Casino Raiders (1989)

the audience applauded

Powerful

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I have recently review this film again. And it is still the best "gambling" film after all these years. Although Wong Jing was infamous with his not-too-good movies and dirty jokes. This one is a totally show off that proves he is one of the most talent writer/director in 80s Hong Kong.Casino Raiders was released prior to "God of Gamblers" (also written and directed by Wong Jing), where the later has a better treater income. Personally speaking, the success of GOG is somehow related to the lead actor Chow Yun Fat, who was the hottest star at that time, and the story was filled with funny moments and local jokes which results a more releasing viewing experience, and more suitable to HK audience in 80s. In comparison, Casino Raiders features a more serious atmosphere, almost no local jokes at all, plus a better structured screenplay and twists. It is more suitable to call it a "gambling drama" (GOG is a cult movie instead).Wong Jing is well known to HK audience that he likes all kind of gambling games: horse racing, casino games, cards, dice etc. I believe that is the reason why he could come up a script with so many gambling twists (and tricks).Anyway, Casino Raiders is my most beloved movie of its kind. And it is recommended to anyone who is looking for a dramatic ride. One of the best (probably the only) from Wong Jing.

Sam (Alan Tam) and Crab (Andy Lau) are good buddies. They both gamble, but Crab can con people who he feels is "fair game". They get called to improve security at a casino located in Lake Tahoe. They get the Yakuzas who were cheating the casino, but Yakuzas tries to get even by kidnapping Crab's girlfriend Tong (Idy Chan). Crab goes to the Yakuzas to get Tong back. Yakuzas gives Crab the choice if he wins the bet he can take Tong, but if he loses, then he'll be poisoned by means of poisoned brandy. Crab cons them into thinking he won the bet and takes Tong home but he dies in the process from poisoning. Sam is also attacked by the Yakuzas, but he's more enraged over the loss of his friend and swears revenge a la gambler style.The story is cool but what's great is the friendship between Sam and Crab. Sam would go all the way to avenge his friend's death. This is one of the best movie of this genre and still a good movie to watch after 17 years since its making.

This movie has a nice plot, about brotherhood and friendship between 2 "tricksters". The best part was the revenging and final showdown on the gambling table. During this final short scene, most of the viewers will be offered an insight into the mind of a trickster and will have a feeling of "enlightenment". POSSIBLE SPOILERS***** Viewers who pay careful attention to find out who those machine guns guys will know that they are Italians. And thus they should be the Mafia. Viewers are in for another "enlightenment" even after the gambling showdown, the "Asia's first gambling king" not only win the game wonderfully, but having a setup such that his enemies(the Yakuza head and his godson) killed each other.

I think 'Wong Jing' is the Roger Coman of the Hong Kong. I think he must be rich. because he made a many garbage and trash movie for make money. sometimes watching his movie than I feel Angry. But this movie is great. He made Many gambling films. But there are only 3films are great. or Maybe that 3films is the only good films of his movie.once since this movie was released. after many gambling movie was made. but this movie is the best.