10 Crime Films That Take You Inside the World of Dens of Iniquity

Description: An American private eye travels to Japan to rescue a friend's daughter from a Yakuza-run gambling den, revealing layers of honor, betrayal, and the complex world of organized crime.

Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to delve deeply into the culture of the Yakuza, offering Western audiences a rare glimpse into this secretive world.

Description: A psychiatrist gets entangled in the world of con artists and gambling dens, leading to a thrilling exploration of deception, psychology, and the allure of the underworld.

Fact: David Mamet, known for his sharp dialogue, wrote and directed this film, which was his directorial debut. It features a twist ending that has become a hallmark of Mamet's style.

Description: A British ex-con travels to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter, leading him into the heart of a criminal empire centered around a drug den and a corrupt record producer.

Fact: The film's non-linear narrative style was praised for its innovative approach to storytelling. It also features a memorable performance by Terence Stamp, who was nominated for a BAFTA for his role.

Description: Set in a Las Vegas casino, this film follows a "cooler" whose bad luck is used to dampen the winning streaks of gamblers, leading to a story of love, luck, and the seedy underbelly of gambling dens.

Fact: William H. Macy was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. The film also features a memorable performance by Alec Baldwin.

Description: While not exclusively about a den of iniquity, this film showcases the criminal underworld of Boston, where a police officer infiltrates a gang, and a gangster infiltrates the police, leading to a complex web of deceit and corruption.

Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, which also won Best Picture. It's a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: A former military interrogator turned professional gambler travels from casino to casino, using his skills to survive, while confronting his past in a world filled with gambling dens and moral ambiguity.

Fact: Directed by Paul Schrader, known for his work on "Taxi Driver," this film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the allure of gambling.

Description: Based on the true story of Richard Kuklinski, this film explores the life of a hitman who frequents various dens of iniquity, from strip clubs to gambling dens, as he balances his family life with his criminal activities.

Fact: Michael Shannon's portrayal of Kuklinski was critically acclaimed for its chilling accuracy. The film also features a scene where Kuklinski uses a spray can to freeze his victims, a method he was known for in real life.

Description: This film dives into the murky waters of a New Orleans brothel, where a former cop turned bouncer must navigate the treacherous world of vice and corruption to uncover the truth behind a murder.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Danny Trejo, known for his roles in various crime and action films. The title is inspired by the famous folk song, which adds a layer of cultural depth to the story.

Description: A literature professor with a gambling addiction dives deep into the world of high-stakes gambling dens, where he must navigate his debts and the dangerous characters he encounters.

Fact: This film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. Mark Wahlberg's performance was praised for its intensity and depth.

Description: A lawyer gets involved in a drug deal that leads him into the dark world of cartels, where he encounters various dens of iniquity, from strip clubs to drug dens, as he tries to save his life and those he loves.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Cormac McCarthy, marking his first original screenplay. The film features a star-studded cast including Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, and Javier Bardem.