A very lighthearted, charming movie.

Shadow Magic managed to stay under the radar of many; most likely due to it’s slight melodrama and foreign nature.

This film will make you smile.

I saw Shadow Magic early one morning at the Toronto Film Festival, about 5 or 6 years ago, so my memory of the finer details is a little hazy.

I heartily agree that it is an enjoyable film. The Chinese locale of a century ago is stunning, as are the costumes, particularily during the opera scene.

It does get a bit silly and melodramatic. The idea that it's possible to project a bright, clear film image with a sliver of sunlight reflecting off a mirror is the stuff of cartoons.

It was wonderful to see the Lumiere footage on a big screen.

The estatic reaction of the locals when they see themselves on the screen is heartwarming. It's a concept that Hollywood has forsaken : characters and situations that connect and resonate with the moviegoing public.

Shadow Magic is charming, and a treat for the cinephile, so long as you're willing to take a little schmaltz .