The Illusionist

2010

"Magic blurs the line between reality and dreams."

Also known as: 🇪🇸 ES: El ilusionista^? 🇩🇪 DE: Der Illusionist^? 🇵🇹 PT: O mágico^? 🇮🇹 IT: L'illusionista^? 🇷🇴 RO: Iluzionistul All international titles (6) →

Drama Animation 80 min 7.4/10

Awards & Recognition

0 Wins

1 Nominations

1 Total

Oscars

1 nom.

• Nominations 1

Year	Festival	Category	Winner
2011	Oscars	Best Animated Feature	Sylvain Chomet

Synopsis

The Illusionist is a movie released in 2010.

In a poignant tale of wonder and connection, a French illusionist embarks on a journey to Scotland, where the serene landscapes of a small village become the backdrop for a transformative encounter. As he navigates the complexities of life and art, he meets a young woman whose innocent belief in magic reignites his fading passion for performance. This beautifully animated film captures the delicate balance between reality and fantasy, showcasing the profound impact that hope and imagination can have on our lives. Through its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet nature of dreams. The illusionist's enchanting tricks serve as a metaphor for the fleeting moments of joy that can uplift our spirits, even in the face of life's harsh realities. The relationship between the illusionist and the young woman evolves, revealing how one person’s unwavering belief can inspire another to rediscover their own magic. With a unique blend of charm and introspection, this film invites viewers to reflect on the power of human connection and the importance of holding onto wonder in a world that often seems devoid of it.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	1/5
Sexual Content	1/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	1/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are minimal instances of violence, mostly implied rather than shown.

Sexual Content

There are mild references to romantic relationships, but no explicit content.

Language

The film contains minimal strong language, suitable for a general audience.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are brief references to alcohol consumption, but it is not a central theme.

Frightening Elements

There are some scenes that may be mildly frightening or emotional, particularly in the context of loss and longing.

Summary for parents:

The Illusionist is a thoughtful animated drama that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of art. It may contain elements that require parental guidance for younger viewers, particularly in its emotional depth and mild references to adult themes.

Parental Guide Hub

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

Paris Je T'aim...

2006

Same Director Sylvain Chomet

The Triplets o...

2003

Same Director Sylvain Chomet

Hoppers

2026

Similar Theme

Your Name.

2016

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Illusionist Online

All Streaming Services

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Box Office

Budget: $18,000,000

Revenue: $6,007,194

Profit -$-11,992,806

ROI -66.6% (0.3x)

Reviews & Opinions about The Illusionist

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The Illusionist is directed by Sylvain Chomet .

Cast of The Illusionist

Jean-Claude Donda

Tatischeff / French Cine…

Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Sylvain Chomet

Director

More from Sylvain Chomet

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Paris Je T'aime

2006 7.2

The Triplets of Belleville

2003 7.7

Keywords

#aftercreditsstinger 176 #magician 6 #edinburgh, scotland 6 #stage 3 #disillusionment 3 #adult child friendship 2

Production Companies

France 3 Cinéma

Pathé

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Illusionist

5

• The character designs in The Illusionist were inspired by the work of French animator Jacques Tati, who created a unique visual language that resonates with the film's themes.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• During production, the animators faced challenges in creating realistic movement for the characters, especially for the main character's performances, which required extensive study of live-action reference footage.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• Jean-Claude Donda, the voice of the illusionist, had previously worked with Sylvain Chomet on the film Belleville Rendezvous, establishing a collaborative relationship that influenced this project.

  Fun Fact ai

• There is a scene where the illusionist interacts with a young girl who is captivated by his magic, which mirrors similar dynamics found in Tati's films, emphasizing the connection between reality and illusion.

  Movie Connection ai

• A continuity error occurs when the illusionist's hat changes color between shots, which may distract attentive viewers but adds to the whimsical feel of the film.

  Movie Mistake ai