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 sixth instalment of poker-related film offers.
Bet Raise Fold (2013)
IMDb rating: 7.6
Perhaps the most relevant documentary for today's poker players, this film tells the story of online poker. Although it focuses on the US market, every player should be interested in the sudden rise of online poker, which has transformed people's lives and helped some of them to become rich.
The film also mentions "Black Friday", which is well-known to those who have watched our recommended film All In - The Poker Movie. "Bet Raise Fold looks at the rapid rise of poker and the subsequent surprise move by the US government that led to the collapse of online poker in the country.
The film focuses on three ordinary people whose financial well-being is heavily influenced by poker. It shows that a stay-at-home mum and a world traveller can both make a living from it.
A great film, worth seeing for everyone. Especially given the current Lithuanian context, where foreign gambling rooms are blocked and have to use means to circumvent it.
Deal (2008)
IMDb rating: 5.4
A light entertainment film, where everyone (well, at least many) can put themselves in the shoes of the hero. A young student is good at poker and his talent is noticed by a famous gambler from the past, who has given up poker because of an earlier promise. However, that doesn't stop him from passing on his knowledge to the young man who is sweeping away his opponents one by one at the poker tables.
However, as usual for this kind of entertaining cinema, it is all about a not-so-clean arrangement and relationships with women. Don't be fooled by the low rating of this film - you won't get a huge amount of life wisdom from it, but you'll have a good time and you'll imagine yourself in the hero's shoes - in the top level of the competition, with a stunningly beautiful girl by your side.
The Sting (1973)
IMDb rating: 8.3
The Sting is ranked 91st among the highest rated films on IMDb. This is a truly remarkable ranking, which allows this masterpiece to be called a cinema classic.
The film is set in 1936 Chicago, where one con man teams up with another to extort a huge sum of money from a criminal. However, it is not only about the money, but also about personal accounts, as the latter is guilty of the murder of a mutual friend of the two crooks.
Gambling, money, guns and women. This classic film has it all, and the plot has no shortage of twists and turns to keep the viewer's attention.
The Gambler (1974)
IMDb rating: 7.3
A 40+ year old film about a broke literature professor who keeps borrowing money from the people closest to him - his girlfriend, his mother, and eventually those who come to haunt him afterwards. Despite all this, the urge to gamble never goes away.
It is a drama steeped in existentialism that will make everyone think. There is a reason why this film has been acclaimed. However, for those who have more time, it would be better to read Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Gambler. This film is an adaptation of Dostoyevsky's book.
Casino (1995)
IMDb rating: 8.2
Where there is a lot of money, there is also deceit, greed and power. On top of all this, there is murder and a fight between two best friends - a mafia boss and a casino owner.
As usual, a woman intervenes in their friendship, and the fight is on.
This is a film about power, money and relationships that will not disappoint any viewer. There is a reason why Casino is ranked 147th in the IMDb all-time movie rankings.
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