If you loved the gritty, character-driven storytelling of 'Hard Eight' (1996), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its themes of crime, redemption, and moral ambiguity. Whether you're a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson's early work or just enjoy tense, atmospheric dramas, these picks will keep you hooked.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Description: A classic tale of a young poker player's rise and confrontation with a seasoned pro, emphasizing skill, ego, and the unpredictability of the game.
Fact: The poker showdown between Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson is considered one of the most authentic in cinema history.
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The Sting (1973)
Description: A clever, twist-filled caper set in the world of grifters and high-stakes cons, blending humor with meticulous plotting.
Fact: The film's iconic ragtime soundtrack, composed by Marvin Hamlisch, helped revive interest in Scott Joplin's music.
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California Split (1974)
Description: A freewheeling, improvisational take on the lives of two gamblers, capturing the highs and lows of their chaotic journey.
Fact: One of the first major films to use an eight-track sound system, enhancing the immersive casino and bar scenes.
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Casino (1995)
Description: A lavish yet brutal depiction of casino operations, crime, and the volatile relationships that thrive in the gambling underworld.
Fact: The film's depiction of Las Vegas in the 1970s and 1980s was so accurate that it's often used as a reference for that era's casino culture.
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Rounders (1998)
Description: Explores the underground world of high-stakes poker, blending tension, strategy, and the allure of risk-taking in a morally ambiguous setting.
Fact: The movie is credited with sparking a renewed interest in Texas Hold'em poker during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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Croupier (1998)
Description: A neo-noir exploration of casino life through the eyes of a detached, observant dealer who gets drawn into a risky scheme.
Fact: The film's success revitalized Clive Owen's career, leading to his breakout roles in Hollywood.
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Owning Mahowny (2003)
Description: A somber, psychological dive into compulsive gambling, portraying the protagonist's descent into financial and emotional ruin.
Fact: Based on the true story of a Canadian bank manager who embezzled millions to feed his gambling addiction in the 1980s.
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The Cooler (2003)
Description: A gritty, character-driven drama set in the world of casinos, focusing on luck, redemption, and the psychological toll of gambling.
Fact: The film's unique premise revolves around a man whose bad luck is so potent that casinos hire him to 'cool' winning streaks at the tables.
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The Gambler (2014)
Description: A tense character study of a man consumed by his addiction to high-stakes gambling, showcasing the destructive spiral of risk and consequence.
Fact: The screenplay was loosely inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's 1866 novella of the same name, transposing its themes to a modern setting.
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Mississippi Grind (2015)
Description: A road movie centered around gambling, friendship, and the pursuit of elusive luck, blending melancholy with moments of exhilaration.
Fact: The film pays homage to 1970s gambling movies, particularly in its atmospheric tone and character-driven narrative.
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