People love gambling and are willing to experiment with ideas and tricks to succeed in the fantastic world of gambling. Some learn the art of gambling by reading books, others research on the internet while some watch movies with content based on gambling, casinos and poker. Whatever they do to master the art, they try their luck to gamble for real money on live Indian sports events I believe movies are the best and most convenient option for this purpose, especially in the current world where it is possible to watch movies online anywhere and anytime.
Here is a checklist of my 10 favourite movies about gambling, casinos and poker:
Casino
Released in 1995 directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and James Woods; the film is based on a casino executive who is asked to run casinos in Las Vegas and then rises to power significantly against a mafia enforcer. The film narrates a tale of greed, deception, money, power, murder and more.
Rounder’s
Released in 1998, directed by John Dahi, starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol and John Malkovich; the film is about a reformed gambler who returns to his old ways to help a friend pay off loan sharks. The film talks about friendship, commitment and how a man goes beyond the call of duty to help a friend.
The Sting
Released in 1973, directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw; the film is about a small grifter, who unknowingly steals a big-time crime boss. The drifter then schemes to get his revenge by destroying the boss's gambling world and ultimately murdering him.
Ocean's Eleven
Released in 2001, directed by Steven Soderbergh, with a stellar cast of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Mart Damon; the film is about how a group of eleven people devise an elaborate plan to steal from three popular casinos in Las Vegas. The film is a step-by-step scheme of an extensive con and rob job.
High Roller - The Stu Ungar Story
Released in 2003, directed by A. W. Vidmer; starring Al Bernstein, Andrew Glazer, Michael Imperioli and Brian Kaplan; the film is based on a true story of the rise and fall of a teenage card prodigy. The film traces how the boy's obsessive habits put him in debt, addiction and excess of a legendary poker player.
21
Released in 2008, directed by Robert Luketic, starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey and Aaron Yoo; the film about six MIT students trained to become experts in card counting and playing. The film follows their winning streak as they take millions in winnings in numerous Las Vegas casinos.
Owning Mahowny
Released in 2003, directed by Richard Kwientniwsky, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver and John Hurt; the film is based on the largest bank fraud accomplished by a single man of Canadian history, a bank manager with a gambling problem. The film is a thriller drama that shows how a man fed his gambling obsession.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
Released in 1998, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran and Jason Statham; the film revolves around four friends who collide with each other in a series of unexpected events. The crazy ride through the film is for nothing more than some weed, cash and two antique shotguns.
Revolver
Released in 2005, directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, André Benjamin and Vincent Pastore; the film revolves around a man who is recently released from prison and amasses a lot of money by gambling to revenge. The film is high on schemes, unknown dangers and redemption.
Bugsy
Release in 1991, directed by Barry Levinson, starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley; the film is the true story of Benjamin Bugsy's journey to the Las Vegas gambling world from being a foul New York gangster. The film highlights how he doesn't hesitate to kill or maim anyone who dares to cross him.
So which of these gambling content-based movies is going to be your pick? Turn on that television set, that smartphone and enjoy these thrilling mind games.
Until next time,
~ Heena
