The Illusionist

source: The Illusionist

This is a uniquely wonderful animated film. A silent movie with almost no dialogue. The story is about a man who travels around the theaters of Europe as a magician. He was paid to do magic tricks in a small mansion in London. He bought a pair of red shoes for a woman who worked as a cleaner. And he gave it to her with a magic trick, which was a nice touch. I'm glad I broke up with that woman, because she was a bit of a beggar. The man saw that the woman dating another guy and jumps into the movie theater was amazing art. I was sad when he released the rabbit into the wild.

In the beginning of my comment I must say that animation style, technique, colors and drawings are really great. There are different, colorful characters. Especially I liked vehicle animations, they are like flying. I must add that sounds are also very good and musics. There are great background sounds and instrument sounds. Now let's talk about cons. I watched "le triplets De Belleville" from same director, it was totally great and entertaining but I cannot say this for this animation. It's some kind of boring and not interesting. It's not catching you like the other one. There is nearly no conversation in the animation. Story is not that good. Finally I can say if you really like animations and especially this style watch it just for this but if you search for other things like story and entertainment don't waste your time with this one.

I bought this DVD a few months ago, and as things happened didn't get to see it until yesterday. It's a brilliant piece of animation that's not only based on a Jacques Tati script, but practically has him casted at the lead. To be more precise the aging magician leading the story is an animated incarnation of Tati's Mr. Hulot. The animated character moves like him speaks like him (that is hardly ever) and even thinks like him. For any fun of Tati this is simply sheer magic. The story itself is not the most original, but the way it's being told is so wonderful it feels like an original. It's definitely a bit of animation with a soul. Both comic and moving like most of the great comedians are. If you have the opportunity - don't miss this one.