The Illusionist" is the ultimate in escape movies. It is gripping from he opening scene and the grip lasts until the final realization. The story is masterfully crafted and the screenplay intriguing. The special effects and illusions are entertainment enough. But all of this surrounded in the backdrop of the story, it's movement from one idea to another is an added treat. First there is the marvelous acting of all the major actors, surrounded by great support. The cinematography and music are awesome. This movie is filled with entertainment, suspense, romance, sensuality tastefully done, treachery and surprises. I have not been so entranced by a movie since the first Banderas Zorro movie. I didn't look at my watch once and the one hour and forty-five minutes flew by in delight. I want to see this movie over and over again. and I will still marvel at its perfection. You all must go and see it.


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Who else solved the movie's twist, Before the film ended?? steph_vp88
7.7 - WTF! rogermccarthy
Destruction of irreplaceable antiques for this movie morganseer
Did anybody else was impressed by Rufus Sewell's performance? Reachthesilence
Illusions performed in this film are historically accurate! kjs-2
The 'twist' could be anticipated mid-way katochnr
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