by Sharif Brandon
Movies about high-stakes situations are often thrilling for audiences. A character putting all of their money on an outcome, with the risk of losing everything, is something that will get you sitting on the edge of your seat. Therefore, it really is not that surprising that filmmakers return to this theme regularly. There have been some top-quality related movies produced down the years, and below we will take you through some of the very best.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
If you are looking for the best poker film of all time, then The Cincinnati Kid is what you are looking for. This film comes with the perfect balance of substance, tension, and style that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. It is a true masterclass in the art of psychological warfare, and is well worth a watch.
Yes, you might say it is a little bit dated, and it is fair to say that the pace is slower than what today’s film lovers are used to, but the tension is wonderfully built throughout. The chances of the last hands appearing during the same game are very slim, but Hollywood deals with drama and not reality. If you want reality in the world of casinos, then you can get plenty of realism in these casino reviews.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Guy Ritchie’s loony, violent, and fast-paced masterpiece tells us that sometimes it is the dealer that you need to keep a close eye on. Eddy, the protagonist, knows his way around playing cards, but in this London-based movie, he soon learns that the real game is not played on the table. He quickly finds himself half a million pound in debt and at risk of losing his father’s pub.
Eddy and his friends come up with an innovative, but desperate plan – rob the thieves who are stealing from their neighbours. While this film does not dive that deep into the casino culture, it does manage to capture the thrills that can come from gambling, the huge risk, and the fact that the brown stuff can hit the fan in a number of ways.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s 11, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is the slickest heist movie in cinematic history. It comes packed with all of the glamour, glitz, and wit that you would expect from a casino heist movie. Danny Ocean, who is played by the charismatic George Clooney, assembles a top-quality crew, with each one bringing their A-game to ensure that they pull off a heist that not many others would be capable of.
What sets this film apart from other gambling flicks is the style. The director does not care much for the gritty Vegas underbelly or the dangers of addiction, he is concerned with the glamour, glitz, and criminals that hide in plain sight. Sure, the film lacks realism and there are more twists than an aerialist at a circus, but this is what makes it such a magical movie. It is a fantasy film that shows that with meticulous planning and plenty of luck, an empire can be toppled.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, who organised one of the most exclusive games of poker in the world. The script of this movie is clever, but the impressive monologues do make it feel like they are showing off at times. Jessica Chastain does a great job as Molly, while she is very well supported by Michael Cera and Idris Elba.
Where this film really impressed us was with its exploration of addiction, power dynamics, and the excitement of being able to control the action instead of participating in it. These themes are deftly weaved throughout the movie, making it a film that is about personal integrity as much as it is about poker. Those who are looking for an intellectually stimulating gambling-themed movie should certainly give this one a try.
Uncut Gems (2019)
This movie is a cinematic rollercoaster which will have you gripping your armrest from the beginning to the end. The Safdie brothers have managed to create a masterpiece full of anxiety, while Adam Sandler, more known for his comedic roles, delivers a career-defining performance as a serious gambling addict and jewellery dealer.
What helps to set this movie apart from other gambling-themed films is not only the fact that it is one of the few good poker films that is not based in Las Vegas, but also the suffocating tension and the relentless pace. Come the end of the movie, you will be grateful for the breather. For those of you who know the rush that comes from a risky wager or the agony of coming close to winning big, Uncut Gems will hit close to home.
