Poker in today's reality is not what it used to be. Well, or at least not as it is portrayed in the movies.
A computer, an additional monitor, and hours spent at home or any other place are the everyday reality of today. In reality, poker is played much less frequently, but in the past, it was impossible to play it any other way.
So PokerioMokykla.com offers you to relax and take a look at a slightly idealized face of poker associated with high society and criminals. Serious men, smoking cigars and drinking whiskey at the tables, with a gun tucked in their waistband.
We present to you the second part of the poker-related movie recommendations.
High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story (2003)
IMDb rating: 6.2.
A movie based on a true story that will leave no one indifferent. This is the story of Stu “The Kid” Ungar. Stu Ungar was a poker legend from 1953-1998. He is one of the two poker players who won the WSOP main events 3 times.
Extremely aggressive play, bluffs, wins, love, and drugs. The life of the poker (and blackjack) player nicknamed “The Kid” lacked nothing, and this is exactly what this movie shows.
Each viewer either exclusively likes it or doesn't like it at all – no middle ground. However, every poker player should get acquainted with Stu Ungar's biography, as this player is considered one of the most talented.
All In – The Poker Movie (2012)
IMDb rating: 6.7.
“Poker players are the last American cowboys,” “I've never seen people take autographs from gamblers.” You will hear such and similar catchy phrases in this movie, which tells about the collapse of online poker in the USA due to changing laws.
When the US Department of Justice shut down the three most popular poker rooms, there was great confusion. People making a living from poker faced difficulties, and it seemed that the entire US poker community would collapse.
However, this documentary presents the American poker scene from the first-hand perspective and explains why poker is a way for many to pursue the American dream.
Regalo di Natale (1986) / Rivincita di Natale (2004)
IMDb rating: 7.7 / 6.8.
18 years after a painful loss, Franco – an industrialist and film producer – meets with a group of old friends for Christmas. Although many years have passed, the previous loss is not forgotten, so a rematch takes place.
During the game, he realizes why he lost such an important and long-lasting friendship. Old hatred and disagreements emerged at the poker table, giving the game a different meaning.
These are two Italian films, one known as “Christmas Present,” and the other as “Christmas Rematch.” They complement each other and definitely deserve attention, especially during this festive period.
21 (2008)
IMDb rating: 6.8
A well-known movie to many cinema lovers, based on true events about six math students who were trained by card counting experts and thus won millions in Las Vegas casinos.
This is a movie not about poker, but about casinos and blackjack. Also about money and card counting, which is a related thing to every poker player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsK1c9ZBpuw
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
IMDb rating: 8.2
A true cinema classic, ranking among the top 200 films of all time. Probably few have not seen this movie about cards, debts, and crimes.
There is much to say about “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” but it's better to see it once than hear about it a hundred times. That's what we suggest you do!
