Released in 1995, Casino often gets compared to Goodfellas, and that makes sense. Both films were directed by Martin Scorsese and both dive deep into the world of organized crime. But Casino has its own identity. It is bigger, darker, and more tragic. Instead of the streets of New York, this time Scorsese takes us into the neon soaked world of Las Vegas during the seventies and early eighties.
The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, who was already one of the greatest filmmakers in history by that point. With Casino, he once again proved he had an incredible ability to tell crime stories in a way that feels exciting, detailed, and brutally honest. Every scene has energy. Every character feels real.
Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a gambling expert chosen by the mob to run a casino in Las Vegas. De Niro is excellent in the role. Ace is intelligent, organized, and always in control. At least at first. He treats the casino like a business and believes he can stay one step ahead of everyone around him.
Joe Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, Ace’s childhood friend and the mob enforcer sent to Vegas to protect the operation. Pesci is absolutely terrifying here. Nicky is violent, reckless, and impossible to control. While Ace tries to build something, Nicky tears everything apart through his greed and anger.
Sharon Stone gives the best performance of her career as Ginger McKenna, a beautiful hustler who becomes Ace’s wife. Stone is fantastic because Ginger is much more than just a typical crime movie wife. She is complicated, damaged, and deeply unhappy. Her relationship with Ace slowly becomes one of the most painful parts of the film.
The plot follows Ace as he rises to power in Las Vegas, running the Tangiers casino while trying to balance his business, his marriage, and his dangerous friendship with Nicky. At first everything seems to be working. The money is pouring in and Ace appears untouchable.
Of course, in a Scorsese film, success never lasts forever. Slowly everything begins to fall apart. Nicky’s violent behavior attracts too much attention. Ginger becomes more unstable and distant. The mob begins to worry that the entire operation is spinning out of control.
What makes Casino so powerful is the way it shows the rise and fall of these characters. Scorsese does not rush through the story. He takes his time, letting the audience see exactly how these people create their own destruction.
The film is visually stunning. The bright lights of Las Vegas, the flashy suits, the giant casinos, and the nonstop energy create an incredible atmosphere. At the same time, there is always a sense of danger underneath all that glamour.
Scorsese’s direction is outstanding. The camera moves constantly, the editing is sharp, and the soundtrack is packed with great music. The film is nearly three hours long, but it never feels slow.
The performances are what truly make the movie unforgettable. De Niro brings control and quiet desperation to Ace. Pesci is pure chaos. Sharon Stone gives an emotional and heartbreaking performance that deserved every bit of praise it received.
Casino is also one of the most honest films ever made about Las Vegas. It shows both the excitement and the corruption. The city looks glamorous on the surface, but underneath it is built on greed, power, and violence.
There are scenes in Casino that stay with you forever. The meetings in the desert. The tension between Ace and Nicky. Ginger’s downward spiral. Every moment feels important.
Even after all these years, Casino remains one of the great crime films. It is dark, stylish, emotional, and incredibly entertaining from beginning to end.
Casino is not just an excellent film. It is a true classic and one of the finest movies Martin Scorsese has ever made.