The Prestige (2006)

Feel the repercussion

Magic. Don't you guys love magic? Be it watching the act or being involved in the magic act itself, there is always some kind of magnetic pull that glues us towards magic. Come on, who doesn't love watching the likes of David Copperfield, David Blaine or Criss Angel performing their tricks? If these guys are synonymous with magic, then The Prestige must be synonymous with, yes, The Oscars.

The Prestige is a period thriller starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Micheal Caine and Scarlett Johansson. (Excellent cast, isn't it?) Angier (Jackman) and Borden (Bale) are both young and budding magicians. They are good friends and they are from the same magic troop. However, a freak accident makes them then their backs on each other. A fierce rivary is thus formed. As they try to outwit each other and create more new tricks, it is Borden who has the ultimate trick: The Transporter. Angier trys to emulate this trick but only to a certain success. Driven with rage and jealousy, he sets out on a destructive war path that will threaten to uncover Borden's trick and destroy the world surrounding these 2 feuding magicians.

Directed by the talented Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins), this picture again showcases the masterful storytelling technique of Nolan. Plenty of flashbacks and twists and turns make watching this movie a mind bending experience. True to his usual style, he will have the audience guessing right up to the credits. It is the questions you ask yourself, or discuss with your fellow movie goers, after the movie that make this film world class. This might also be Christian Bale's carrer defining moment. His portrayal of Borden is suspenseful and intense. Kudos to the rest of the cast, they are also nothing short of superb. This is one picture that the other movies must watch out for. Because, Abracadabra, The Prestige might just be the best show in 2006.

4.5/5
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