Vegas beckons even those far from the gambling industry: this iconic city has become a synonym for fun and entertainment. It’s not surprising multiple films were made there – the atmosphere of the region is just created for exciting plots and amazing shoots. Vegas and gambling culture inspire many producers – so let’s have a look at the iconic films that will always be in trend.
Casino, 1995
The classic crime film was developed by Martin Scorsese, a living legend of the cinema industry. It’s based on real events, showing the story of Sam “Ace” Rothshein, a professional gambler. He partnered with a mafia group and began running a Luxury casino in Las Vegas. Nicky Santro, his best friend, is also involved in the business. Everything seems calm and quiet in Ace’s life as he marries a beautiful lady who gives birth to their daughter.
The perfection is broken by his beloved woman becoming drug addicted and stealing all his money. At the same time, his friend Nikki does illegal things, attracting the attention of the FBI. The main character has to escape the situation, saving himself and his daughter, and he eventually starts playing in a casino. The film’s plot is quite classic, but this does not make it any less attractive. “Casino” brilliantly captures the Vegas atmosphere. Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone captivated audiences with their performances, so don’t forget to watch this film in your spare time.
“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001)
We are confident most people have already seen this film, but it’s definitely among the masterpieces you can re-watch again and again. Top Hollywood stars and the impeccable Vegas ambience won viewers’ hearts. Of course, the plot is worth special attention, as the film is truly iconic movie. Danny Ocean, the story’s protagonist, just leaves the prison and plans a new crime. He aims to steal $160 million from the three top Las Vegas gaming houses, but he cannot imagine doing it alone. It takes Danny one night to gather a team of eleven scammers ready for everything to help him succeed in the robbery.
This spectacular film conveys all the beauty and allure of the world’s gambling capital. Steven Soderbergh knows how to capture viewers’ attention – Brad Pitt and George Clooney played a huge role in the picture’s success.
“21” (2008)
“21” is an American drama film by Robert Luketich. The plot is focused on an ordinary guy, Ben, who is extremely skillful in math. He was lucky enough to get to Harvard but lacked funds to cover all the expenses. To receive a scholarship, the protagonist needs to impress the commission; he successfully solves one of the most difficult problems. His talent is noticed by a professor, who subsequently invites Ben to join his blackjack team. This radically changes his life – and the high roller lifestyle completely dips the guy. Excitement draws him in and leads to problems in his studies.
Ultimately, Ben is cheated out of a large sum of money and is left with nothing. However, his talent in mathematics allowed him to return to the peak of fame in famous casinos. This film teaches us that blackjack still allows you to calculate your chances of winning and apply certain strategies. However, luck and fate often make their own adjustments!
“The Hangover” (2009)
This film, directed by Todd Philips, is a classic comedy that seems to have remained at the peak of cinema Olympus for ages. A group of guys dreamed of throwing an unforgettable bachelor party, and they succeeded. They go to a party in Vegas, and it exceeds all their expectations. Throughout the film, the characters try to understand what happened to them.
Viewers will see a tiger in the bathtub, a missing groom, and more. Tons of fun and magnificent Vegas captivated the audience. Of course, the actors themselves played an important role in the film’s favour: it seems that Zach Galifianakis has never been as popular as after “The Hangover.”
“Leaving Las Vegas” (1995)
The romantic tragedy is about Ben, a successful man whose alcohol addiction ruined his career. The protagonist decides to begin a new life by burning his house and heading to Vegas. He hopes the bustling capital of fun and entertainment will help him find himself. He meets the prostitute Sera, who becomes his loyal friend and beloved woman. They both know each other’s disadvantages, but still start a relationship to change their lives. “Leaving Las Vegas” shows all the consequences of addictions and how difficult it is to cope with them. The protagonist eventually dies in Las Vegas, and the tragedy in the entertainment city demonstrates that love doesn’t always win.
Final Insight
Gambling films will never lose their relevance, and Sin City is portrayed in many of them. The pictures mentioned above are all different, and the allure of Las Vegas casinos is exactly what unites them. Directors are inspired by this impeccable atmosphere of fun, skilfully weaving incredible stories. Even though plenty of gambling films are similar, each of them is truly unique and brings varied senses to viewers.
