A magic show you won't want to end.
Released: 2010
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Comedy
With the exception of Disney/Pixar films, animation movies these days tend to pander to children and those looking for a quick, juvenile comedy fix. While "The Illusionist" is undoubtedly funny at times, this is far from a kids' movie: there are no raucous jokes, or loud chase scenes, or explosions of any sort. Rather, the humor is quietly charming, the action sequences are replaced by gentle, living backgrounds, and overdone dialogue has taken a backseat to simple, human interaction. In fact, not since the first half of "WALL-E" has an animated film managed to speak this much to me without any true spoken dialogue taking place at all. Speaking is instead replaced by incredibly detailed body language and an intoxicating soundtrack - a combination that manages to convey emotion in every footstep and every beat. The animation itself is like watching a gorgeous watercolor painting spring to life, and the characters' movements seem especially lifelike. The subtle beauty of this movie is absolutely heartwarming at times, and heartrending at others - there's a true feeling of bittersweet charm pervading throughout the entire film, and only those willing to deal with the occasional pang of melancholy will truly understand how to appreciate the moments of brilliant joy "The Illusionist" brings to the table. Quaint, quiet, and careful, "The Illusionist" is easily one of the best films I've seen in a long, long time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to those seeking something a little deeper in their animation viewings.
Rating (out of 5): 5
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