Casino (1995)
In early-1970s Las Vegas, low-level mobster Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro) gets tapped by his bosses to head the Tangiers Casino. At first, he's a great success in the job, but over the years, problems with his loose-cannon enforcer Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), his ex-hustler wife Ginger (Sharon Stone), her con-artist ex Lester Diamond (James Woods) and a handful of corrupt politicians put Sam in ever-increasing danger. Martin Scorsese directs this adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi'[s book.
The Gambler (1974)
FOR $10,000 THEY BREAK YOUR ARMS. FOR $20,000 THEY BREAK YOUR LEGS. AXEL FREED OWES $44,000.[New York City English professor Axel Freed outwardly seems like an upstanding citizen. But privately Freed is in the clutches of a severe gambling addiction that threatens to destroy him.
Casino Royale (2006)
Casino Royale is a James Bond spy thriller movie released in 2006. It was directed by Martin Campbell. It is also the first James Bond film in which Daniel Craig portrayed 007. The film is based on the 1953 novel Casino Royale by Ian Fleming. This is the first Bond film in which Columbia Pictures owned MGM, which is no longer a major distributor.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly's Game is the true story of Molly Bloom a beautiful, young, Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons. Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and finally, unbeknownst to her, the Russian mob. Her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey, who learned that there was much more to Molly than the tabloids led us to believe.
Mississippi Grind (2015)
"Mississippi Grind" (2015), directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, follows Gerry, a struggling gambler played by Ben Mendelsohn, who meets Curtis, a charismatic drifter played by Ryan Reynolds, at a poker game. Convinced Curtis is his lucky charm, Gerry convinces him to join a road trip down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, hoping for a big win at various casinos along the way. Their journey explores themes of friendship, luck, and the highs and lows of gambling, revealing the complexities of their characters and their quest for redemption.
Rounders (1998)
"Rounders" (1998), directed by John Dahl, stars Matt Damon as Mike McDermott, a talented poker player who returns to the underground New York City poker scene after promising to give up gambling. When his best friend Worm (played by Edward Norton) is released from prison deeply indebted to dangerous loan sharks, Mike is drawn back into the world of high-stakes poker to help his friend pay off his debts. As Mike navigates the risky underworld of gambling, he faces moral dilemmas, personal challenges, and tests of loyalty that threaten to unravel his carefully laid plans for a better life outside of poker. The film explores themes of redemption, ambition, and the seductive allure of the game, providing a gripping portrayal of the highs and lows inherent in the pursuit of mastery and success in the world of professional poker.
The Card Counter (2021)
"The Card Counter" (2021), directed by Paul Schrader, stars Oscar Isaac as William Tell, a former military interrogator turned professional gambler haunted by his past. Tell spends his days quietly counting cards at casinos, trying to keep a low profile and avoid trouble. His solitary existence is disrupted when he meets Cirk (Tye Sheridan), a young man seeking revenge against a military contractor who tortured him years ago. As Tell reluctantly agrees to help Cirk exact his vengeance, he confronts his own demons and seeks redemption for his troubled past. The film delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological toll of violence, offering a stark portrayal of a man grappling with his dark past while navigating the complexities of human connection and moral responsibility.
Uncut Gems (2019)
"Uncut Gems" (2019), directed by the Safdie brothers, stars Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner, a charismatic New York City jeweler with a relentless gambling addiction. Howard's life spirals out of control as he juggles high-stakes bets, mounting debts, and strained relationships with his family and business associates. When Howard acquires a rare black opal from Ethiopia, he sees it as his ticket to financial salvation, despite the risks involved. As he navigates a series of escalating bets and desperate schemes to pay off his debts, Howard's world becomes increasingly chaotic and dangerous. The film immerses viewers in Howard's frenetic quest for success and survival, offering a visceral portrayal of the destructive power of addiction and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream in the face of overwhelming odds.
Lucky You (2007)
"Lucky You" (2007), directed by Curtis Hanson, stars Eric Bana as Huck Cheever, a talented but reckless professional poker player in Las Vegas. Huck is known for his exceptional skills at the poker table but struggles with personal demons, including a strained relationship with his father L.C. Cheever (played by Robert Duvall), a legendary player himself. As Huck prepares for the World Series of Poker, he faces financial difficulties and emotional challenges, compounded by his compulsive gambling habits and tumultuous romantic entanglements with aspiring singer Billie Offer (Drew Barrymore).
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
"Ocean's Eleven" (2001), directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a stylish heist film starring George Clooney as Danny Ocean, a charismatic ex-con who assembles a team of skilled criminals to pull off an elaborate casino robbery in Las Vegas. Freshly released from prison, Danny recruits his former partner in crime Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and gathers a diverse group of experts, including a pickpocket, a tech specialist, a con artist, and others. Their target is the vault of three major Las Vegas casinos owned by ruthless entrepreneur Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia).
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