Ballad of a Small Player(2025)
R
10/15/2025 (US)Crime, Drama1h 41m5.8
Overview
Amid the glittering casinos of Macau, a gambler running from his past — and his debts — becomes fascinated by an enigmatic woman at the baccarat table.
Edward Berger
Director
Rowan Joffé
Screenplay
Top Billed Cast
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Media
Official Trailer
Trailer
Colin Farrell & Edward Berger Go Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
What Ballad Of A Small Player Really Means! Colin Farrell, Fala Chen & Edward Berger Explain | BAFTA
Featurette
Tilda Swinton shares stories from the set
Featurette
Official Teaser
Teaser
Social
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A review by Manuel São Bento
8.0
Written on October 24, 2025
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/ballad-of-a-small-player-movie-review-a-sensory-overload-carried-by-colin-farrells-magnetic-performance/
"Ballad of a Small Player is a sensorial experience elevated by all the artists involved. It's a story about a man trying to find himself amidst a culture marked by out-of-control capitalism and greed manifested through audiovisual intoxication.
Despite a slightly unbalanced first act and a central relationship that deserved more screentime, the film is a triumph of form, technique, and, above all, the magnetic performance of Colin Farrell. It's his misery and his desperate search for authenticity that grip us, culminating in a powerful, satisfying conclusion. It deserves to be seen on the big screen for its scale and ambition.
When all the cards are on the table, the real bet is never on luck, but on the courage to be real."
Rating: A-
"Ballad of a Small Player is a sensorial experience elevated by all the artists involved. It's a story about a man trying to find himself amidst a culture marked by out-of-control capitalism and greed manifested through audiovisual intoxication.
Despite a slightly unbalanced first act and a central relationship that deserved more screentime, the film is a triumph of form, technique, and, above all, the magnetic performance of Colin Farrell. It's his misery and his desperate search for authenticity that grip us, culminating in a powerful, satisfying conclusion. It deserves to be seen on the big screen for its scale and ambition.
When all the cards are on the table, the real bet is never on luck, but on the courage to be real."
Rating: A-
