The Illusionist is a legitimately beautiful film—hand-drawn animation that feels like a love letter to a bygone era, with a poignant story about change, loss, and growing up. Critics adored it (90% on RT, 82 on Metacritic), and it's easy to see why: it's artful, emotionally intelligent, and visually stunning.

But let's be real: most kids are going to find this boring. It's slow, melancholy, and deliberately quiet—the opposite of what modern kids expect from animation. If your child is the type who can sit through a Miyazaki film and appreciate mood over action, this could be a gem. But if they're used to the rapid-fire pacing of Encanto or Inside Out, they'll be checking the clock.

The themes are also heavy—a man watching his career fade, a girl's innocence being gently dismantled—and while there's nothing inappropriate, it's emotionally mature stuff. Common Sense Media's age-10 rating feels right, but I'd add: only for kids who are ready for something that's more 'experience' than 'entertainment.'

Bottom line: This is a niche pick for patient, artistically-inclined kids (or parents who want to expose them to arthouse animation). It's enriching and safe, but it's not a family movie night crowd-pleaser. Save it for a rainy afternoon with your thoughtful 11-year-old who likes to talk about feelings.