Kasyno

I put this film off for a long time, and in the end it wasn't bad at all, but three hours for a conversational mafia drama is just too much. The setting of the Casino was perfect, but only the first half of the film takes place there, the second half deals more with Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone's relationship and I didn't find that very attractive. But I'll give it a weaker four stars, because it's a wonder I didn't get bored. 70% (17.03.2016)

Scorsese is a great storyteller who can easily hold the viewer's attention for a full three hours. The film stands on an interesting, novel plot and the actors. While De Niro is typically good, Joe Pesci is phenomenal, his character is the embodiment of evil; although small in stature, he exudes imperiousness, bluntness, cruelty, and inspires respect. But who really shines is Sharon Stone, she deserved an Oscar for her challenging role (the academics were asleep again). She is the main star of the film. (13.04.2003)

Usually there’s just one narrator to take us through a story, he’s our bell hop, maid and waiter and we like him and root for him. But what if there are two narrators, interrupting each other? Other precise crime movie from Marty that surprises us where we thought that was impossible. Bobby De Niro is perfect as always, Joe Pesci is a runt who I would be scared to look sideways at and Sharon Stone does credit to her name (she’s wasted for most of the movie). (10.10.2010)

The fact is that Martin Scorsese is playing it safe to some extent. In terms of form and narrative style, Casino is quite similar to Goodfellas, Mean Streets, and even Raging Bull and The Godfather, it depicts the rise, peak, and fall of a person and their close ones. However, it must be noted that Scorsese excels again, receiving top marks with a star. The captivating period feeling that he captured in Goodfellas is also present here. The scenes are similarly crafted and shot, there is similar period music, almost the same actors, and brutality is not spared either. Maybe the story is not as extensive and fast-paced as in Goodfellas, but it doesn't bother me. Scorsese again magnificently leads the ensemble cast. Robert De Niro, who took on the lead role this time, studied his character and portrayed him wonderfully, rightfully becoming the strongest acting element of the film, along with the excellent Sharon Stone. Joe Pesci toned it down a bit compared to his unforgettable performance in Goodfellas, but there were still a few of his typical outbursts. Scorsese directs in a top-notch manner, and maturity, and literal life experience shine from every shot. Overall, Casino is formally well-crafted and stylishly made, a gem that has not lost, and will never lose, its brilliance, style, charm, maturity, and power. (30.03.2004)

I really enjoyed this movie: its narrative style, interesting personalities, and story. Even though it's so long, I never once felt bored. And right from the beginning I was rooting for De Niro and no one else; I wasn't indifferent to his fate... I went through it with him as if with a friend :-) (30.01.2009)