Can you imagine movies without casino scenes in them? We neither! There is something about the luxurious venues, ladies in fancy robes, and men in tuxedos, that creates the perfect background for everything – from suspenseful thriller to light-hearted family comedy. And while it is completely understandable casinos are used as settings, it is also rather expected to witness a fair share of movies that revolve around gambling action.
“Gambling is a popular motif in the film industry because people have so many stereotypes about it. It can be anything and everything you imagine it to be. Besides, some real-life stories about gambling are more intriguing than any imaginary scenario written by Oscar-winning screenwriters”, elaborates Anna Rosak.
Polish expert Anna Rosak, is an reviewer of on a casino site where she reviews najlepiej wypłacalne kasyna HEX, being high payout casinos. She is also a gaming aficionado, and the right person to recommend to us some of the best movies inspired by gambling games, venues, and all sorts of escapades.
“There is no business like casino business”, she laughs as she starts rolling out her must-haves.
Rounders (1998)
“Although it was considered a mediocre movie at the time of its release, it evolved into a cult classic of poker scene”, reveals Anna Rosak and continues, “Edward Norton and Matt Damon embody two persistent gambling stereotypes, which makes the flick even more thrilling.”
Edward Norton takes on the role of Lester “Worm” Murphy, a shady young man released from prison, with big plans to win big on poker. He is shady, reckless, and morally ambiguous. Unlike him, law student and gifted poker player Mike McDermott played by Matt Damon is a solid guy, who happens to get in trouble with the wrong people.
“I love that Rounders have rather gritty visuals but end on an optimistic note, and also serve as a cautionary tale”, says Anna.
Molly’s Game
Imagine a flick that has beautiful intelligent women, a star-studded cast, the Russian mafia, poker, revenge, and plenty of drugs. It would be Molly’s Game (2017). What makes this movie even more interesting, is that it is based on the life of Molly Bloom.
“I just love this movie, because if you are into the gaming scene, you can easily “read” some of the characters. For instance, Player X is actually Tobey Maguire, who happens to be a sour loser”, thrilled is Anna Rosak.
The titular Molly is played by exceptional Jessica Chastain, Michael Cera takes on the role of Player X, while Idris Elba plays Molly’s attorney.
Uncut Gems
Do you think Adam Sandler is known for toilet humour and playing the same role over and over again? Uncut Gems (2019) will make you think again. The story of a jewel merchant who is looking to place that final sports bet that will make them rich will leave so many feeling devastated and in a state of utter shock.
“This is a movie well worth watching. If you think all is well that ends well, Uncut Gems will cut you like a knife, and convince you otherwise. It is heartbreaking, it is sad, and it will definitely change your opinion on what Adam Sandler can do”, convinced is the editor-in-chief.
Casino
“The legendary Casino (1995) is a crime drama that needs no introduction. Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci did a fascinating job and deserve all the highest accolades”, claims Rosak.
In one of the best movies of the 1990s (and the competition is tough), De Niro plays Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambling expert handicapper who runs the Tangiers Casino in the 1970s. If you think that decade was wild, know that the casino industry was even wilder. With his right-hand Nicky Santoro (Pesci), Aces wants to rule Las Vegas. Based on the novel Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, it will keep your eyes fixated on the screen from the very first to the very last minute.
21
Before the downfall of Kevin Spacey, former Hollywood’s pet played in 21, a film that didn’t gain a lot of attention back in the day, but reached legendary status.
“21 (2008) is a film about blackjack players from MIT who have found a way not to beat the system, but to squeeze it dry. And yes, it is based on true events, although the racial representation in it is not exactly on point”, warns Anna.
The heist drama set primarily in Las Vegas received mixed reviews, but Rosak argues it is made for niche audiences, and no one actually expected it to become a blockbuster: “The thing with movies about gambling is that you have to know what the characters are doing, otherwise it gets plain boring. On the other hand, over-explaining ruins the film as well.”