This curated selection of ten films explores the intersection of romance and the game of billiards. Each film in this collection not only showcases the skill and strategy of the game but also delves into the emotional and romantic entanglements that can arise in the smoky, dimly lit atmosphere of pool halls. Whether you're a fan of the sport or simply looking for a heartfelt story, these films offer a unique blend of drama, passion, and the clack of billiard balls.
The Hustler (1961)
Description: This classic film follows the story of "Fast Eddie" Felson, a talented but troubled pool player, as he falls in love with Sarah Packard, a woman with her own demons. Their relationship unfolds amidst high-stakes pool games.
Fact: Paul Newman reprised his role as Fast Eddie in the sequel, "The Color of Money" (1986). The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning two.
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The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Description: Though centered around poker, the film includes scenes in pool halls where the protagonist, Eric Stoner, known as "The Cincinnati Kid," navigates love and gambling.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, adding to its authentic gambling atmosphere.
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The Color of Money (1986)
Description: A sequel to "The Hustler," this film sees an older Eddie Felson mentoring a young pool prodigy, Vincent Lauria, leading to a complex relationship with Vincent's girlfriend, Carmen.
Fact: Tom Cruise learned to play pool for this role, and the film won Paul Newman an Academy Award for Best Actor.
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The Player (1992)
Description: While not exclusively about billiards, this film features a scene where the protagonist, Griffin Mill, plays pool with a screenwriter, leading to romantic and professional complications.
Fact: The film is known for its opening shot, which lasts over eight minutes without a cut.
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The Break (1995)
Description: A story of a young man who turns to pool hustling to support his family, leading to a romantic entanglement with a woman who challenges his lifestyle.
Fact: The film was directed by Lee H. Katzin, known for his work on various TV shows.
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The Great White Hype (1996)
Description: While primarily a boxing comedy, this film includes a subplot involving a pool hustler, played by Samuel L. Jackson, whose romantic life intertwines with his hustling career.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner.
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Poolhall Junkies (2002)
Description: A young pool hustler, Johnny, tries to leave the game behind for a normal life but is drawn back in by his love for the game and a woman, Tara, who becomes entangled in his world.
Fact: The film features real-life pool players like Mike Massey and Earl Strickland. It was also co-written by Chris Corso, who plays Johnny.
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Stickmen (2001)
Description: This New Zealand film follows three friends who run a pool hall and get involved in a high-stakes game, leading to romantic complications with one of the friend's girlfriends.
Fact: The film was shot in Auckland, New Zealand, and features authentic pool hall settings.
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The Hustler of Money (1987)
Description: This lesser-known film follows a pool player who falls for a woman while trying to make it big in the world of professional pool.
Fact: The film was shot on a low budget, giving it a gritty, authentic feel.
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The Pool Hustlers (1982)
Description: An Italian film dubbed into British English, it follows a group of pool players whose lives are complicated by love and the game.
Fact: The film was part of a wave of Italian cinema focusing on sports and gambling themes.
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