Review of Casino (1995) by Yoan S — 07 Oct 2012

Money, greed, power, and betrayal. All in a day's work in Scorsese's gangster epic based on true fact. Casino is a riveting and absolute enticing dramatic story based on the Italian Mafia's grasp over the Las Vegas Casino's in the 1970's and 80's. Robert De Niro gives one of his career defining performances as Sam "Ace" Rothstein the mob associate and handicapper sent to run the Tangiers casino for the mob bosses. Scorsese once again pairs De Niro with screen icon Joe Pesci, playing Nicky Santoro a mob Capo sent to aid in Ace's control and at the same time enforce thier control in Vegas but as time passes on, egos grow, power is wanted and loyalty is tested.

Master director Martin Scorsese crafts a superb film depicting the life of organized crime, in the style of (his own) Goodfellas but also its own unique incarnation. Casino boasts some great narrative explaining their lives, their business and the casino operation. The film is beautifully shot on location in Las Vegas and every scene is simply captivating. De Niro's performance is top notch and deep showing the dedication of hard working Sam Rothstein and his goal to run a "stand up joint" and not necessarily be illegitimite. De Niro brings forth the intellect, the calmness, coolness and at the same time the ruthlessness and dangerous ability of such a powerful man. Pesci's Santoro is a scene stealer. Nicky Santoro is hot headed, furious, and intimidating. A man who is truly a psychotic gangster (similarly to his Goodfellas character, Tommy) Pesci's performance is truly awesome, aggressive and virtualy untouchable how a mob capo who was sent to enforce Vegas began running the town.

What brings the film into an emotional story is the inclusion of Sharon Stone as Rothstein's wife Ginger. She is a deceptive, greedy woman whom at first seems can live the life alongside Rothstein, but however takes a turn for the worst as she falls into drugs, lies betrayal. A great turn by Stone.

Casino is truly one of the greatest films depicted about organized crime, it is entertaining, rich, smart, violent and dangerous. A true masterpiece. DeNiro-Pesci and Scorsese once again craft a memorable film piece.