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Casino Raiders (1989) is another gambling action/drama from the writer-director dynamo Wong Jing. Andy Lau and Alan Tam co-star as two buddies who work for a casino keeping an eye out for cheats and other shady characters. After exposing a group that's been ripping off their place of business, the boss sends them to the United States to help out it's sister casino in Lake Tahoe. It's their that Andy Lau finds romance but uncovers a dangerous plot that'll affect his and Alam Tam's lives forever.

Another film from the gambling genre that Wong Jing help popularize after the unlikely success of God of Gamblers. This big budgeted epic takes place in three countries and features the notorious Heung brothers (Charles as a casino owner and Jimmy behind the camera as a co-writer,producer and co-director). Andy Lau and Aln Tam act their butts off whilst Wong Jing makes another enjoyable picture. This film does what it sets out to do. Entertains, and it sure does, If you liked God of Gamblers then you'll enjoy this gritty and violent opus.

Followed by an unlikely sequel.

Recommended.

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.

Wong Jing's original and forerunner to the successful "HK Casino" film franchise is an excellent example of how skilfully the genre can be presented.

Crab (Andy Lau) is a smooth professional gambler, although "con man" might be more accurate to describe some of his sleazy and deceptive means by which he tricks his rich victims out of huge amounts of money. Although it must be said, he never steals from the innocent, but only slimy business tyrants. His friend and gambling partner, Law (Alan Tam) is arguably the more careless of the two. They are called in to assist a Casino owning friend of theirs who has lost a lot of money to some cheating Japanese Yakuza, and so their investigation into the suspected men ensues. Needless to say, this attracts unwanted attention and eventually leads them into trouble with the Yakuza. When Law's girlfriend, Tong (Idy Chan) is kidnapped by the Yakuza in exchange for Crab, a punishment for stealing back some money in a gamble, Crab goes straight after the kidnappers...

Without giving the whole film away, little else can really be said, but the film does contain a great deal of plot twists and interesting developments.

Alan Tam is probably the best lead here, and gives an emotionally deep and interesting performance. Andy Lau is not nearly as great as he was in "Casino Raiders II", the unrelated sequel, but still gives a solid depiction of the morally uncertain 'Crab' Chan.

In all, very rich noir-visuals and stylishly subdued direction from Wong Jing and Jimmy Heung make this a strong high-point of the HK Casino-Noir genre.

With a movie starring 2 top HK movie stars: Alan Tam and Andy Lau, you know that you are in a real treat.

The movie is simple, 2 best friends, both are gamblers. One decides to leave and join the good side, but old enemies won't let go of the past. Eventually, he has to face his enemy once again, in a final showdown at the casino table.

Good performance from both leading actors, who share pretty much equal screen time. The female leads also complement the movie very nicely, though their characters lack the depth.

Though movie tries to be logical, but there are logical holes, such as Lon's boss willing to make such a big bet on Lon's recommendation alone - that is pretty unbelievable. But one must suppress logic in watching a movie like this.

A 6/10 on my book

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.