Casino (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein, a sports handicapper who is sent by the Mafia to Las Vegas to manage the Tangier Casino.
The plot of the film focuses on:
- The Rise and Fall of Ace in the Casino World: Ace is only interested in running the casino efficiently and making a profit, but his life is complicated by his impulsive childhood friend Nicky Santoro, sent by the mafia to "keep an eye" on him, and his wife Ginger, a former fraudster with an addiction to alcohol and drugs.
- The Inner Workings of the Casino and the Mafia: The film details how the casino was run in the 70s, including money laundering schemes and corrupt connections with politicians and the police.
- The devastating consequences of greed, betrayal and violence: As Ace builds his empire, his relationships with Nicky and Ginger deteriorate, leading to tragic consequences for all three.
Overall, Casino is an epic crime drama that explores the dark side of Las Vegas and shows how power, money and ambition can destroy even the strongest people.
The film is known for its stylish direction, brilliant acting (Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone), realistic depiction of the world of casinos and the mafia, and brutal scenes of violence.