Hard Eight
Seen it?1997 | 102 min | Drama, Crime
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Casino or The Killing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A stranger mentors a young Reno gambler who weds a hooker and befriends a vulgar casino regular.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$223K worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 365K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
- Philip Baker HallSydney
- John C. ReillyJohn
- Gwyneth PaltrowClementine
- Samuel L. JacksonJimmy
- F. William ParkerHostage
- Philip Seymour HoffmanYoung Craps Player
- Nathanael CooperRestroom Attendant
- Wynn WhiteWaitress
- Robert RidgelyKeno Bar Manager
- Kathleen CampbellKeno Girl