New drama Ballad of a Small Player invites you to the high-stakes world of gambling. This and other top picks make up our must-watch list this week.
The number of movies available on Netflix is staggering—around 7,000 at any time. While many titles compete for attention, some clearly stand out. In this weekly column, I recommend a selection based on popularity, IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores, and personal taste.
Ballad of a Small Player ranks fourth in Netflix's popularity as the weekend approaches. This clever gambling noir unfolds in Macau’s casinos and shadowy alleys. Colin Farrell stars as a gambling addict masquerading as an English lord who drifts from one casino to the next, relying on a fragile reputation. When problems close in, he meets an enigmatic woman who changes his luck—though not without consequences.
For a more expansive story, Martin Scorsese’s 1995 epic Casino chronicles decades of organized crime in Las Vegas. Robert De Niro plays "Ace" Rothstein, a Jewish gangster overseeing the Tangiers casino on the Strip.
Robert De Niro plays "Ace" Rothstein, a Jewish gangster tasked with overseeing the Tangiers casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
These films highlight intense narratives of gambling and crime, offering gripping stories for movie lovers this week.
Author’s summary: This week’s Netflix picks feature gripping gambling dramas with standout performances by Colin Farrell and Robert De Niro, blending suspense and complex characters.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?