Reviews: Movie

The Prestige

Directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson (both pictured right), Christian Bale

Set in the Victorian era, the story revolves around a rivalry between two magicians. Starting as partners, the two end up as fierce competitors trying to top each other's trademark trick, however their ambition sees them pay a considerable price.

It's compelling to see how the magicians' stories unfold, particularly when their stage secrets are revealed (how they make a bird vanish or escape from a water tank). A lavish picture, it features tricks still popular among today's magic performers.

The cleverly woven plot compliments the characters' skill in the art of illusion but it's not all smoke and mirrors; this is a study on the costs of obsession.

Liu Wei

(China Daily 03/14/2007 page20)