In 1998, Mike Hodges, director of the iconic Get Carter, returned to the genre that made his name with Croupier, an unforgettable thriller that put leading man Clive Owen firmly on the map and established itself as a classic of British crime cinema. Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) is an aspiring writer going nowhere fast. Taking a job as a casino croupier just to make ends meet, he finds himself seduced by the high stakes world of luck and chance. As the job takes over his life and his relationship to girlfriend Marion (Gina McKee) begins to crumble, Jacks attention is caught by down-on-her-luck gambler Jani (Alex Kingston). Under pressure from her creditors, she asks Jack to be the inside man for a planned heist at the casino. It all sounds so easy. But even a pro cant predict which cards will be dealt.