The Illusionist
82
metacriticBased on 31 Critics
76
Based on 71 Users

Release Date: December 25th, 2010

DVD Release Date: May 10th, 2011

PG |1 hr 30 min

Plot Summary

Magic tricks can't compete with rock 'n' roll in the 1950s, so a French illusionist (Jean-Claude Donda) finds himself touring Scotland's shabby pubs and run-down restaurants. But things brighten for him when he meets Alice (Eilidh Rankin), a girl who believes his powers are real. Together they travel to Edinburgh for a performance, but he doesn't have the heart to reveal that his feats are merely tricks, and risks financial ruin by giving her gifts supplied by his "magic."

Cast: Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin, Duncan MacNeil, Raymond Mearns, James T. Muir, Tom Urie, Paul Bandey

Director: Sylvain Chomet

Genres: Drama , Animated

Production Co: France 3 Cinéma, Cine B, Django Films

Keywords: Touching, Charming, 1950s, Amusing, Sacrifice, Love, Temptation, Deception

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 60
    Stephanie ZacharekMovieline

    The animation itself is technically gorgeous, a class act all the way. But there's so little to be found in the faces of the characters, or even in the way their limbs move (much of it adopted, cleverly enough, from Tati's own physical style), that it's not clear what we're supposed to feel for them. show more

  • 100
    Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times

    However much it conceals the real-life events that inspired it, it lives and breathes on its own, and as an extension of the mysterious whimsy of Tati. show more

  • 100
    Joe MorgensternWall Street Journal

    Exquisite images, poignant humor, echoes of cinema history and a sense of having watched genuine magic. show more

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Awards

Nominated Best Animated Feature Film
Golden Globes (2011)
Nominated Animated Feature Film
Oscars Academy Awards (2010)