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Rounders is a 1998 American drama film directed by John Dahl and written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien. The movie is set in the world of underground high-stakes poker and follows the story of Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a talented poker player who is forced to take a break from the game after losing most of his savings to the Russian mobster Teddy KGB (John Malkovich). After swearing off poker and focusing on law school, Mike's friend and former partner-in-crime, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), is released from prison and tempts Mike back into the game with the promise of easy money.

Through Worm's shenanigans and Mike's struggle to keep his personal and professional life in balance, the two friends run afoul of the wrong people and find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. Alongside Mike's supportive girlfriend Jo (Gretchen Mol) and his mentor, the retired poker player Joey Knish (John Turturro), the group competes in high-stakes poker tournaments to try and win their way back into the clean, but dangerous, world of high-stakes poker.

Rounders has become a cult classic for poker enthusiasts and film buffs alike, known for its intense poker scenes and realistic portrayal of the gambling subculture. The movie was released during the height of the poker boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s and had a significant impact on the popularity of the game. The film's popularity also prompted the creation of televised poker tournaments and helped to further solidify the game as a mainstream form of entertainment.

Matt Damon delivers a striking performance as the lead character, Mike McDermott. He brings both depth and nuance to Mike's character as he struggles with his addiction to the game and his desire to win. Edward Norton's portrayal of Worm is also noteworthy, as he is able to convey the character's selfishness and impulsiveness with ease. Gretchen Mol, in her role as Jo, is charming and supportive, adding a touch of emotional depth to the movie.

The supporting cast of Rounders is equally strong, with notable performances from John Turturro and John Malkovich. Turturro serves as the wise mentor and confidant to Mike, while Malkovich brings a menacing edge to his portrayal of Teddy KGB, the brutal and calculating mobster who Mike must face off against.

The film's cinematography is also worth mentioning, as it creates a dark and gritty atmosphere that perfectly captures the underground world of high-stakes poker. The use of shadows and low-lit rooms adds to the movie's tension and helps to create an atmosphere of danger and uncertainty.

In summary, Rounders is a captivating and thrilling movie that captures the intensity and excitement of high-stakes poker. The film is anchored by strong performances from its cast and is supported by solid writing, direction, and cinematography. It remains a classic of the genre and continues to be beloved by poker enthusiasts and movie fans around the world.

Rounders is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 53.