The Illusionist parents guide

The Illusionist Parent Guide

The film offers commendable performances, striking cinematography and an intriguing storyline. Yet the ability to perform magic seems to allow consequences to be sidestepped.

Overall C+

Eisenheim (Ed Norton) is a gifted Illusionist who performs for heads of state. But the magic trick requiring his greatest ingenuity may be keeping secret his romantic inclinations for Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), a former childhood friend who is now betrothed to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell).

Release date August 17, 2006

Violence C-
Sexual Content C
Profanity B+
Substance Use C+

Why is The Illusionist rated PG-13? The MPAA rated The Illusionist PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.

Run Time: 110 minutes

Parent Movie Review

All is not as it appears as illusions, trickery and even deceased spirits take center stage in the movie The Illusionist.

As children, the Duchess Sophie befriends the son of a local cabinetmaker. But the disparity in their social standings makes the friendship forbidden. Fifteen years later, the two adults are unexpectedly reunited in the Austrian city of Vienna.

Eisenheim (Edward Norton), now a world famous magician, entertains a growing following of patrons in a local theater. Disturbed by the mounting popularity of the magician, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) attends one of the performances with the intention of discrediting the conjurer. Sophie (Jessica Beil), who is soon to be betrothed to the Crown Prince, attends with him and is sent to the stage by Leopold when Eisenheim asks for an audience volunteer. There she recognizes her long-lost love and their affair is rekindled.

Infuriated by the whispers of the illicit liaison, Leopold calls in Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti). The prince, known for his irrational demands and the ill treatment of his underlings, commands Uhl to expose the deception behind Eisenheim’s acts. However, Uhl soon finds himself caught between carrying out the wishes of the corrupt royal and his own growing awe for Eisenheim as the illusionist’s shows become more complicated and dark.

Set in the early 1900’s, this tale of social clashes and the supernatural has depictions of a bloody murder, suicide, heated fury and a passionate sexual encounter between an unmarried couple. Some parents may also be concerned with the illusions of spirits being recalled from the other side and Leopold’s erratic behavior, which is often fueled by his reliance on alcohol.

The film offers commendable performances, striking cinematography and an intriguing storyline. Yet the ability to perform magic seems to allow consequences to be sidestepped. While it’s a tenuous line between reality and fantasy, it’s evident that illusions, if left unchecked, quickly digress from harmless amusements to outright deceit.

Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel. Running time: 110 minutes. Theatrical release August 17, 2006. Updated

The Illusionist
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Illusionist rated PG-13? The Illusionist is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some sexuality and violence.

Eisenheim and Sophie’s childhood romance continues to be objectionable even as adults because of society’s class distinctions. But the gap in their standings doesn’t stop the couple from spending the night together. As his reputation spreads, Eisenheim’s act grows more intense and less entertaining as he seemingly brings spirits back from the dead. A murder, suicide and the prince’s abusive treatment of one character are depicted. Cigars, smoking pipes and drinking are portrayed in several settings.

Page last updated

The Illusionist Parents' Guide

Why was it important to marry within your social class during the time depicted in The Illusionist? What does Leopold hope to achieve by marrying Sophie? What would Sophie have to give up if she married outside of her class?

Why is Prince Leopold afraid of Eisenheim’s growing popularity with the citizens of Vienna? Why does the illusionist’s performance at the castle further infuriate the Prince?

What moral dilemma does the Chief Inspector face? What does he have to sacrifice for his choice?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Illusionist movie is January 9, 2007. Here are some details…

Making an appearance on DVD (in either wide or full screen presentations), The Illusionist comes with the following extras up its sleeve: a commentary by writer/director Neil Burger, a making-of featurette, the theatrical trailer, and an interview with actress Jessica Biel. The audio track is available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), with subtitles in English and Spanish.

The Illusionist is releasing on DVD and Blu-ray June 8, 2010.

The Illusionist releases as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo. Special features include:

- Blu-ray Disc (The Illusionist in High Definition)

- DVD (The Illusionist in Standard Definition)

-  Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Neil Burger

- Featurette: The Making of The Illusionist and Jessica Biel on The Illusionist.

Related home video titles:

Paul Giamatti has played a wide range of characters including a boxing manager in Cinderella Man. Early in his career, he also played supporting roles in The Truman Show and the remake of the romantic comedy Sabrina.

Related news about The Illusionist

Paul Giamatti Tackles Small Roles with Big Success

Paul Giamatti Tackles Small Roles with Big Success

{parents:pull_quote}