One of three big studio movies from 2006 that explore the workings of illusion and death, The Prestige (HBO; tonight at 9pm) is a dark thriller that plays with the nerves of its viewers. Lacking the Hollywood happy ending that marks Neil Burger's The Illusionist as a crowd-pleaser or the comedic spluttering of Woody Allen's Scoop, the fifth feature film of director Chris Nolan is fuelled by themes of obsession, duality and fatal rivalry.

Shot in a style reminiscent of Nolan's breakout work, Memento (2000), The Prestige begins at the chronological end of the narrative then flits between two episodes in the past to weave a fascinating tale of a pair of magicians locked in a battle of one-upmanship, with devastating consequences for themselves and those closest to them.

Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman; above left) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale; above right) are ambitious apprentice magicians. An unfortunate accident on stage ignites a deep hatred in Angier for Borden, whose erratic behaviour only exacerbates the animosity. As the enemies improve as performers, each endeavours to steal the other's trade secrets and sabotage their reputation.

US President Donald Trump, apparently impatient with the slow progress of negotiations, on Monday slapped 25 per cent unilateral tariffs on Japan and South Korea and equal or higher import taxes on several other nations ahead of a self-imposed Wednesday deadline.

Analysts said the move shows that the mercurial American leader is using threats to jump-start negotiations.

Trump sent two-page letters to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung saying the new tariff rates would take effect on August 1.

Provincial leaders are seizing opportunities to align with the national strategy, as the 2026-2030 development plan, officially released in March 2026, promises to reshape the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.