The Illusionist
Performance & Direction: The Illusionist Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Illusionist (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Illusionist features a noteworthy lineup led by Jean-Claude Donda . Supported by the likes of Eilidh Rankin and Didier Gustin , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Illusionist (2010) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Illusionist
Quick Plot Summary: The Illusionist is a Animation, Drama film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A French illusionist travels to Scotland to work. He meets a young woman in a small village. Their ensuing adventure in Edinburgh changes both their lives forever. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Illusionist
Ending Breakdown: The Illusionist resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Illusionist reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Illusionist?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Illusionist
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $18.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Illusionist Budget
The estimated production budget for The Illusionist is $18.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Illusionist
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Illusionist Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Illusionist Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about The Illusionist age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Illusionist is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Illusionist is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Illusionist worth watching?
The Illusionist is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Illusionist parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Illusionist identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Illusionist?
The total duration of The Illusionist is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
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How The Illusionist Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Illusionist
This movie is the perfect sequel to Jacques Tati's films "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" and "My Uncle". I have now watched all three for my french class and can say this movie elicits so much emotion. True to Jacques Tati's style this film does not need the viewer to understand what is being said to understand what is going on in the film. The art directors choice of stylization for the film makes it a work of art, literally. I absolutely adore this film and would recommend it and other Jacques Tati films to any one. 10/10 stars with 10 being the highest :)
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.