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What is quite obviously the best film news of 2025 thus far (and will be tough to beat in the foreseeable future) comes via Variety, who tell us Shout! Studios have acquired worldwide rights (minus certain Asian territories) to 156 films owned by Hong Kong’s legendary Golden Princess, comprising the likes of John Woo, Johnnie To, Tsui Hark, and Ringo Lam, to say nothing of filmmakers whose work’s been long sequestered from western eyes and is finally receiving due attention. For those who consider Hong Kong cinema between the ’80s and ’90s something of a peak for the medium itself (hello) this is a nice leavening effect the same month Los Angeles burns and Donald Trump becomes President once more.

One might expect it’ll take a second for any library so vast as Golden Princess’ to arrive. Restoration plans are unclear, minus the notice that Shout! looks to “remaster...

If you’re a fan of Asian cinema, you’ve probably noticed how they capture the drama, tension, and thrill of games. High-stakes gambling scenes alternate with families around a Mahjong table. These games are cultural icons. And here’s the fun part: some of them have made their way into the online casino world, where players can enjoy a slice of excitement as seen in the movies. So, let’s dive into five iconic Asian games and see why they’re as thrilling online as they are on screen.

Andar Bahar: The Card Game That Keeps It Simple

First up is Andar Bahar, a card game with roots in India. The rules are easy: you bet on whether the matching card will appear on the “Andar” (inside) or “Bahar” (outside) pile. That’s it—simple, fast, and wildly fun.

Teen Patti: India’s Answer to Poker

Known...

When it comes to betting, Asian cinema knows how to raise the stakes, both on-screen and off. With sports betting, card games, and the classic game of chance woven into the fabric of so many films, these movies don’t just depict a quick soccer bet. Instead, they capture the adrenaline, the tension, and yes, the inevitable heartbreak of gambling. Asian filmmakers don’t sugarcoat the gambling world; they throw you right into the fire, where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye.

The High-Stakes World of Tazza: The High Rollers

Take Tazza: The High Rollers from South Korea, for example. This film isn’t just about gambling—it’s a crash course in the dark side of betting. It shows us the seduction of big wins and the catastrophic consequences of chasing losses. You’ve got your slick conmen, the hustlers who make you think...

The movie and the casino industry are closely knitted together all around the world, including Asia. There are many great movies where the hero goes to the casino and takes them for everything they have. We all root for the main character and always want him to win. In most cases in Asian casino movies, you can see suitcases of money get poured on the tables and incredibly high wagers placed per hand.

This is not too far from the truth. Gambling has been deeply embedded into Asian culture since ancient times. They consider gambling to be a way for wealth to move and circulate, so the money you lose will be received by someone else along the way. But how much of an influence do casino movies actually have over gambling trends?

Gamblers and gambling movies

Coincidently gamblers are the ones who actually love gambling movies the most. If...

Luck is an elusive and intangible force that has been a subject of fascination and intrigue for humanity across cultures and time. Asian cinema, with its rich storytelling and cultural nuances, has explored the theme of luck in various intriguing and thought-provoking ways. From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, here are seven Asian movies that delve into the enigmatic concept of luck.

1. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Hustle” is a comedic martial arts masterpiece that weaves humor and action with elements of luck. Set in 1940s China, the film follows Sing, a small-time hustler who dreams of becoming a notorious gangster. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he inadvertently stumbles upon a conflict between two legendary Kung Fu masters. Through a series of fortunate (or unfortunate) events, Sing discovers hidden powers within himself, transforming his luck and destiny.

2. God of Gamblers (1989)

This Hong Kong action-comedy,...

by Renee Ng

Normally pinned for their gritty gangster tales, Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai’s efforts in romance and slapstick have often been sidelined. But as loveable titles “Fat Choi Spirit” and “Turn Left, Turn Right” have proved, the directing/producing duo are indeed dai lous (big brothers) of many genres. “Fat Choi Spirit”, following the tradition of Hong Kong gambler flicks, and like its title: spirit of endless wealth, is the hilarious gift that keeps on giving.

on Amazon by clicking on the image below

Similar to the iconic “God of Gamblers” franchise, we have the pleasure of following an impossibly great player. Andy, played by Andy Lau himself, will do anything for a game of mahjong. But Andy is no addict, he’s actually got a gift: he possesses the divine favor of Guanyin. Thus, he is simply unable to draw a bad tile...

Gambling films make for an exciting viewing experience, complete with high rollers, risky bets, crowded poker tables, and fast-paced storylines. Like online resources such as this one www.gambleonlineaustralia.com/, they are an excellent place to learn gambling strategies and see different casino plays in action. But gambling films are not limited to Hollywood. In fact, there seems to be a movie with some aspect of casino life in just about every country. Below, we review the top gambling films from the Asian continent.

God of Gamblers (1989)

God of Gamblers features some humor, which surprisingly works well with the gambling theme. The 1989 classic follows pro-gambler Ko Chun, who is so good at gambling he is considered the “god of gamblers.” Chun, like any man, has eccentricities, his being that he enjoys a piece of chocolate in every game he plays. He beats another master gambler, Tanaka, beginning a series of humorous and engaging events.

Action and casino movies are two of the most popular movie genres in the world. And while there are plenty of great action and casino movies from North America and Europe, Asia has its own fair share of excellent films in these genres. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best Asian action and casino movies. These films are sure to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping!

Why are these films so popular?

There are many reasons why action and casino movies are so popular. For one, they are usually packed with non-stop action and excitement. They often have larger-than-life characters and plots that keep you on the edge of your seat. Additionally, these films usually have amazing production values, with some of the best stunt work and special effects in the business.

With the casino genre, there have been many films...

Back in the distant days of VHS (showing my age here) over in the UK, there was a video label “Made in Hong Kong”. As I began to watch Hong Kong movies, I would await the next release with true fan boy excitement. The promo trailer reel that would open the release would invariably start with one I’m about to review and as soon as the theme hits, you immediately just want to watch it. So, does it hold up now over 30 years after its original release or has its charm faded into the midst of time?

on Amazon

Ko Chun (Chow Yun-fat) is the God of Gamblers, a man blessed with almost supernatural ability at the gambling table. After defeating Japan’s finest Tanaka, he is asked by him for assistance in beating Chan Kam-sing aka the “Demon of Gamblers” who had driven Tanaka’s father to suicide.

5 Top Asian Gambling Movies that are a Must Watch

While you are busy considering whether the 22Bet Naija is a worthy website for online gambling and casino games or not, why don’t you scroll through some of the popular Asian gambling movies? Besides the fact that some of them narrate true stories, some of them are extremely inspiring and thread through stories that leave the audience on the edge of their seat.

If you are interested in watching some before you dive into an online casino to try out your luck, here is a list of the top Asian gambling and casino movies that are worth looking into.

God of Gamblers

Just like the name of the movie suggests, the God of Gamblers is just as equally a powerful movie that narrates the woes of gambling and everything that you need to know in between. If you had to...

The glitz and glamour of the casino are universally appealing. Many famous casino movies are still household names even in 2021, but they weren’t all made in Hollywood.

Asia has its own exciting casino scene, with entire cities dedicated to gambling tourism. With fate and fortune being such important concepts in Asian beliefs, it’s no surprise that there are many places across the continent built to test one’s luck. The eternal struggle to win big has been captured time and again in Eastern cinema, so let’s have a look at the most fabulous Asian films portraying Lady Luck.

God of Gamblers

Our list starts with an absolute Hong Kong classic. This movie came out during the boom of Hong Kong action films featuring gambling themes. Superstars Chow Yun-Fat and Andy Lau acted out the complex plot as heroes unforgiving to those who seek to cheat to get ahead.

From growing up as a film buff to becoming one of Hong Kong’s most iconic film directors, Stanley Kwan is known as a filmmaker who stays true to himself. That has earned him a 13-title retrospective screening series at the upcoming Hong Kong International Film Festival.

From his 1985 directorial debut “Women” to two of his most celebrated features “Center Stage” (1992) and “Rouge” (1987), Kwan is known for his sharp eyes and lyrical portrayal of the female psyche against the backdrop of societal changes at a certain space and time. His films may not be the biggest box office hits, but he has no regrets.

“People say that I make ‘female films,’ ‘gay films.’ But they are just labels given by others. I believe in what I do,” Kwan said in a media interview in 2020.

Kwan recalled that he was often asked back in the days why he made films like...

Nowadays it seems that franchises are interested in world building and extended universes and you would think that this was a fairly modern innovation. We’ve always had spin-offs and sequels that introduce an added dimension to a cinematic world and in many respects, Wong Jing’s follow ups to his huge hit “God of Gamblers” could, to a degree, be considered an earlier example of the idea of world building. We started with the God of Gamblers in the original, then the Saint in the Stephen Chow’s more comical sequels. With “The Top Bet” we get introduced to the Saint’s sister and more female centric position before the arrival of “The Saint of Gamblers” that adds another shade of paint to a familiar formula by including a new “Saint” along with Lone Seven, a relation to the originals laconic protector. Now I’m not saying this is...

If you are a real fan of Asian movies, you have already know how prominent some movie stars are when it comes to acting. From scenes of shivering action to heart-warming love scenes, these actors are brilliant in all, and obviously, they are one of the significant reasons for those movies to be successful.

Charming Chow Yun Fat is one of those actors who have left their signature marks in every movie they have worked in. A loving heart in romances to courageous martial arts master in action-packed movie scenes. Fat has performed with excellence in different shades, and as a result, a few movies have been crafted that can make anyone fan of this amazing actor. This article mentions a few great Chow Yun Fat movies that you must watch if you are a die heart movie lover.

All About Ah-Long

Directed by Johnnie To, this fascinating movie starts...

It is tough to name an Asian movie that has not gambling. Nearly all the top-grossing movies of Asia have gambling as their theme. Though these films deal with gambling, people come across numerous subplots that involve family ties and gangsters too. Some movies dealing with gambling tend to be sequels while some are just one-off movies. An Asian-gambling-themed movie seems highly fascinating to people to watch. These movies have scenes that portray gamblers in a highly different light from Hollywood films. At times, these movies play out cultural differences and they also show the manner in which gambling games, like Judi Online get viewed and played in casinos.

The chief focus of these films is the depiction of the fanciful skills and competencies of players. Most often, scenes of these movies portray players as professional players with overstated gambling skills. So, it is not unusual for a movie to...

Asian cinema is developing rapidly and it has always been in the spotlight of the cinema. In this article, we will review one of the most notable representatives called The Conman.

King (Andy Lau) is one of the best card cheaters that were born. He is constantly improving and is almost ready to challenge the best player – Macau Mon (Jack Kao), but in the ongoing game is caught in a scam. Defending himself, he kills his opponent and is sentenced to five years in prison. His wife and unborn child are lost during this time, and when King finally goes free, he decides to complete what he did not have time for, and with the help of the disciple dragon (Nick Cheung) and his sister (Athena Chu) return to the big game.

Wong Jing, for all the commercial nature of his movies, did a lot for Hong Kong cinema, giving...

In cinema, we often talk about genres and sub genres that unfold from within them. Many debates ensue as some movies defy such pigeonholing and Hong Kong cinema delights in often mixing in as many as possible in one production to cause categorizing mayhem. “Casino Raiders” is one such enigma. Whilst on the surface part of the gambling film sub genre, there are elements of heroic bloodshed thrown in as well as traces of neo noir. When done wrong, this cocktail can be a problematic, lacking an identity as a whole, whilst failIng to succeed as either one thing or another. When it clicks, then you wonder why no one has tried it before. It’s a line that is very hard to tread.

In Hong Kong, there has always been a steady stream of gambling movies that fits within the ideology of wealth accumulation. From “Games...

Gambling movies are one of the most popular movie genres worldwide. The high-octane, drama-filled genre has given us some of pop culture’s most influential and memorable films. The inherent drama, risk, and fast-paced storytelling that comes with gambling-themed movies have made them a fan favorite worldwide.

Gambling movies have become globally popular, mostly due to Hollywood’s take on the genre. Movies like Ocean’s Eleven, Rounders, and Casino Royale have gained international recognition and have given fans some of Hollywood’s biggest classics.

While Hollywood seems to have perfected the making of gambling-themed movies, the Asian movie industry has also contributed to the genre’s success on the big screen. Gambling movies have grown in popularity over the years in Asia, and the genre has given the industry some of it’s best and most critically acclaimed movies.

Let’s take a look at the four of the very best Asian gambling movies.

There is something about watching movies about gambling. Following the protagonist through the risk he takes, his losses, his wins and just simply the sheer thrill of feeling a part of his journey cannot be explained. There have been hundreds of movies that have been written specifically to showcase the world of gambling but only a few stand out. Here are the 5 top Asian movies that would definitely give you casino vibes;

God of Gamblers (1989)

Even though this movie was made in 1989, it still currently stands out because it was told in such a way that would leave a lasting memory to anyone who watches it. This Hong Kong action comedy drama was written and directed by Wong Jing and follows the story of Ko Chun, a world famous gambler so renowned that he was nicknamed the God of gamblers. We see a lot of enacted casino scenarios and even...

There’s a long history of poker playing a major part in cinema from all round the world. Of course, the first examples that you think of tend to be from Hollywood movies like The Cincinnati Kid and Cool Hand Luke.

But Asian cinema also has a long tradition of using this most cinematic of card games in its movies. After all, it offers writers and directors all the same benefits as it does in the West. These include the huge scope for showing conflict between two characters – never better used on screen than in the classic encounter between Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Le Chiffre played by Mads Mikkelson in the 2006 version of Casino Royale. It’s also a game in which the palpable tension can add hugely to the atmosphere of a film as we, the audience, hold our breath as each player’s hand is revealed.

The gambling movie is something that seems to have become a genre of its own over the years in Hong Kong. From the Hui Brothers’ “Games Gamblers Play” to the numerous spin offs of Jing Wang’s 1989 classix “God of Gamblers”, nothing better represents Hk society’s aspiration for wealth. Indeed, “The Gambling Ghost” hedges its own bets by featuring three Sammo Hungs!

Fatty (Sammo Hung) is a failing gambler working as a valet, whilst continuing to disappoint his more straight laced father (Sammo Hung). An encounter with a car thief (Nina Li Chi) finds Fatty losing his job and one of his friends (of whom is captured by gangsters). His grandfather (Sammo Hung!) returns as a ghost to help, promising to make him wealthy if he takes revenge for his murder. Hijinks and flying fists ensue as the wayward Fatty finds himself unable to avoid a final confrontation.

It seems like the Chinese can’t get enough of gambling, as they are fond of frequenting offline and online casinos like gclub, as well as sports betting centers.

This love of gambling also extends to their choice of movies. It is evident with a large number of Chinese films centered around gambling or casinos.

And we can’t blame them. Casinos and gambling are thrilling to watch in real life, so imagine if you take them to the big screen. Add in some interesting characters and over-the-top action, and you have yourself some very memorable hits.

God of Gamblers

This is the granddaddy of Chinese gambling films, and the one most Western audiences are familiar with. It stars Chow Yun Fat and Andy Lau with an all-star cast. The film is a mix of action, comedy, and drama, weaving all three genres together in an entertaining 126 minutes.

The film...

Sitting close to the watershed area between its author’s domestic and global success, “God of Cookery” is another brilliant comedy from popular Hong Kong national treasure Stephen Chow, that reconfirms how well he has nailed his comedy shticks, elevating them to near perfection. A loose parody of “God of Gamblers” with Chow Yun-fat (which Chow loves to mock with affection) and inspired by the growing success of celebrity chefs, food porn, and other culinary-themed films and shows like “The Chinese Feast” and “Iron Chef”, here Chow styles himself as Sik San, the God of Cookery.

“God of Cookery“ is screening at the Nyaff Winter Showcase 2020

Sik San is indeed a God in his business as he detains the supreme power of fixing culinary contests, inventing the silliest reasons to eliminate everybody else and therefore winning the title over and over again. Arrogant and condescending, he is also the face...

Mainland China has as many outstanding movies to offer as Hong Kong, even though they are sometimes overshadowed by international releases. Many people might not even know that China has one of the biggest movie scenes, with the six generations of talented filmmakers. Thanks to them, Chinese film culture is growing bigger. And better! Here are six outstanding Chinese films that cover all the basic genres. Expect nothing short of outstanding performances and director talent.

Red Sorghum (1987)

This is a classic example from the Golden Age of the Chinese cinema. It portrays the life of a Chinese peasant girl, who is supposed to get married to a leprous man. The film shows common hardships, associated with the Japanese military intervention in the 1930s. Red Sorghum is a true classic, which embraces unique Chinese film and visual culture. Here, historic themes are always relevant and popular. The cinematography is very bright and full of contrasts,...

What we get when we mix gambling and Asian movies? Well, we get the best Asian movies about gambling, obviously. But, there are hundreds of them and each one is appealing to a specific type of viewers. We were able to find 6 movies that must be on every single list with this theme. These movies are interesting, all about gambling and have so much more to offer. Make sure to watch all of them if possible.

From Vegas to Macau

From Vegas to Macau is a movie released in 2014 and it is a comedy. The main star in the movie is Chow Yun-fat but many others are present as well. In the movie, the story is focused on addictive gamblers who play to win as much money as well. But, this is a problematic action that involves plenty of casinos family ties and even gangsters. The sequel for the movie...

As the old saying goes, timing is everything. Such could be true for Hong Kong’s Mei Ah Entertainment Group. Founded in 1984, the company went from distributing video tapes and laser discs during the golden era of Hong Kong’s film industry to operating an ecosystem of the entertainment industry riding on China’s rise to the world’s second-largest economy. And as the world becomes a global village during the digital age, this 35-year-old company has even bigger plans.

“It is true that in the long run we hope to establish a global presence,” says Jason Li, executive director of Mei Ah Entertainment.

One of the latest Mei Ah projects has given the company’s ambition away. Joining Chinese star Ma Li, China’s newest box office darling, in upcoming action comedy “Twinblades” is Beth Behrs (“2 Broke Girls”). Lauren Shuler Donner will come on board as producer, making...

Gambling enthusiasts will surely feel entertained when they watch “God of Gamblers” – hailed to be the best Chinese gambling movie of all time.

This 125-minute Hong Kong-made film is also known as “Du Shen,” “Dao San,” and “Dou San,” which is its original title. Jing Wong who is both the writer and the director of the movie completed making this project in the 1980s towards the culmination of that decade.That era is said to be the time when popular Hong Kong cinema reached its hyperactive apogee in both creativity and volume.Those booming years of the Hong Kong entertainment industry involved the production of myriads of commercially successful movies. As an action movie with a mixture of adventure and comedy, “God of Gamblers” was released in cinemas on December 14, 1989. Since then, it has garnered recognition and succeeding films followed it.

A quick synopsis

The story of “God of Gamblers...

Who does not like relaxing with a bowl of popcorn and a good movie on? When we want to feel some thrill, excitement, and action, we often reach for gambling movies. Some of the most interesting films ever created by the movie industry explore the world of gambling.

The Asian cinematography is especially famous for gambling-related movies. They have made hundreds of such movies, with both happy and sad endings, with likeable protagonists and antagonists.

Here’s a list of our favorite 6!

1. God of Gamblers

God of Gamblers is possibly one of the most popular and best movies ever made by the Asian film industry. This movie follows a seasoned gambler as he travels, wins, loses, and eventually loses his memory. There are six stunning sequels, all of which are worth watching.

2. From Vegas to Macau

From Vegas to Macau is a complex crime-comedy film that includes all of the...

Legendary director Wong Jing reteams with Jason Kwan once again to bring Hong Kong movie fans a second dose of gangland action in Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch, which opens in selected cinemas across North America on 7 June.  In 2017's Chasing the Dragon, Donnie Yen starred as legendary '60s drug lord Crippled Ho, clashing heads with Andy Lau, who reprised his role of the equally notorious corrupt cop, Lee Rock. Two years later, Chasing the Dragon II fast forwards to Hong Kong in the 1990s, where Tony Leung Ka Fai plays the leader of a human trafficking ring, whose gang is infiltrated by undercover cop (Louis Koo - Election 2, Drug...

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