If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I love rewatching this film. Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell and Eddie Marsan all give great performances. That being said, In my opinion Paul Giamatti stole this movie. He is the victorian gruff voiced police inspector who finds himself caught between the antagonists and protagonists. Caught between his admiration and duty. I'd seen him in his early character actor roles, but I've been following his career closely since 'Sideways' where he proved he could carry a film as the lead. He towers above some amazing actors in 'The Illusionist' which speaks to his abilities. As I said, everyone in this film does an excellent job, but I rewatch this movie to see Paul's performance.

This is why God made the library. So I could see a mess like this for free.This is not a movie about magic. It's a period romance with a cross-class twist. Rich girls don't marry poor boys, Jimmy. Everybody knows that.Anyway, there's a lot of focus on costume and set, but the story is nothing compelling. We've been here before. I guess I was supposed to place more importance on the politics of the time, but I was busy skipping DVD chapters to get to the end with the Big Reveal.If you didn't see that coming, quit watching movies.I would write more, but it just isn't worth it. Remembering this horrible movie is making my brain hurt.

the atmosphere of imperial Vienna. a love story. an egocentric prince. and a fascinating story about truth, sacrifice and illusion. the great virtue of film is represented by brilliant acting, in the case of Jessica Biel almost surprising -. the other - wise manner to mix different stories in a coherent fresco of a fight between two different status characters . and, sure, the final. a film who impress for the admirable use of non verbal language. for the nuances of silence. for the flavor of a period who has new nuances for define it. a beautiful film. about the instruments to build the perfect victory. for Edward Norton who explores the mystery and the force and the tenacity of his character. for Rufus Sewell who does a strange but credible prince . for the soundtrack. and for the flavor of a lost time who obtains, in this film, new nuance of charm.

Magic aside, what is this really about? Why is European aristocracy mocked? The writer/director happens to be of Jewish ancestry, and the same goes for the protagonist of the film. This protagonist proceeds to conquer a pure-blooded German woman and ridicule and abuse not only German aristocracy, but the very royal family itself. And what does he do it with? Tricks. This trick of a film does not work on me. I see clearly what the filmmakers' motivations are and I find the film deeply offensive.Try and make it less transparent next time.Zero stars.