Going for Broke

Year: 2003

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Graeme Campbell

Drama

She played her life away, one coin at a time. When Laura Bancroft casually drops a few coins into a video‑poker machine, her world begins to unravel. Based on true events, the film delivers a hard‑hitting, compelling portrait of a woman's relentless gambling addiction and its devastating impact.

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Timeline & Setting – Going for Broke (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Going for Broke (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:00

Main Characters – Going for Broke (2003)

Meet the key characters of Going for Broke (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:00

Major Themes – Going for Broke (2003)

Explore the central themes of Going for Broke (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Consequences & Redemption

Laura's theft from the charity and the subsequent tax audit reveal the costs of unchecked addiction. The arrest, trial, and prison sentence mark the moral and legal consequences of her choices. The film closes with an epilogue connecting the fictional Laura to real Nevada legislation addressing gambling addiction, suggesting that personal stories can inspire public policy. The ending offers a somber note on accountability while hinting at the possibility of societal learning and reform.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:00

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Movies about devastating addiction like Going for Broke

Harrowing films about the slow, methodical destruction of a life by compulsion.If you were gripped by the harrowing portrayal of gambling addiction in Going for Broke, discover other films that offer similar intense and tragic stories of compulsion. This list features movies that explore the devastating personal and familial consequences of addiction with a serious, unflinching tone.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear, cause-and-effect decline, starting from a seemingly innocuous point and escalating into severe consequences like financial ruin, fractured family bonds, and criminal behavior. There is a relentless focus on the protagonist's loss of control and the ripple effects of their actions.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to depicting the grim reality of addiction. They share a dark tone, high emotional intensity, a steady pacing that builds dread, and a focus on the tragic, often irreversible, toll on the main character's life.

Slow-burn ruin dramas with a tone like Going for Broke

Stories where a life meticulously and inevitably falls apart under mounting pressure.For viewers who appreciated the methodical, anxiety-building pacing of Going for Broke, this collection features films with a similar slow-burn structure leading to personal catastrophe. These movies are characterized by a steady narrative, high tension, and a dark, somber mood that keeps you gripped until the devastating conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a gradual accumulation of bad decisions and their escalating consequences, creating a sense of inevitability. The pacing is rarely fast or frantic; instead, it builds tension through a series of increasingly severe setbacks, making the final collapse feel both shocking and unavoidable.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific pacing and tone. They share a steady, deliberate rhythm that allows dread to build, combined with a dark, high-intensity atmosphere. The emotional journey is one of building anxiety leading to a tragic or bleak resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of Going for Broke

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Going for Broke Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Going for Broke, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Going for Broke Timeline

Track the full timeline of Going for Broke with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Going for Broke Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Going for Broke

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Going for Broke: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Going for Broke

Discover movies like Going for Broke that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.