Casino (1995)

Casino (1995) is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, and explores the world of organized crime, corruption, and excess in Las Vegas during the 1970s and early 1980s.
The story follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (played by Robert De Niro), a professional gambler with ties to the mob, who is sent to run the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. Ace is meticulous and efficient, making the casino wildly successful. However, his partner and friend, Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci), is a violent enforcer who is sent to protect Ace but soon becomes a liability due to his erratic behavior and increasing involvement in criminal activities outside the casino.
As Ace navigates the complexities of running a casino under mob control, his personal life begins to unravel. He falls in love with Ginger McKenna (played by Sharon Stone), a glamorous hustler with a drug addiction and a toxic relationship with her former lover Lester (James Woods). The film depicts Ace’s rise to power and the eventual downfall of everyone involved as greed, violence, and betrayal destroy their lives.
Casino is known for its richly detailed portrayal of the inner workings of a mob-run casino and its depiction of the corrupting influence of power and wealth. The film features stunning cinematography, a fantastic soundtrack, and powerhouse performances, particularly by Joe Pesci as the volatile Nicky and Sharon Stone, whose portrayal of Ginger earned her an Academy Award nomination.