The Illusionist (2010)

2010 • 79 minutes

About this movie

From the Director of the Oscar®-nominated classic The Triplets of Belleville, THE ILLUSIONIST is a story about two paths that cross. While touring concert halls, theaters and pubs, an aging, down-on-his-luck magician encounters a young girl at the start of her life's journey. Alice is a teenage girl with all her capacity for childish wonder still intact. She plays at being a woman without realizing the day to stop pretending is fast approaching. She doesn't know yet that she loves The Illusionist like she would a father; he already knows that he loves her as he would a daughter. Their destinies will collide, but nothing -- not even magic or the power of illusion-- can stop the voyage of discovery. (Original Title - The Illusionist (2010)) © 2010 Django Films Illusionist Ltd., Pathe Production S.A.S. and France 3 Cinema. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

I absolutely love Sylvain Chomet's work. I honestly had no idea how he could surpass "Triplets" and he hasn't-- he has created it's equal. I loved how no words were needed to convey the story in "Triplets" and the same applies to "The Illusionist". In this slice-of-life piece we watch a young girl become enamoured with the tricks of an aging magician and follow her on her journey as his groupie and friend as he tours more small villages and then returns to the big city where it is apparent that his brand of entertainment is dying. It is a story of growth and change: We follow the girl as she becomes a young woman; watch as the magician comically struggles with his rabbit-in-the-hat trick; we see them grow to be as close as father and daughter and it is nothing but completely endearing. It has a melancholy tone to it and the animation is so beautiful and the lack of words makes each action speak volumes louder than any script could. Keep a box of tissues handy for this one... it moved me to tears. It is DEFINITELY worth purchasing outright if you are a fan of fantastic cinema. Give it a shot-- you will not regret it.

I am such a fan of Sylvain Chomet! I love, love, love this movie. It's so beautiful, told so well! I'm anxiously waiting for his next movie! I know he won't disappoint!

This is a very touching and beautifully animated film. I felt the same wonder, while watching it, as I did when I was a child watching very affecting, animated films. Outstanding and definitely worth watching!