For fans of gripping gangster cinema, a celebrated classic has become readily available to stream at no cost. Martin Scorsese's 1995 epic mafia drama, 'Casino', is now free to watch on ITVX and available on Prime Video, offering a perfect fix for those awaiting the upcoming 'Peaky Blinders' film.
Audience Acclaim: A Film That Rivals Goodfellas
The film has long been praised by audiences on platforms like IMDb, where it continues to garner stellar reviews. One user awarded it a 9/10, boldly titling their review: "I enjoyed this more than Goodfellas". They elaborated, praising the insight into Las Vegas operations and noting that while both films share stars and a director, "Casino seemed to have more story and wasn't always about excessive violence".
Another top-rated, 10/10 review declared it "the most uncompromising studio picture of the 1990s", calling it a complex, multilayered masterpiece of destruction and betrayal. The reviewer highlighted how it took the formula of 'Goodfellas' and applied it to a higher level of organised crime, stating: "While Goodfellas' view was ground-level... this film tells the story of the guys who controlled those guys."
The Story Behind the Scorsese Classic
Released in 1995, 'Casino' marked another legendary collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and actors Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. Set in the 1970s, the film follows gambling expert Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (De Niro), who is tapped by the Chicago mafia to oversee the Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas.
The plot delves into the immense pressures of running the casino, navigating mafia interests, and the subsequent breakdown of Ace's marriage to former showgirl Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone). Joe Pesci co-stars as Ace's volatile childhood friend and mob enforcer, Nicky Santoro. Notably, the story is rooted in reality, with De Niro's character based on real-life sports gambler and FBI informant Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal.
More Than Just a Gangster Film
Beyond its powerhouse performances and intricate plot, 'Casino' is renowned for its stunning cinematography and an iconic soundtrack. The film features a memorable collection of period tracks, including Nilsson's 'Without You', Roxy Music's 'Love Is the Drug', and Fleetwood Mac's 'Go Your Own Way'.
The film's critical reception was strong, earning multiple Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Despite the inevitable comparisons to Scorsese's earlier work 'Goodfellas', 'Casino' has firmly cemented its own status as a much-loved classic within the genre. As one devoted fan review put it: "Every time I watch this picture I fall in love with it all over again... an underrated and undervalued Scorsese Classic."
'Casino' is available to stream for free on ITVX and is also on Prime Video.
