Martin Scorsese’sCasinoThis film is more than a mere depiction of Las Vegas and organized crime; it delves into complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, avarice, and the struggle for survival. Released in 1995,Casinoit illustrates how the allure of success can swiftly transition into chaos.
Inspired by actual events, the story follows Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (played by Robert De Niro), his erratic associate Nicky Santoro (portrayed by Joe Pesci), and Ace’s troubled spouse Ginger (played by Sharon Stone) as they navigate the highs and lows of the Vegas gambling scene.
The film is rich with memorable quotes. Here are20 of the best quotesfromCasino— and what they mean.
20. “To love someone is to place your trust in them completely. There’s no alternative. You must hand over everything that you hold dear. If you don’t, what’s the use?”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace opens with this poignant statement about trust. It immediately highlights the significance (and dangers) of trust in his relationships, particularly with Ginger. Regrettably, Ace unwittingly commits to trusting the wrong person, which sets the stage for his tragic undoing.
19. “For individuals like me, Las Vegas acts as a cleansing of sins. It's akin to a moral car wash.”
—Ace Rothstein
For Ace, Las Vegas represents an opportunity for individuals to alter their identities. However, beneath its flashy surface, it simply masks underlying issues with extravagance and wealth.
18. “Nowadays, it resembles Disneyland. While children shape cardboard ships, parents squander mortgage and tuition money on the slot machines.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace expresses his discontent over how the modern Vegas has transformed into a corporate and family-oriented haven. He longs for the era when genuine gangsters and risk-takers ruled the gambling scene.
17. “Downstairs, he costs us $2 million, yet upstairs he collects free toiletries and towels.”
—Ace Rothstein
Even affluent gamblers can exhibit frugality. Ace finds it comical that someone who wins multi-million dollar sums still hoards complimentary hotel items.
16. “God forbid they would make an error and forget to pilfer.”
—Nicky Santoro
Nicky captures the essence of the widespread corruption succinctly. Workers in the casino are practically obligated to embezzle for the mob—that's simply standard procedure.
15. “As I was trying to comprehend the rationale behind his words, Nicky just knocked him out.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace embodies caution and intellect, in stark contrast to Nicky's impulsive and violent nature. This remark underscores the stark differences between them and foreshadows the inevitable failure of their partnership.
14. “That's the reality of Las Vegas. We alone are the victors. The gamblers never stand a chance.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace recognizes the harsh truth: the house always prevails. Gamblers are merely deluded into believing they have a fighting chance.
13. \"Carmine left?\"
—Nicky Santoro
A brief, humorous exchange. Nicky uses these two simple words as a threat—his tone remains calm, yet the implication is clear: you are now vulnerable, and danger is imminent.
12. “In Vegas, it's all about watching each other's moves.”
—Ace Rothstein
Everywhere you look, there's surveillance. Dealers monitor players, pit bosses scrutinize dealers, security surveils everyone—while 'the eye in the sky' keeps a watchful gaze from above.
11. “You hit Nicky with your fists, he retaliates with a bat. You attack him with a knife, he comes back with a gun. And if you shoot him, you better finish the job, because he won’t stop until one of you is dead.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace paints a vivid picture of Nicky’s perilous and unyielding nature. No matter the circumstances, Nicky is relentless.
10. “Pay attention to my words. Here, there are three approaches: the correct one, the incorrect one, and the way I prefer it.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace establishes his authority. He’s the one in control, and his method is the only one that truly matters.
9. “I don't care who he knows! He’s a worthless gambler!”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace's temper flares when the higher-ups insist on keeping a useless employee simply due to his connections in the mob. To Ace, business ethics trump political alliances.
8. \"You’re either for me or against me.\"
—Ace Rothstein
He is clear: there's no compromise when it comes to loyalty.
7. “The sole reason that money existed was because I ensured it was there.”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace makes it clear that without his intelligence and efforts, the mob’s money wouldn't have seen the light of day outside the casino.
6. “You often don’t realize how dire your situation is until it’s too late.”
—Ace Rothstein
This quote encapsulates the movie's overarching theme perfectly. Greed clouds judgment, and by the time the truth is uncovered, it’s usually too late.
5. “In the casino, the key rule is to keep the players engaged and returning. The longer they play, the more they lose, and in the end, we gain everything.”
—Ace Rothstein
Vegas thrives not on players winning—it’s about sustaining hope until they have nothing left.
4. “I treated you like royalty, and you still betrayed me?!”
—Ace Rothstein
Ace's heartache deepens when he comprehends the extent of Ginger’s treachery. He offered her everything, but evidently, it wasn’t sufficient.
3. “You either take the cash and the hammer, or you can leave. You can’t keep both.”
—Nicky Santoro
Nicky elucidates the mob's straightforward rules: comply, or face severe consequences. Negotiation is simply not an option.
2. “You claim to be the ruler of this town, yet your authority is merely what others choose to give you.”
—Nicky Santoro
Nicky reveals a hard truth to Ace. Even when you feel powerful, there’s always someone else on top orchestrating the actions.
1. “When speaking to me, address me like a brother or a companion. If not, silence is preferred.”
—Nicky Santoro
Nicky demands acknowledgment and respect—failing to show it could have dire consequences.
Final Thoughts
CasinoThis story transcends being a mere crime drama; it's a profound exploration of authority, materialism, affection, and betrayal. The striking quotes illuminate Scorsese's sharp writing style and the depth of each character's portrayal.
Even today,CasinoThe narrative remains as authentic and captivating as ever, amplified by these unforgettable dialogues.
FAQ
What is the famous quote fromCasino?
InCasinoIn a pivotal moment, Sam 'Ace' Rothstein articulates a powerful sentiment regarding love and trust:
“When you love someone, you’ve gotta trust them. There’s no other way. You’ve got to give them the key to everything that’s yours.”
What is the message ofCasino?
CasinoThe story chronicles the mafia's decline in Las Vegas, a city generating vast fortunes. It highlights how major corporations infiltrated and overtook control. In many ways, the film serves as a historical overview of Las Vegas's ongoing transformation and reinvention.
