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There are a myriad of different movies one can explore, each of which follows various motifs that result in a unique experience. Alas, with all this variety, there are some themes that may not be as commonly used as others, but this doesn’t make them any less great.
Casino Games
Casino games have a certain je ne sais quois that has kept casinos alive for centuries. This did not go unnoticed by filmmakers, which has led to these games being featured in several major titles, helping bring in viewers with their natural allure. While poker is a particularly popular one - who hasn’t seen Casino Royale at this point - many other games have taken the center stage too.
The aforementioned rings especially true when it comes to table games like blackjack, which still maintains plenty of popularity even if its inception was all the way back in the 17th century. This can be attributed to the simplicity of blackjack, making it incredibly easy to follow without detracting from its charm. For the audiences, this makes it an excellent option; there’s no confusion over what’s happening on the screen.
After all, the main thing you really need to know is that the aim is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going bust. For those who haven’t played it before, going bust simply refers to going over 21.
However, the seemingly unending level of love toward blackjack can also be credited to the fact that this card game, amongst other casino games, can now also be enjoyed online. Whether a player wants to enjoy the game on their PC, tablet, or phone - they’ll have the same catalog of options available to them with ease.
And when we say catalog of options, we mean it, as there’s more variety than ever before thanks to this turn to the digital. Beyond Classic Blackjack, users of such sites can also try out innovative options such as Super 7 Blackjack and Pirate 21.
As such, it’s not surprising that you’ll find countless movies featuring this game. One such film is, of course, The Hangover.
This 2009 comedy movie stars some pretty big names, like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, whose charisma on screen is one of the driving factors of its cult following. Here, blackjack has brought forth one of the most memed scenes, where Alan manages to use his card skills to win a large sum of money to progress the plot.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking something a tad more dramatic, we’d suggest checking out the 2008 release called 21. Here, you’ll follow the MIT Blackjack Team as they strive to conquer various matches.
Food
There are many pleasures in life, and one of those is food. After all, food has been historically used as a way to forge connections, be it with loved ones or a set culture.
Food overall can be a great form of storytelling, which is one of the reasons why it appears so often on the big screen. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt that it has a delightful appeal that leaves viewers hungry for more, quite literally.
Thus, food is incredibly prevalent in many films, where it’s either used as a backdrop to bring a scene together or as a focal point. When it comes to the latter, a great example of this can be found in The Menu, a relatively recent release that garnered plenty of positive reviews.
If you haven’t seen the trailer or heard of this movie, it’s a unique blend of horror and comedy that is certainly not for the faint of heart, or stomach. This relatively recent release is an ardent critique of luxury dining culture, exploring how far humans will go to experience food in a macabre sort of way.
If you want something that feels a bit less tense, we’d suggest checking out Spirited Away. This animated Ghibli movie is easily one of the best food movies available to date.
While you may think of this as a movie made for kids, it actually explores some pretty heavy topics under the guise of cozy meals. From gluttony to greed to even environmentalism, the genius of Hayao Miyazaki can be easily perceived by adults viewing this film.
As these movies revolve around food, we’d suggest pairing them with a delicious home-cooked meal. This will result in you being satisfied in every way as a viewer, gifting you a more well-rounded experience.
If you’re not a cooking expert, you can find several recipes with easy-to-follow instructions. One option is the viral lasagna soup recipe, which is perfect for those who want all the deliciousness of lasagna but in a more hassle-free format.
This comforting dish is also extremely versatile, as it allows for easy swaps. For instance, if you’re vegetarian, you can opt to swap out the meat for lentils but still retain the same vibes.
Conclusion
By exploring some lesser-expected themes in movies, you’ll be unveiling a richer tapestry of storytelling. After all, films tend to convey a much deeper message when you take a closer look at why these motifs were specifically used.
