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Casino Movies — Reviews, Stories, Characters & Memorable Scenes

Cinema Film Review explores films where casinos, poker tables, roulette wheels and high-risk environments become part of the story. Discover detailed reviews, plot guides, character profiles, memorable scenes, verified film facts and original editorial analysis. The site separates FACT from ANALYSIS and never promotes gambling.

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Robert De Niro as Sam Ace Rothstein standing in a lavish casino office in Martin Scorsese's Casino Scene 014

Casino (1995)

Martin Scorsese's Casino is a landmark film that dissects the rise and fall of a Las Vegas casino empire through the eyes of Sam 'Ace' Rothstein. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, the film is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi.

The story follows Ace Rothstein, a gambling handicapper tasked with running the Tangiers Casino, as he navigates mob connections, a volatile marriage, and the corrupt underbelly of Las Vegas. Key themes include greed, power, and the illusion of control.

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Essential Casino Movies

Casino (1995)

Martin Scorsese's epic crime drama explores the inner workings of a Las Vegas casino and the corruption surrounding it. Starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci.

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Rounders (1998)

A law student and poker prodigy returns to the underground poker scene to help a friend pay off a debt. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton.

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Ocean's Eleven (2001)

A stylish heist film where Danny Ocean assembles a team to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts.

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The Sting (1973)

Two con men orchestrate an elaborate scheme to take down a mob boss in 1930s Chicago. Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

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Latest Reviews

Fact

Review: The Card Counter (2021)

Paul Schrader's The Card Counter follows a gambler and former serviceman who seeks redemption through poker while haunted by his past. The review examines the film's themes of guilt and atonement.

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Fact

Review: Molly's Game (2017)

Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut tells the true story of Molly Bloom, who ran high-stakes poker games for celebrities and billionaires. The review discusses the film's rapid-fire dialogue and moral complexity.

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Fact

Review: Mississippi Grind (2015)

A down-on-his-luck gambler teams up with a younger poker player for a road trip to a high-stakes game in New Orleans. The review explores the film's character-driven approach to gambling addiction.

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Plot Guides

Casino (1995) Plot Guide

A comprehensive breakdown of the film's narrative, from Ace's arrival in Las Vegas to the final downfall. Includes key plot points and character motivations.

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Rounders (1998) Plot Guide

Follow Mike McDermott's journey from law student to underground poker player and his final confrontation with Teddy KGB. Covers the film's poker terminology and narrative structure.

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Ocean's Eleven (2001) Plot Guide

A step-by-step breakdown of the heist, from the recruitment of the team to the final reveal. Explains the film's twists and turns.

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Character Files

Sam 'Ace' Rothstein Casino

A meticulous gambling handicapper who runs the Tangiers Casino with precision but struggles to control his personal life. Played by Robert De Niro.

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Mike McDermott Rounders

A talented poker player who tries to leave the game behind but is drawn back to help a friend. Played by Matt Damon.

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Danny Ocean Ocean's Eleven

A charismatic con man who assembles a team to rob three casinos in one night. Played by George Clooney.

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Casino Scenes

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The Tangiers Count Room (Casino)

Fact

Film: Casino (1995)

Analysis

A tense sequence where Ace Rothstein discovers a discrepancy in the count room, revealing the casino's vulnerability to theft. The scene uses precise camera work to convey Ace's obsessive attention to detail.

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The Final Hand (Rounders)

Fact

Film: Rounders (1998)

Analysis

Mike McDermott faces Teddy KGB in a climactic poker showdown, using his knowledge of the Russian's tells to win. The scene builds tension through close-ups and poker terminology.

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The Bellagio Heist (Ocean's Eleven)

Fact

Film: Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Analysis

The team executes a complex plan to rob the Bellagio vault while evading security. The scene is a masterclass in editing and misdirection.

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Poker on Screen

The Art of the Poker Face

Poker scenes in films often use close-ups and strategic editing to convey the psychological battle between players. Examples include Rounders, The Cincinnati Kid, and Molly's Game.

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Casino Heists

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

A stylish heist film where a team of eleven attempts to rob three Las Vegas casinos. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

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The Killing (1956)

Stanley Kubrick's noir classic about a racetrack heist with a complex timeline. Starring Sterling Hayden.

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Logan Lucky (2017)

A comedic heist film where two brothers attempt to rob a NASCAR speedway. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

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Film Facts

Fact: Casino's Tangiers was a real casino

The Tangiers Casino in Casino was a fictional creation, but the film was shot at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The Riviera was demolished in 2016.

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Fact: Rounders popularized Texas Hold'em

Rounders is credited with helping to popularize Texas Hold'em poker, which became the dominant form of poker in the 2000s. The film features extensive poker terminology and strategy.

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Fact: Ocean's Eleven was a remake

Ocean's Eleven is a remake of the 1960 film of the same name starring the Rat Pack. The original was set in Las Vegas and featured Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

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Behind the Scenes

The Making of Casino

Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi collaborated closely to ensure the film's authenticity, consulting with former casino employees and law enforcement. The film's costume design was meticulous, with Sharon Stone's wardrobe reflecting her character's arc.

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Editorial Features

The Casino as Character

An essay exploring how casinos function as characters in films, shaping narrative and theme. Examines films like Casino, The Cooler, and Croupier.

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The Evolution of Poker on Screen

A feature tracing the portrayal of poker from The Cincinnati Kid to Molly's Game. Discusses changes in poker culture and cinematic technique.

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Film Archive

Explore the full collection of casino film reviews, plot guides, and character profiles.

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