The thrilling excitement and nail-biting tension of gambling mean that it often makes a great topic for cinema. Throughout the history of film, scenes of gambling have been used countless times for these reasons, with many movies centered around the world of casinos.
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Real World to Movies
While most real-life gambling takes place at bookmakers, on slot machines in bars, and on online sites and apps, cinema usually depicts the world of glamorous casinos and high stakes. While the high-flying establishments shown on the silver screen are inaccessible to most of us, you can check out some of the Online Casino Best Offers to satisfy your gaming needs!
In this article, we will explore five of the best movies about gambling of all time!
Molly’s Game (2017)
Based on a true story, Molly’s Game explores the life of Olympic skier Molly Bloom, who spent a decade running the most exclusive poker game in the world. Featuring Jessica Chastain in the title role, as well as Idris Elba and Kevin Costner, a star-studded cast and cracking script by The Social Network’s Aaron Sorkin make this one more than just a glitzy depiction of the glamorous guests of the titular game. Like most great gambling movies, the stakes are raised by the interference of both the mob and the FBI.
Casino Royale (2006)
The first James Bond film to feature Daniel Craig in the title role is one of the best Bond films of all time, not just because of the great acting, script, and cinematography, but largely down to the film’s iconic scenes in the titular casino. Perhaps the most memorable scene features Bond taking on menacing villain Le Chiffre not in combat or with the use of gadgets, but over a traditional game of high-stakes poker that is as gripping as any car chase in the series.
Uncut Gems (2019)
The most recent movie on this list, 2019’s Uncut Gems, sees Adam Sandler in a rare serious role as the protagonist, jeweller Howard Ratner. Showcasing Sandler’s greatest ever onscreen performance, Ratner gambles and risks at a breakneck pace throughout the movie – not just at the bookmakers but in almost every action that he takes. Balancing his business, his personal relationships, and the criminal underworld, this one is a gripping watch from start to finish.
The Sting (1973)
A true cinematic classic, The Sting sees the dynamic duo of Robert Redford and Paul Newman team up to pull the ultimate scam on a dangerous crime boss. Featuring plenty of scenes of gambling – both in casinos and more dangerous gambles – The Sting has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and goes down in movie history as one of the smartest scripts ever put to paper.
Casino (1995)
No list of gambling movies would be complete without this one. Director Martin Scorsese’s stellar follow-up to the iconic Goodfellas tells another mob story. Still, it takes things to Las Vegas, where Robert De Niro’s casino owner becomes embroiled with Joe Pesci’s unhinged mob soldier. Sharon Stone sizzles as De Niro’s wife, and the glamor of the titular casino really evokes the atmosphere that brings gambling such appeal to so many people.
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