Relax: gambling films for a quiet evening (Part V)

Poker today is not the reality it used to be. Well, or at least the way the cinema presents it.

A computer, an extra monitor and hours spent at home or anywhere else are the order of the day. Poker is played much less frequently in real life, but in the past it was not even possible to play it otherwise.

So PokerioMokykla.com offers you a break and a glimpse into the somewhat idealised, high-society and crime-ridden face of poker. Serious uncles at the tables, pulling cigars and drinking whiskey and holding a gun.

"PokerSchool.com provides you with a list of recommended films to watch that are in some way related to poker, betting or casinos.

Here's the fifth instalment of poker-related film offers.

Part I-a

Part II-a

Part III

Part IV-a

Kaleidoscope (1966)

IMDb rating: 6.0

A classic comedy with a classic poker image, where men in tuxedos smoke and play cards. For those who like older films, Kaleidoscope will appeal cinematically.

This film involves cheating and a relationship with a woman, but the plot is not at all like modern films about cheating at the poker table.

Croupier (1998)

IMDb rating: 7.2

A top-rated British film with an unusual story. Jack is a writer who gets a job in a casino. He becomes a croupier and realises that this life experience is worth a book. However, the gripping thriller features the usual gambling house deceptions and unexpected relationships.

"The Toad is a serious psychological thriller that shows how work can change everything in a person's life - their behaviour, their main occupation, their relationships and more.

The Cooler (2003)

IMDb rating: 7.0

A man who has been used to losing all his life meets a woman and his life changes. Perhaps this is often the case in reality, when love changes everything. And so it is with Bernie Lootz (known as 'The Cooler').

The action revolves around a slightly outdated Las Vegas casino that is to be demolished. However, his new love Natalie is determined to stop it and keep her current job, and The Cooler is doing his job - trying to knock out the good gamblers and get them to lose.

A film with great acting, definitely not for children.

Shade (2003)

IMDb rating: 6.4

What's a poker movie without big money and criminals? This one is no exception, as three card aces try to take down a legendary player who is rarely encountered.

However, things go wrong and it is discovered that the essence of the card game is cheating, so things take a different turn.

"Shade is considered one of the best poker films of the 21st century, and for that reason alone it is worth seeing and appreciating for yourself.

Runner Runner (2013)

IMDb rating: 5.6

An action film revolving around unfair gambling. A student who cannot pay for his studies is forced to gamble - using mathematical models, he plays online poker, and does well until he is cheated. When the scam is exposed, he goes to meet the person who has potentially cheated him.

The result is cooperation, big money and law enforcement attention.

"Running Cards is not really a standout in terms of plot - it's a simple action film with poker and luxury extras.