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Plot
In the 2008 drama film "21," Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is a brilliant and ambitious student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) who is determined to succeed. With his sights set on transferring to Harvard School of Medicine to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, Ben faces a significant obstacle: he lacks the financial resources to fund his education. As a result, Ben becomes involved with a group of students known as the "whiz kids" who use their exceptional mathematical skills to count cards and win large sums of money in Las Vegas casinos. The group is led by the charismatic and cunning Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), who takes Ben under his wing and teaches him the art of card counting. Initially, Ben's involvement with the group seems like a way to earn easy money and achieve his academic goals. However, as he becomes more deeply embroiled in the world of high-stakes gaming, he begins to realize that there are significant risks involved. The pressure to perform and the temptation to cheat start to take a toll on Ben's relationships with his friends and family, while also threatening his own moral integrity. As the stakes grow higher, Ben must confront the consequences of his actions and decide whether to continue down the path of card counting or to seek a more conventional route to achieving his goals. Meanwhile, an FBI agent (Jacob Pitts) becomes suspicious of the group's activities and begins to investigate their exploits, further complicating Ben's situation. Throughout the film, Ben's character is portrayed as a complex and nuanced individual who is driven by both ambition and insecurity. His relationships with Micky and the other members of the group are marked by a mix of admiration and disdain, while his interactions with his love interest, Chloe (Kate Bosworth), reveal a more vulnerable side to his personality. Overall, "21" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the consequences of taking risks. With its strong performances, engaging storyline, and meticulous attention to detail, it is a must-see for fans of drama and suspense.
Reviews
Alice
"Based on a true story, '21' brings to life the thrilling tale of MIT students who use their mathematical prowess to take on the casinos. Led by Ben Campbell, the team's strategic card-counting skills yield astonishing results, but the line between success and obsession blurs. A captivating blend of intellect, teamwork, and the allure of Vegas, '21' takes viewers on a gripping ride of highs and lows, reminding us that even genius has its limitations."
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