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Year: 1993
Runtime: 117 min
Language: English
Director: Adrian Lyne
In a game of high stakes and moral compromises, a young architect and his real estate agent wife find their dreams on the line when they gamble away their future. As desperation sets in, a mysterious billionaire offers them a Faustian bargain: $1 million in exchange for one night with the wife.
Warning: spoilers below!
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In the breathtaking vistas of California, married high school sweethearts David (Robert Redford) and Diana (Demi Moore) Murphy are leading their ideal life. With Diana excelling as a real estate agent and David wholeheartedly investing his passion into crafting their dream home, everything seems perfect. Their aspirations come to life when they buy a stunning beachfront plot in Santa Monica; however, an unexpected economic downturn leaves Diana without clients and David without a job. As their beloved property faces impending repossession, this distraught couple sets off on a desperate quest to Las Vegas, determined to gamble their way to the $50,000 they require to salvage their dream.
Their fortunes seem to shift at a casino when Diana captures the attention of billionaire John Gage (Woody Harrelson), while David hits a lucky streak at the craps table. Thrilled by their newfound wealth, Diana reassures David of her steadfast love, regardless of their financial situation. However, this joy is fleeting—after a devastating loss at roulette the very next day, they’re left with nothing to show for their hopes.
As they exit the casino, they find themselves watching Gage’s high-stakes baccarat game, at which he invites Diana to join him for good fortune. Her stunning roll on his $1 million wager earns her his appreciation, and Gage lays on the lavish treatment, offering the couple a luxurious hotel suite and a dress that caught Diana’s eye. The night takes an unexpected turn when Gage proposes a shocking deal: $1 million in exchange for a night with Diana. Shocked, they decline.
Despite David’s skepticism, Diana starts to reconsider Gage’s bold offer. As David works with their lawyer to draft the contract, he experiences a surge of anxiety and rushes to stop Diana, but arrives too late. Gage whisk her away on his private helicopter and takes her aboard his yacht, where he offers her a chance to void the deal with a toss of his lucky coin. However, his winning streak seals Diana’s fate, and she ends up spending the night with him.
When the couple returns home, they are devastated to learn that their property has been foreclosed and sold off. This revelation ignites jealousy in David, who discovers Gage’s card in Diana’s wallet, leading to a whirlwind of accusations and betrayal. Amidst the chaos, they unearth the truth: Gage purchased their land, culminating in a tense showdown between Diana and her previous admirer. After her rejection, Diana turns back to David, but soon realizes their relationship is unraveling.
As weeks pass, Gage makes relentless attempts to rekindle his romance with Diana, showing up at her workplace until she ultimately succumbs to his attentions. Meanwhile, David grapples with deep-seated emotions and memories of happier days, reaching a breaking point that necessitates a transformative rediscovery of himself. With a newfound resolve, he lands a teaching job and starts reconstructing his life, while Diana chooses independence, filing for divorce.
A serendipitous meeting at a charity zoo event reignites David’s selflessness, prompting him to auction off his entire $1 million stake for charity. In a heartfelt farewell, he confronts Diana, finalizing their separation. As Gage’s deceptive intentions come to light, he wrongly claims Diana as yet another “collection” in his so-called “million-dollar club,” a realization that prompts Diana to assert her strength, ultimately ending their relationship on her terms.
As she steps back into the past, returning to the spot where David once proposed seven years ago, she discovers him waiting lovingly. In a beautiful reunion, they reawaken their unique vow of love, their fingers interlocking once more as a testament to their enduring attachment.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:22
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