With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crown prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 11 wins & 12 nominations total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
Conjures up a world of mystery, romance and suspense.
– Steven Rea,
Philadelphia Inquirer,
1 Sep 2006
fresh:
What (director Neil) Burger and his colleagues have done is to entrance us with a richly acted, beautifully produced story.
– Stanley Kauffmann,
The New Republic,
26 Oct 2006
rotten:
You may be temporarily beguiled, but not fooled.
– Joshua Rothkopf,
Time Out New York,
3 Feb 2007
fresh:
With exquisite performances (Giamatti's, in particular), it leaves you thrillingly hovering, happily uncommitted to any one interpretation.
– Nick Funnell,
Time Out,
28 Feb 2007
fresh:
The line between truth and illusion is blurred so persuasively that for a moment or two, you may even believe that a romantic costume drama could stand up to all those special-effects blockbusters in the dog days of summer.