21 (2008)
A brilliant MIT student bets everything on a secret Las Vegas card-counting scheme in this gripping drama inspired by real events.
21 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 21
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Robert Luketic
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 27, 2008 (United States - PG-13), March 28, 2008 (Canada), April 11, 2008 (United Kingdom - 12A), April 9, 2008 (Germany - 12), June 4, 2008 (France - 12), June 6, 2008 (India), May 29, 2008 (New Zealand), May 15, 2008 (Australia - M), April 18, 2008 (Brazil - 12), June 20, 2008 (Mexico), April 18, 2008 (Italy - T), April 11, 2008 (Spain - 12), June 19, 2008 (South Korea - 15), April 18, 2008 (Nigeria)
- Alternative Titles: 21 - Blackjack (UK), 玩转21点 (CN), 21 - Oko berie (SK), Dvidešimt vienas (LT), 21 - Vinci a Las Vegas (IT), 21 Kortspelet (SE), 決勝21點 (TW), Oko bere (CZ)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Michael De Luca Productions, Trigger Street Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
21 - Plot
Ben Campbell is a young, highly intelligent student at M.I.T. who strives to succeed. Wanting a scholarship to transfer to Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor, Ben learns that he cannot afford the $300,000 tuition as he comes from a poor, working-class background. But one evening, Ben is introduced by his unorthodox math professor to a small but secretive club of five students, Jill, Choi, Kianna, and Fisher, who are being trained by Professor Rosa to count cards at blackjack.
21 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the high-stakes world of Las Vegas card counting come alive:
They proved the Vegas Blackjack System was beatable...by beating the hell out of it.
Where to Watch 21
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21 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Luketic
Main Cast
- Jim Sturgess
- Kevin Spacey
- Kate Bosworth
- Aaron Yoo
- Liza Lapira
- Jacob Pitts
- Laurence Fishburne
- Jack McGee
- Josh Gad
- Sam Golzari
Writers
- Peter Steinfeld
- Allan Loeb
Producers
- Dana Brunetti
- Michael De Luca
21 - FAQs
Is 21 based on a true story?
Yes, 21 is based on a true story. It is inspired by the real-life MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students and alumni who used card-counting techniques to win millions at casinos throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The film draws from Ben Mezrich's book Bringing Down the House.
Where can you stream or watch 21 (2008)?
21 (2008) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current and comprehensive list of viewing options in your area.
Who are the main actors in 21?
21 stars Jim Sturgess as Ben Campbell and Kevin Spacey as the manipulative Professor Micky Rosa. The cast also includes Kate Bosworth, Aaron Yoo, Liza Lapira, Jacob Pitts, Laurence Fishburne, Josh Gad, Jack McGee, and Sam Golzari.
What is the movie 21 about?
21 follows Ben Campbell, a gifted MIT student who needs $300,000 for Harvard Medical School. Recruited by his charismatic math professor into a secret card-counting team, Ben begins winning big in Las Vegas — but greed, deception, and danger soon threaten everything he has worked for.
Who directed the film 21 (2008)?
21 was directed by Robert Luketic, an Australian filmmaker known for his work on Legally Blonde and Monster-in-Law. Luketic brings a slick, energetic visual style to the film, capturing the glamour and tension of Las Vegas casino culture.
What is the age rating for 21?
21 is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning it is suitable for viewers aged 13 and older. The rating reflects some mature themes including gambling, deception, and mild violence. It was rated 12A in the UK and carries similar moderate ratings in other countries.
How long is the movie 21?
21 has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes (123 minutes). The film maintains a brisk, engaging pace throughout, balancing the intellectual challenge of card counting with the high-stakes drama of Las Vegas casino floors and the personal pressures facing its protagonist.
What are movies similar to 21 (2008)?
If you enjoyed 21, you may also like The Hustler (1961), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), and Trainspotting (1996) for their themes of risk and ambition. For modern heist and con-artist stories, Arlington Road (1999) and other titles in the gambling and crime drama genre offer similar thrills.
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