If you're looking for a Spanish-language film with hints of Ocean's Eleven, you are in luck -- Eduard Cortés' Winning Streak is a 2012 dramatic comedy about a family trying to win big by playing casino games. Interested in learning more about this high-rolling movie? Read on.
The main character of the movie is Ivan Pelayo, one of the family's sons played by famous German actor Daniel Brühl. Brühl made a name for himself in films such as Good Bye, Lenin! and Inglourious Basterds, and was most recently spotted on the big screen in Captain America: Civil War.
The father is Gonzalo Pelayo, who inspires the family, and he is played by Lluís Homar of Barcelona, Spain. Homar had a lengthy stage resume before making the leap to the big screen, with the biggest title in his filmography being Bad Education.
The antagonist of the film is nicknamed The Beast, played by Eduard Fernández. Also born in Barcelona, Fernández has appeared in a number of Spanish-language films and television shows.
Also titled The Pelayos, after the family at the center of the film, Winning Streak is based on the true story of the real-life Garcia-Pelayo family. Gonzalo Garcia-Pelayo, a film director from Madrid, came up with a system to predict roulette games based on imperfections in the wheel and its mounting. Bringing his family into the ploy, he and the rest of the Garcia-Pelayos were able to find worldwide success (and more than a little controversy) in gambling.
Winning Streak premiered at the 15th Málaga Film Festival and was met with mixed to negative reviews despite winning an editing award at the festival. The film was also praised for its production value and won a Gaudi award for Best Production Manager (Eduard Vallès). It was also nominated for awards for its acting, cinematography and art direction.
Feeling inspired by the Pelayos' thrilling story and want to try the real thing? You can get some practice with the exciting games offered at online casinos for a taste of the world of high stakes.