CROUPIER

Year: 1998
USA: The Shooting Gallery
UK: BFI Films
Cast: Clive Owen, Kate Hardie, Alex Kingston, Gina McKee, Nicholas Ball, Kate Fenwick, Nick Reding
Director: Mike Hodges
Countries: France / Germany / UK
USA: 89 mins
UK: 94 mins
UK Certificate: 15 for strong language, moderate violence and sex
USA Release Date: 21 April 2000 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 1 June 2001 (Limited Re-release - London)
UK Release Date: 18 June 1999

Synopsis

Jack Manfred is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast. To make ends meet, and against his better judgement, he takes a job as a croupier. He finds himself drawn into the casino world and the job gradually takes over his life; to the detriment of his relationship with girlfriend Marion. One gambler in particular, Jani, catches his attention and he starts to see her outside of working hours which is a serious breech of casino rules. Jani is down on her luck; under pressure from her creditors she approaches Jack, asking him to be the inside man for a planned heist at the casino. Jack carefully considers the odds; it all looks so simple, but even a professional like Jack can't predict the cards he will be dealt.