When it comes to creating high-quality content, filmmakers frequently draw from the real-life scenarios around them. The movies they put out to the world often place us in the most impossible and high-stakes situations, but they also ask us some real and thought-provoking questions that make us take a deeper look inside ourselves for answers.
One genre, in particular, that has proven popular over the years is gambling movies. Innately possessed of thrilling action and a sense of excitement, these have us continually on the edge of our seats, making them a wonderful choice for when we feel our own lives are moving at a slightly slower pace.
Not only that, but certain titles can even be useful for picking up some new casino gaming skills, to help improve your scorecard the next time you try your own luck at the tables. Here are three of the best for helping to up the ante and refine your tactics.
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Diamonds Are Forever (1971) for roulette
James Bond movies are, without exception, action-packed, and many have scenes that are set in or scenarios that revolve around the high-stakes world of the casino. Diamonds Are Forever is a classic example. Following everyone’s favourite spy as he tries to infiltrate a diamond-smuggling ring and stop a plot to destroy Washington, we see much of the on-screen action taking place over a tension-fuelled game – in one particularly memorable instance, roulette.
Arguably one of the most exciting Bond films ever created, Diamonds is great for those who want to improve their gaming, offering some incredibly clever real-world insights. And, if you still have some spare time on your hands once you’re finished, you can always head over to a casino like Betfair to get a more in-depth refresher on the rules – online casinos are a particularly useful tool for those who like to play roulette anywhere.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) for poker
Led by a host of A-listers, including George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Ocean’s Eleven is a film that thrives on the glitz and glamour of the casino. Showcasing high-stakes card games from start to finish, it’s filled with plenty of glorious gambling action, as well as ultra-cool characters and some seriously witty one-liners. The idea behind it is simple but ultimately compelling: Danny Ocean, gangster and genius, brings together a group of 11 eccentric individuals in order to plot a casino heist and steal money from his rival.
It’s fun, well-acted, and offers a great diversion on a slow and rainy Saturday. Plus, it has some really in-depth poker scenes, including one at the very beginning of the movie, which goes a long way toward establishing the tone of the film, while also explaining how the game works. So before you invite your buddies over for poker night, it’s well worth sitting down to watch this film and see if you can pick up some tricks!
Casino (1995) for blackjack
For blackjack, there is one of the most famous and highly renowned gambling movies ever made: the wonderful Casino. Regarded as one of the greatest Martin Scorsese films ever created, this is an intricately woven tale of greed and ambition, but it also does a wonderful job of explaining how the game works, thanks to its gritty and meticulously researched real-world setting.
The concept is clever and the acting impeccable, which means you’ll be glued to your screen in the space of a minute. While you might not always agree with the choices made by the characters, you’ll nonetheless find their plights compelling, emotionally charged, and magnificently watchable.
When it comes to quality gambling flicks, there’s no shortage of titles to choose from, but these three definitely rank among our favourites. Less well known than some of the classics, they nonetheless offer enjoyable watching when you need a diverting film to fill your afternoon, and have the added boon of being highly educational to boot. Which one do you want to watch and learn from first?
