There are movies, then there are classics, and then you have the cult classics. These movies will amaze you whenever you go back to watch them. The casino has been the center subject for many such movies over time.
We take a look at the top 4 casino movies on our list that we believe have put on a fabulous display of the game, as well as the art form. Some of you may disagree with the list, but you can not ignore them if you like casinos.
The Sting
The 1973 classic movie casts the celebrity duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the lead roles. The well-rehearsed collaboration of the lead cast, aided by their long work relationship, made it a treat to watch on the screen. George Roy Hill was the director of the movie.
The plot had two con men, a professional and an amateur. They team up against a big-time crime boss. Redford’s character has a history of deceit with the crime boss. His partner dies during a face-off. He seeks help from Newman, who is supposedly a master of the long con.
Seldom a gambling movie has so many plot twists. You get a steady dose of adrenaline rush with the casino game in the middle, and numerous plot turns. The long con becomes difficult with time, and both the characters hit a climax with a high-risk kick-off.
A nail-biting flick with an electrifying finale has all the essence of a suspense thriller. The movie also received the academy award for the best picture in 1974.
Casino
Martin Scorsese’s 1995 movie ‘Casino’ is one of the most popular movies in this genre. Scorsese made sure to have a cast that was apt for the script and had Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci as the lead.
This epic depiction of the mob-controlled casino gaming in Las Vegas became a cult classic referred to by many movie buffs time and again. The story showed the glamorous and glittering face of the Vegas casinos with a cruel and brutal backdrop.
De Niro’s character is a casino owner with mob connections. Pesci is a deceptive discipliner, whose sporadic fierce actions create trouble in everyone’s life. Sharone Stone’s charisma and some of the best-supporting actors make up for the other roles. One of the most intense and memorable moments in filming history blended with a classic tale makes it an unskippable adventure.
Casino Royale
The name’s Bond, James Bond. Those words coming straight from the protagonist of Ian Fleming’s novel have had all of us gripping for the best part of half a century. Secret services have a new meaning in our heads post the stories of James’s quest became mainstream movies.
Casino Royale has two adaptations, one in 1967 by John Huston and team, and the other one is by Martin Campbell in 2006. Of the two, Campbell’s version starring Daniel Craig has been the most accomplished one.
Most of the movie has the depiction of a casino in its full grandeur. Large poker tables with dealers spearheading the games. Cards and chips, stacked on the poker table in the middle of a gripping plot. Click here to get a glimpse of the adrenaline rush and experience the same.
The story follows James’s encounter with Le Chiffre on the poker table. The torture and pain-inflicting villainous character and the game of poker will keep you hooked. The ultimate showdown at Monte Carlo between Bond and his rival is one of the most iconic scenes of modern filming.
The Cincinnati Kid
The 1965 movie based on the novel by Richard Jessup is another one that has a great depiction of the casinos. The movie surrounds a young stud poker player. It shows a setup from 1930s New Orleans. It has a host of decent performances by the likes of Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, and Edward G. Robinson in the lead roles.
In the plot, the kid from Cincinnati, played by Steve McQueen, travels and plays one big game to another. He has the company of various girls during the journey. The drama starts to unfold as he faces the legendary cards champion Lancey Howard, played by Edward G. Howard.
He gets a series of threats that present chances of dethroning him from the game and a stunning girl. The run-up to the fiery finale has both players risking high stakes to come on top.
So next time when you are unsure of what to binge-watch, these can definitely prove to be beneficial. Some movies are worth mentioning here, like Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Rounders (1998), and Swingers (1996). Grab that bucket of popcorn and start watching. Happy viewing!
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