Casino

In 1973, Las Vegas casino operator Sam 'Ace' Rothstein is given control of the Tangiers Casino by the mob. Ace, a meticulous handicapper, thrives in the glitzy world of Vegas, but his empire begins to crumble as his volatile associate Nicky Santoro engages in increasingly violent activities, and Ace's marriage to the hustler Ginger McKenna disintegrates into a vortex of drugs, jealousy, and betrayal.

Martin Scorsese's 'Casino' is a sprawling, violent, and often mesmerizing epic that delves deep into the corrupt heart of Las Vegas. While some critics found its runtime excessive and its violence gratuitous, many lauded its masterful direction, stellar performances (particularly from Sharon Stone), and unflinching portrayal of the rise and fall of mob influence in the casino industry. It is widely regarded as a significant entry in the crime film genre.

• A visually stunning and meticulously detailed look at the mob's control of Las Vegas.

• Features powerhouse performances, especially from Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci.

• Scorsese's signature directorial flair is on full display, though some find the film's excess and brutality overwhelming.

Google audience: Audiences generally praised the film's epic scope, compelling performances, and authentic depiction of Las Vegas's underbelly. Many viewers were captivated by the intricate plotting and Scorsese's immersive storytelling, though some found the violence and length to be a bit much.

Sharon Stone received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci) at the Academy Awards.

Sharon Stone's performance as Ginger McKenna was heavily influenced by the real-life figures Ginger McKenna and Frank Rosenthal (the inspiration for Ace Rothstein), particularly Ginger's tumultuous relationship with the mobster Anthony Spilotro (the inspiration for Nicky Santoro).