Gambling movies always attract a significant crowd, as people love to watch high rollers on the big screen. When you combine the genres of gambling with comedy, you are often on track for a winner.
From Vegas to Macau was a revelation when it first came out in 2014, which is why the film gained such a massive audience around the world. Not only did it show the glitz and glamour of casino life, but it also showcased fantastic camaraderie between the lead actors.
If you have been spending time at an online casino to replicate the experience of being at a real casino, you may want to watch From Vegas to Macau to get a feel for the vibe at major casinos around the world.
Below is an in-depth review of From Vegas to Macau, a 2014 Chinese film made by Wong Jing.
Great Mix of Gambling and Action
One of the reasons why From Vegas to Macau was such a success is because of how the film combines the elements of gambling and action. Even though Wong Jing has always made great gambling films, such as the God of Gamblers trilogy, he slightly altered his formula for this movie.
Rather than focusing entirely on the gambling aspects of the story, he combined gambling with significant action set pieces. The result is a movie that has immense stakes, a lot of heart, plenty of thrills, and significant intrigue.
From Vegas to Macau released in China, and was expecting to get most of its box office revenue from that market. Movie reviews noted that because of the Chinese release, Wong had to ensure his film received the approval of the country’s movie review boards.
Start Off with a Bang
From Vegas to Macau opens with immediate suspense, with a family of con artists attempting to teach a terrible loan shark a lesson. They consider themselves modern-day Robin Hoods, helping those who are less fortunate or have come under pressure from unethical lenders. While their methods are not always the most ethical either, these Robin Hoods are trying to raise money to pay for cancer treatment for one of their mothers.
The film eventually switches from Hong Kong to Macau, with two of the characters heading there to attend the birthday party of a longtime friend. They are immediately taken by the glitz and glamour of life in Macau, which is often called the gambling capital of Asia.
Espionage, Betrayal, and Consequences
The movie’s plot does become a little incoherent as it gets further along, with some viewers noting that it was difficult to follow the trajectory of the plot. Eventually, the main characters find themselves in the midst of an international gambling ring, which is attempting to control the results of soccer matches to make a significant profit.
One of the primary characters, Cool, has a step-brother who is also an undercover agent. He has spent months disguising his identity, infiltrating the gambling mafia, as he attempts to bring them down from the inside.
Cool’s step-brother, Ken, is successful in his operation, as he manages to create a secret recording of key players within the gambling ring confessing to their crimes. They openly admit their intention and successful execution of fixing soccer matches.
Protecting the Ones They Love
The plot of From Vegas to Macau becomes even more convoluted, with Cool’s step-brother Lionel hiding a recording he makes of the mafia members within an imitated eye. He takes that eye and gives it to Rainbow, the daughter of Ken, another main character in the film.
Now Rainbow is in danger, as the gambling mafia knows they must get their hands on that recording before Lionel can successfully deliver it to the relevant authorities.
Great Fun and Drama
While From Vegas to Macau is not the perfect movie, it does include a lot of heart, action scenes, and intrigue. The plot keeps going at a breathtaking pace, which means you are never bored while watching.
Any fans of gambling or action movies or those who want a peek into Asian cinema, can get a great deal of enjoyment from this film.
Check Out the Sequels For Even More Fun
What movie is complete without having one or two sequels that you can immediately binge-watch? From Vegas to Macau is a great movie as a standalone, but it is made even better by its sequels.
If you enjoy watching the first iteration of this Chinese comedy that focuses on life at major casinos, then you may want to watch From Vegas to Macau II and III. Both movies have solid reviews from fans and critics, which indicate they are outstanding pieces of cinema.
These movies may even get you into the mood for other films that feature gambling and high rollers. Luckily, the genre is one of the most diverse in the world, both within Asian and Western cinemas.