Fashion for films about traders has existed since the release of the cult painting “Wall Street”, which was directed by Oliver Stone. About 30 years have passed since then, but the popularity of movies about stock exchanges has not waned. Of course, the life of brokers and traders is somewhat embellished in such films. But the pictures still allow you to penetrate the alluring secrets of representatives of these professions. So which film projects are worth seeing?
Films about traders: classic
The drama “Wall Street” was released in 1987, but still does not lose its relevance. Moreover, it was a picture with Michael Douglas in the title role that made films about traders in demand. The creator of the tape, Oliver Stone, knows the life of the inhabitants of the stock exchanges, as they say, from the inside, since his father was an employee of one of them at one time. The character of Douglas - Gordon Gekko - after the release of the film became an example to follow. His behavior was inherited by many novice brokers and traders.
Young talented broker Bad Fox is ready to do anything in order to climb up the career ladder. Of course, the young specialist has a worthy teacher - an experienced tycoon Gordon Gekko, who has no equal in the game on the stock exchange. What will lead the student and mentor to an absorbing thirst for profit, for the sake of satisfaction of which they are ready to go over their heads?
If you believe the words of Douglas, playing his hero, he was largely guided by the image of the legendary financier Michael Milken. It is known that it was from this person that the actor borrowed the special manner of speaking that his character possesses.
“Wall Street: Money Does Not Sleep” (2010)
To the delight of viewers who are attracted to high-quality films about traders, over the years, Oliver Stone decided to return to the story that once gave him popularity. One of the main roles in the 2010 film “Wall Street: Money Doesn’t Sleep” went to Michael Douglas, who agreed to play an already aged but still charming Gekko.
The story begins with the fact that Gordon, having served a prison term, receives the long-awaited freedom. At first glance, his return to the world of stock exchanges seems impossible. Gecko’s reputation has suffered significantly. The methods that once brought him money and fame are hopelessly in the past. However, the help of Gordon needs a young trader Jacob, who is his daughter's lover. Bigwigs of the exchange world make a deal, the consequences of which will be able to observe the audience.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2014)
New films about traders also cannot be ignored. Especially such a wonderful drama with comedy elements like The Wolf of Wall Street. The brainchild of Martin Scorsese was presented to the public in 2014. Cinema collected a fantastic amount at the box office. The main role in the film was given to the charismatic Leonardo DiCaprio, who was entrusted with the creation of the image of the famous Jordan Belfort. By the way, when writing the script, the memoirs of the illustrious broker were actively used, who after being in prison was re-qualified as a highly paid consultant.
The hero Leonardo DiCaprio first appears before the audience as an ordinary broker. He was lucky to get a position in a large investment company. Initially, the character is ready to work honestly, not breaking the law, but the new boss quickly explains to the young man all the fallacy of his position. As a result, Jordan resigns from a promising position, creates a team of like-minded people, uses illegal methods to earn millions. Of course, he attracts the interest of the FBI.
Films about brokers and traders usually characterize representatives of this profession as serious workaholic clerks. "The Wolf of Wall Street" stands out from the crowd. This alone makes it worth watching. The protagonist cheats on his wife, takes drugs, has large-scale parties, gradually turning into a "life-burner." Jordan's team members keep up with his ability to have fun.
Russian cinema
Interesting films about traders in the Russian Federation come out much less frequently than what happens in the West. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the development of the stock market in our country so far leaves much to be desired. However, the picture “Bear Hunt”, presented to the audience in 2007, is still worth seeing.
The protagonist of the tape is a successful exchange player who does not resemble brokers from the average American films devoted to this topic. All actions of the character are aimed at achieving a noble goal. The thirst for profit is alien to him. The hero wants to improve the state of the Russian economy, in which he should help the new project. Of course, the conclusion of the desired transaction will not be as easy as it seems at first.
“Good year” (2006)
Films about the stock exchange and traders are able to raise serious issues such as the search for the meaning of life, true love. This was clearly demonstrated to the audience by the famous director Ridley Scott. In 2006, he directed the comedy melodrama Good Year. The leading roles in the fascinating picture were given to wonderful actors: Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
The central character is the star of the London Stock Exchange, on whose account there are practically no unsuccessful transactions. The whole life of a famous broker revolves around work. Those around him deservedly consider him a bore and a workaholic. Suddenly the gatekeeper finds out that the winery in France passed by inheritance to him. Wanting to inspect his possessions, the man goes to Provence. There he discovers other contenders for his unexpected inheritance. In the process of dealing with competitors, the broker suddenly begins to realize that he has lived his life wrongly. An interesting acquaintance helps him come to this decision.
The Swindler (1999)
The best films about traders made in the last century are also worthy of the interest of the audience. Including the painting "The Swindler", the main role in which was played by the charming Ewan McGregor. His character is a young specialist without serious work experience, who, by the will of fate, receives a position in a large bank. Nick's responsibilities include conducting exchange trading.
Ewan's hero is talented, but caution is not one of his strengths. The first successes make him lose vigilance, which turns into fatal errors. Due to the fault of Nick, the company loses a huge amount. Of course, the broker is trying to avoid punishment, for which he invents a witty scam. Day after day, Nick is drowning in the abyss of lies, using more and more illegal financial schemes. It seems that the exit from this pit for him no longer exists.
The best paintings of the 80s
Films about the exchange and traders do not have to be serious at all. Viewers will be able to verify this by watching the wonderful “Swap" tape, which was released in 1983. The picture represents the life of the inhabitants of Wall Street in a humorous manner. The main role in it is played by the famous comedian Eddie Murphy. The film is worth seeing already in order to listen to his discussions on the stock exchanges.
The Broker drama, presented to the public in 1985, deserves to be watched. Jack Casey is an ordinary Wall Street broker trying to get rich. Inspired by the first achievements, the hero begins to make serious mistakes. Luck is replaced by a period of bad luck. Jack loses all the money earned, then loses on the exchange and his father's savings. He has to abandon the position of a broker, but the man is convinced that he can still succeed.
There are other films about the exchange and traders, shot in the 80s, which are certainly worth watching. For example, the drama "Dealers", which saw the light in 1989. The main characters of the picture are two brokers who are completely different from each other. He is a romantic, living in the name of love, she is calculating and cold. Of course, characters who are forced to save their company together begin to pull towards each other. But will not the flashing feelings prevent them from successfully playing on the exchange?
“Pursuit of Happiness” (2006)
Listing the best films about traders and the exchange, it is impossible to forget about the touching melodrama "Pursuit of Happiness", released in 2006. The main character of the picture is a single father Chris, who was left alone with a 5-year-old child. Of course, he seeks to provide his son with all the best. However, it is problematic to do this while receiving the salary of a simple seller. Money is gradually becoming small even for renting an apartment, so Chris and his boy are forced to live on the street for some time.
In search of a job that will allow him to provide for his family, Chris ends up in a brokerage company. Having received the position, he vows to never again be left without money, to take any action for the well-being of his only son.
“The game for a fall” (2015)
What other fascinating films about brokers and traders exist? The list of paintings worthy of viewing will not be complete if you forget about the drama "The game for a fall", which saw the light in 2015. The plot revolves around the economic crisis that marked the beginning of the 21st century. Fluctuations in the currency market have led to unemployment.
However, not for all people the economic collapse that occurred in 2008 was a disaster. The units that foresaw it, managed not only to preserve their condition, but also to significantly increase it.
“Risk Limit” (2011)
There are other films about exchanges, investors, traders, which you should definitely familiarize yourself with. These include the melodrama Risk Limit, which was released in 2011. The plot focuses again on the global economic crisis. The picture illuminates its first days when US residents did not yet suspect what significant losses awaited them.
The small group of knowledgeable people includes Wall Street managers. They have only a few hours to find the best way out for their company, without substituting clients, including both large shareholders and ordinary investors. If they make the wrong decision, the bank will lose everything. The main roles in the melodrama were performed by such wonderful actors as Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons.
Interesting 90s tapes
Of course, not all fascinating films about the exchange and traders are named above. The list of paintings that you should familiarize yourself with can be increased by adding the companion drama, released in 1996, to it. The role of the main character in this picture was received by the charming actress Whoopi Goldberg. Her character is an employee of a large investment company whose professionalism goes unnoticed due to racial prejudice.
Another great movie that explores the life of Wall Street bigwigs is Alien Money. The central character of the drama, presented to the audience in 1991, is Laurence Garfield. This person is known in narrow circles as Larry the Liquidator. He specializes in company collapse. Larry is setting his next goal, which is becoming a company owned by 80-year-old Jorgenson. However, the old man is not going to give up without a fight, moreover, he invents an insidious plan.
Documentary Projects
Spectators who hardly want to penetrate into all the secrets of traders and brokers will hardly be helped by the art tapes. Such people can be advised on high-quality documentaries about traders. For example, a picture with the loud title “Warriors of Wall Street” deserves attention. The serial film in detail covers the life of real traders, brokers, analysts. It even gives interviews taken from them. Viewers will learn about why 9 out of 10 people lose their money when conducting exchange transactions, will be able to penetrate many other entertaining secrets.
What other documentaries about traders are there? The list can be replenished with the tape "Quantums: Alchemists from Wall Street", released in 2010. After seeing this picture, viewers will understand the principle of thinking of talented people developing financial models that can lead to both prosperity and the collapse of Wall Street. The duration of the film is only 45 minutes. Its main characters are stock analysts.
The Boiler Room (2000)
The main character of the picture is the young sharpie Seth Davis, who turned his own home into an underground casino. The young man dreams of quick enrichment, envies how easily money he gets to his friends, whom he considers stupid and mediocre. The life of a young man begins to improve only when one of the visitors offers him to become an employee of brokerage films, promising incredible income. Of course, Seth gladly accepts the offer, forgetting about his casino.
At first, the guy is doing fine. He easily makes big money. However, there comes a time when he is offered to pay for material goods that have suddenly fallen on him. Like other films about the "Forex" traders, the list of which is collected in this article, the picture "Boiler Room" boasts not only a fascinating story, but also an excellent cast. The main roles in it were given to such stars as Vin Diesel and Giovanni Ribisi. Ben Younger became the author of the idea and the director, he also wrote the script.
What else to see?
You can recall other great films about traders. For example, the intriguing drama “Number PI”, presented to the audience in 1997. In the center of events is the work of the talented mathematician Max. He tries to calculate an algorithm that obeys the fluctuation of the stock exchange rate. The scientist manages to get as close as possible to solving the mystery, the finding of which would help him become a millionaire in a matter of days. However, his work has attracted the interest of Wall Street analysts. Also, a mysterious religious sect, about the members of which he does not know anything, opens up for a young man. The guy begins to seriously fear for his life, his fears are not unfounded.
Another excellent painting on this topic is called The Werewolves of Wall Street. In the center of events of the film, released in 2002, is the life of the inhabitants of a large brokerage firm. The company's employees are cynical people who easily leave their customers without a livelihood. The stockbrokers also have their own secret organization, the chosen ones known as the Wolf Brotherhood. Members can afford everything that ordinary people can only dream of. Of course, there are those who want to understand who they are.
“Bankruptcy” is another fascinating film about traders that is definitely worth seeing. The central character is a novice trader who has developed a unique trading technique. An amazing discovery allows a young specialist to quickly enrich themselves. Earning a lot of money, he pays less attention to moral and ethical issues, which are not popular in the world ruthless to weak people, known as Wall Street.