The Korean film Tazza: The High Rollers (2006), directed by Choe Dong-hoon, is based on the manga of the same name. Gambling is not just a backdrop in this film; it becomes the main driving force for the protagonist. However, this project cannot be called a glamorous fairy tale. It tells not only about the ups and downs, but also about how a single wrong step can destroy an entire life. The film attracted over 7 million viewers, making it one of the biggest hits in South Korea upon its release. It was also highly praised by critics, for Asian cinema, it was one of the most accurate and honest portrayals of gambling addiction.
The main character of this film is called Go-Ni, and he is an ordinary working-class guy, but in his dreams, this simple guy goes much further. He wants to start his own business, but he needs money to make it happen. An honest, naive, and trusting young man sits down to play “hwatu,” a popular card game in Korea. Of course, with a character like that, he becomes the perfect victim for card sharks. Go-Ni loses all his savings on his first night and then tries to win it back, making the typical mistake of most novice players. Confident that he can win it all back in one night, he borrows money from his sister—and, of course, loses that too. He loses a large sum of money and, with it, his family’s trust, but the worst thing is that he develops an obsession with winning.
The film brilliantly shows how gambling addiction is disguised as a desire for mastery and control. Go-Hee doesn’t just want to play; his goal is to be the best. He finds a mentor who teaches him card-sharking techniques and demonstrates how to pressure his opponents psychologically. It seems that Go-Ni has it all—he wins big money, he is in love, and he has a beautiful life. But behind the confidence he displays lies an addiction that grows along with the stakes. Go-Ni gets caught up in criminal showdowns and then realizes that he has become the very predator he once despised—a man who is willing to gamble with other people’s lives.
Go-Ni’s story seems realistic for many reasons, in particular because his downfall is shown as gradual. He starts with small bets, then moves on to larger ones, then promises to play for the last time. It’s just like it’s described in psychology textbooks. Even in South Korea, with its ban on gambling, about 6% of the adult population struggles with gambling addiction. In 2022, the only official Korean casino, Kangwon Land, cut its hours because it had too many visitors showing signs of gambling addiction.
The ending of Tazza is telling: Go-Hee realizes that he has come a long way, and his only gains are fear and loneliness. The ending is compelling because the main character is likable to the viewer. In the end, he is not a villain; he is just a man who made the wrong choices.
Nowadays, with gambling moving to smartphones, this story takes on special relevance. Today, you don’t need to visit a casino or look for an underground club to gamble. In developing countries like India, online entertainment has become an integral part of everyday life. The number of platforms offering a chance to try your luck is only growing. In India, people often prefer to use platforms such as Mostbet, Melbet, and 1win. However, according to information from the website mostbetcom.in, Mostbet stands out from the crowd thanks to its attractive bonuses and wide range of games.
The story of Go-Ni shows that this is often more than enough to take the first step. Against this backdrop, it is notable that numerous gaming apps feature explicit references to Asian culture. This can be an anime-style interface or even traditional Korean card games. Go-Ni from the film came face-to-face with his opponents. The opponents of modern Go-Ni are algorithms and the illusion of control over the situation.
Films such as Tazza are an eloquent warning. They also explain that not everyone gets a second chance, so when the desire to try arises, you should think carefully.