To this day, blackjack remains one of the most popular traditional casino games. Whilst there are still conflicting reports, most experts agree that blackjack probably originated in France around 300 years ago or so, when the game was known as vingt-et-un (which literally translates to 21).
Due to the fact that there are a growing number of shows and films based on the blackjack table, there’s a good chance that you were introduced to the game through the cinema or television.
No matter what the genre of film, the various nuances and complex themes relating to blackjack means that it’s depiction on screen is generally well done, very effective and thought-provoking. With that being said, below are our three favourite movies featuring blackjack.
Licence To Kill (1989)
Still regarded by many as one of the greatest James Bond films of all time, License To Kill features Bond turning his hand at blackjack, which is a nice change of pace as the secret agent is often more associated with poker or baccarat.
As James Bond, Timothy Dalton is both suave and sophisticated, and whilst there’s only one main blackjack seen through the whole film, 007 wins a quarter of a million dollars, much to the dismay of drug kingpin Franz Sanchez.
As can be seen at online gaming platforms such as Paddy Power, firms now offer many different online variations of the game, including blackjack with side bets and blackjack cash out. The popularity of blackjack in online circles means that audiences are likely to continue appreciating references to the game on the silver screen.
Stacy’s Knights (1983)
Stacy’s Knight is undoubtedly one of the lesser known films about blackjack and the casino but is also one of the most compelling.
Without wanting to spoil the plot too much, Stacy discovers that she’s a talented blackjack player and meets Will (played by the ever-alluring Kevin Costner) and he teaches her everything he knows about the world of the casino.
After an incident with Will in the casino, things take a turn for the worst and Stacy recruits a team of top players and trains them up for one last big win in the aforementioned establishment.
Stacy’s Knights may not be a well known movie but it certainly portrays the high stakes nature of the casino with aplomb.
Croupier (1999)
Directed by Mike Hodges and starring the infamous Clive Owen, Croupier follows the story of Jack Manfred, a writer, who gets involved with blackjack and becomes a croupier.
Before he knows it, Jack is sucked into the intricacies and complexities of card games. This movie is one for the real hardcore blackjack fans as there’s plenty of table action as well a real focus on the different kind of players you can come across as the casino.
The Casino is Meant For the Big Screen
The high octane nature of the casino means that it’s a perfect setting for both fast paced thrillers or slow burning epics.
As the above list proves, blackjack is particularly suited to the big screen owing to the drama associated with sticking and twisting and playing against the house. What’s more, some of the most compelling films associated with the game never really made it into the pop culture mainstream, which makes them all the more alluring.
