Casino (1995) is a gripping crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the true story of the rise and fall of a Las Vegas casino empire controlled by the mob. The film follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a meticulous and brilliant gambling expert, who is chosen by the Chicago mafia to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. With his keen eye for numbers and discipline, Ace turns the casino into a highly profitable business, but behind the scenes, corruption, greed, and violence loom.
Things take a dark turn when Ace’s childhood friend, Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), a ruthless and violent mob enforcer, arrives in Las Vegas. Nicky’s uncontrollable aggression and criminal activities attract too much attention, endangering their operations. Meanwhile, Ace falls in love with the glamorous but troubled hustler Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), whose manipulative nature and love for her ex-boyfriend Lester (James Woods) create chaos in his life.
As greed, betrayal, and power struggles escalate, the once-thriving empire crumbles under FBI investigations, internal conflicts, and personal downfalls. The film ultimately portrays the brutal and inevitable collapse of the golden era of mob-run Las Vegas.
Martin Scorsese masterfully crafts Casino with stunning visuals, intense storytelling, and unforgettable performances. The film immerses viewers in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas while exposing the dark underbelly of organized crime.
Robert De Niro delivers a brilliant performance as Ace, portraying a man obsessed with control yet unable to manage his personal life.
Joe Pesci is terrifying as Nicky, bringing raw brutality reminiscent of his role in Goodfellas (1990).
Sharon Stone gives a career-defining performance as Ginger, balancing charm and self-destruction in an emotionally intense role.
Scorsese’s signature direction, combined with a powerful soundtrack, non-stop narration, and sharp dialogue, makes Casino a thrilling and unforgettable experience. While often compared to Goodfellas, Casino stands on its own as a mesmerizing, violent, and tragic story of power and corruption in the world of high-stakes gambling.