Gambling movies are one of the most popular movie genres worldwide. The high-octane, drama-filled genre has given us some of pop culture’s most influential and memorable films. The inherent drama, risk, and fast-paced storytelling that comes with gambling-themed movies have made them a fan favorite worldwide.Â
Gambling movies have become globally popular, mostly due to Hollywood’s take on the genre. Movies like Ocean’s Eleven, Rounders, and Casino Royale have gained international recognition and have given fans some of Hollywood’s biggest classics.
While Hollywood seems to have perfected the making of gambling-themed movies, the Asian movie industry has also contributed to the genre’s success on the big screen. Gambling movies have grown in popularity over the years in Asia, and the genre has given the industry some of it’s best and most critically acclaimed movies.
Let’s take a look at the four of the very best Asian gambling movies.
1. God of Gamblers
When it comes to the best Asian movies of all time, God of Gamblers is often one of the first names on the list. One of the most popular and influential movies made by the Asian film industry, the Hong Kong action drama is a timeless classic. Released in 1989, God do Gamblers is an action comedy-drama written and directed by Wong Jing.
The movie tells a story about Ko Chun (played by Chow Yun-Fat) and his gambling expeditions. He’s so good at gambling that he earned the name “God of gamblers.” He eventually has to face off against Chan Kam-Sing (played by Pau Hon-lam), a character dubbed as the “demon of gamblers.” On the night of the game, Ko falls into a trap set by a character named Knife and gets struck on the head. He loses his memory and regresses to a child-like state. Later on, Knife starts exploiting Ko’s exceptional gambling abilities.
The movie has gone on to receive numerous awards and was highly influential in the making of other gambling movies in Asia and abroad.
2. The Conman
The Conman is another brilliantly executed gambling movie by Wong Jing. Just like God of Gamblers, The Conman is a top-class showcase of action and comedy, while perfectly portraying the thrills and risks of gambling. Released in 1998, the movie stars Andy Lau, Athena Chu, and Nick Cheung.
The movie tells a story about King (played by Andy Lau) and his troubled gambling-filled life. His love of gambling leads to the loss of his family and prison due to a gambling-related murder and his subsequent journey to find his family upon his release from jail. The movie also starred Waise Lee, Jack Kao, and Angie Cheung. The Conman has also racked up plaudits and accolades over the years including a nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards. It has remained a fan favorite to this day in Asia and abroad.
3. Poker King
Poker King is yet another masterpiece of the Hong Kong movie industry. Unlike the two previous entries on this list, Poker King is a little more recent, hitting the big screens in 2009. Written and directed by Chan Hing-Kai and Janet Chun, this comedy-drama follows the story of two friends Jack, a member of a powerful gaming family, and Uno, a crook turned casino magnate.
The plot revolves around Jack and his journey to becoming a master poker player and casino owner after initially being disinterested in his family’s casino business. Sean Lau and Louis Koo played the two main characters, and they have become widely popular among fans in the Asian movie scene. The movie also stars Josie Ho, Stephy Tang, and Cherrie Ying. It’s known for its somewhat unique take on the gambling scene in Asia. It has received high ratings and rave reviews worldwide.
4. Casino Raiders
Casino Raiders is another movie directed by the excellent Wong Jing and another top-class gambling themed movie. Despite being the oldest on this list having debuted in 1989, a few months before “God of Gamblers,” Casino Raiders remains one of the best gambling-themed movies ever and one of the Asian movie industry’s best exports. The Hong Kong action-drama stars Alan Tam, Rosamund Kwan, Andy Lau, and Idy Chan.
The plot follows two best friends Crab Chan (played by Andy Lau), and Sam Law (played by Alan Tam) and their journey as professional gamblers. Casino Raiders was released at a time when gambling-themed movies dominated the Asian movie scene. However, it still managed to stand out due to its change of pace and tone as it took on a more serious and sinister outlook on gambling. It depicted a detailed involvement in crime for the two main characters as well as a strong theme of vengeance. Casino Raiders is a must-watch for all lovers of gambling movies.
