Mirai and I watched this movie yesterday and I was enchanted by it. When I first read about the story it seemed a little dull to me, the subject of “childhood sweethearts” has been done many times before. However I really enjoyed this film, not so much for the story, though that was more clever and interesting than I expected, but for the atmosphere.

The plot is set in Vienna at the turn of the century, it is about a very talented stage Magician who’s performances baffle everyone and who has a dark air of mystery about him. He attracts the attention of the Crown Prince, who’s beautiful fiancee turns out to be the Magician’s first love. I can’t say much more without giving the plot away, but the musical score is beautiful and eerie and the whole film is bathed in candlelight which transports you back to the theatre and the time. The CG, while not revolutionary, blends in quite well. I really love the ‘illusions’ he performs, they are all so subtle and simple and seemingly natural which makes them far more magical than the lights and smoke and sequins of today’s conjurers. Mechanical trees, butterflies, red capes, ghosts and mirrors, it is a really delicious feast for the eyes. Edward Norton’s performance was excellent, and never overplayed which would have been an easy mistake to make with the role.

The costumes were beautiful as well, from Eisenheim’s frock coat to the gold buttoned suits of the Prince and delicate lace of the Duchess. If you like magic and royalty and history with a bit of mystery I think you might enjoy this film, don’t think too hard about it but go along for the ride and it may just surprise you.

Its Christmas Eve, one more sleep to go (if you can even sleep!) The tree is sparkling and I have a whole bowl of cherries to munch my way through. Cherries are one of my favourite christmas treats, they’re always in season around this time of year and I love their sweet-but sour taste. Sometimes I eat too many and end up with purple lips.

Christmas foods in australia are a bit different because it’s summer here and christmas day is often 100 degrees or over Popular dishes include salad, cold meats (even turkey!) and seafood. My family usually has prawns in garlic sauce, avocado salad and fruit salad with berries and honey, ginger beer or sparkling apple juice and Pavlova! Pavlova is an australian and new zealand dessert made of a soft sweet meringue with fruit and cream on top. It’s delicious and always reminds me of christmas. I often make Strawberry Parfait on christmas, this year I might share my recipe and take some photos!

It’s already quite hot here. Most of my christmas memories are warm, dry, sunny mornings when I would run down to the christmas tree still in my nightgown and look at all the presents that had magically appeared over night! I love hearing about different traditions, how do your family celebrate the holidays?