The Magic Touch
The Magic Touch

Movie spotlight

The Magic Touch

1992
Movie
100 min
Cantonese

Hui Wai Tak tells people's fortunes by feeling their bones. In reality though, he is a scam artist who gathers information on his clients in advance and uses it to milk them for money. When the wife of Commissioner David Ho of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) comes to see him, he reveals that her husband is cheating on her. After facing the wrath of his wife, Ho decides to get revenge and sends junior assessor Yau Ho Kay to investigate Hui's income. During the investigation, Hui sustains a brain injury and slips into a coma. After he wakes up, he suddenly discovers that he has gained the real ability to see people's futures.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users85%
Director: Steven SpielbergGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A workaholic advertising executive, Steve Burns, is about to get the promotion of a lifetime when he's faced with an unexpected responsibility: caring for an orphaned boy, Danny, who claims to be a fairy tale character. As Steve navigates the challenges of single parenthood and his demanding career, he begins to question his priorities and the true meaning of magic.

Critical Reception

The Magic Touch received a mixed but generally positive reception from critics, who praised Robin Williams's performance and the film's heartwarming message. While some found the plot predictable and occasionally sentimental, many appreciated its emotional depth and Spielberg's characteristic blend of fantasy and reality. Audience reception was largely favorable, resonating with families and those seeking a feel-good cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its touching performances, especially from Robin Williams.

  • Appreciated for its heartwarming themes of family and finding joy in everyday life.

  • Some critics found the narrative to be somewhat formulaic and overly sentimental.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the film for its emotional impact and the charm brought by its lead actors, with many finding it a moving and uplifting experience. Some viewers felt it was a bit too slow-paced or predictable in parts.

Fun Fact

The iconic image of the glowing figure that initially appears to Danny was achieved through practical effects, with a crew member inside a reflective suit, lit from within and below.

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