Parents' Guide to

The Illusionist

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Touching, beautiful drama about the magic of friendship.

Movie PG 2010 90 minutes
The Illusionist Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 11+

Based on 9 parent reviews

age 11+

Not for sensitive kids

The music and cinematography were lovely, however, this film has adult themes that are a bit too heavy for children. It is certainly not for sensitive ones. My 9 yo boy was completely distraught over pet and owner separation/abandonment. I regret watching it with him.
age 18+

Don't bother watching this overrated film!

This film is incredibly sad. It has almost no comedy. My 10 year old son was crying when the movie ended. It's a story about struggle, failed relationships, and disappointment. In one scene, a man was on a chair with a noose around his neck! I rated the movie as one star just to be nice.

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (5 ):

In The Illusionist, French director Sylvain Chomet proves once again that impressive animation isn't solely the domain of Pixar. His tender tale about Tatischeff and Alice isn't going to draw in hordes of kiddies, but it will compel adults who yearn for quality storytelling and nuanced animation. Tatischeff, who's based on the real French illusionist Jacques Tati (and if you pay attention, you'll see Tati in a brief movie-theater scene), is so patient, loving, and kind that you almost hope that his May-December friendship will blossom into romance.

A Pygmalion-esque story that makes you wonder about all of the old-school performers without a stage, this is an excellent film. It's not a fast-paced Pixar dazzler or a high-stakes Miyazaki adventure, but it's fantastically depicted and so touching that it's sure to make you shed a tear (or more!) for the kind of magic that transcends age and language -- true friendship.

Movie Details

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