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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Ocean's Thirteen (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Reuben Tishkoff, portrayed by Elliott Gould, is determined to legitimize himself late in life but is betrayed by his former business partner, Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino. After being coerced into signing over the ownership of their new hotel and casino venture, “The Bank,” Reuben suffers a heart attack and ends up bedridden, thrusting him into a desperate situation.

In response, Daniel Ocean, skillfully portrayed by George Clooney, seeks to avenge his friend. After exhausting negotiations with Bank, he assembles a team of skilled accomplices to enact a plan for revenge on the hotel’s grand opening night. Their first strategy aims to sabotage Bank’s chances of winning the coveted Five Diamond Award, a prize that all his previous establishments have claimed. Saul Bloom, enacted by Carl Reiner, ingeniously poses as the reviewer, while the genuine reviewer, David Paymer, is subjected to an unpleasant experience at the hands of Ocean’s crew and their conspirators.

The second phase of Ocean’s elaborate scheme involves rigging the casino’s slot machines and other gaming devices with the intention of forcing payouts that exceed a staggering $500 million. Achieving this feat necessitates overcoming “The Greco Player Tracker,” an advanced artificial intelligence system that scrutinizes gameplay for authenticity through players’ biometric data like pupil dilation and body temperature. To distract Bank, the team enlists the expertise of their technical wizard, Roman Nagel, played by Eddie Izzard, who devises a plan involving a Magnetron to disrupt the Greco’s operations. The plan heightens in complexity when they obtain a massive drill, typically used for tunneling, to simulate an earthquake beneath the hotel during its opening.

As preparations unfold, complications arise when the drill breaks down, prompting the group to seek assistance from Terry Benedict, portrayed by Andy García—Ocean’s past adversary from their previous heist. Despite their rocky history, Benedict has a vendetta against Bank and agrees to fund the acquisition of a replacement drill. However, he demands that Ocean’s team steal four exquisite necklaces that Bank bought for his wife, representing each of the Four Five Diamond Awards, displayed securely atop the hotel.

In a bold maneuver, Linus Caldwell, engagingly played by Matt Damon, volunteers to seduce Bank’s assistant, Abigail Sponder, played by Ellen Barkin, to gain access to the display case and switch the diamonds with replicas. As opening night approaches, the stakes rise when agents from the FBI uncover the rigging of machines attributed to Livingston Dell, portrayed by Eddie Jemison. However, this revelation serves in their favor, leading to a strategic replacement of the card-shuffling machines.

Simultaneously, Basher, played by Don Cheadle, creates a diversion for Bank to allow Virgil and Turk Malloy to alter their FBI records. During Linus’s daring plan to charm Sponder, he is unexpectedly interrupted by the lead FBI agent, who turns out to be none other than his father, Robert ‘Bobby’ Caldwell, a master thief himself. Together, they navigate the intricate heist under the guise of the FBI investigation.

As the heist unfolds, they encounter François “The Night Fox” Toulour, portrayed by Vincent Cassel, sent by Benedict to intercept the diamonds. Linus cunningly deceives Toulour, who, unaware, ends up with only the fakes as Ocean had meticulously planned the extraction of the actual display case.

With “The Greco” rendered ineffective and guests flooding the casino with unexpected winnings, Bank experiences the fallout of his deceitful actions. Ocean confronts him with the reality that they orchestrated this heist for Reuben’s sake, teasing him about the impossibility of retaliation given that no evidence linked them to any illegal acts. Ultimately, the team uses their ill-gotten gains to purchase a property for Reuben.

In a fitting twist of revenge against Benedict’s treachery, Ocean donates his share of $72 million to charity, forcing him to publicly embrace philanthropy in televised appearances. As the group disbands, Rusty, played by Brad Pitt, makes the final touch by ensuring the real Five Diamond reviewer, who suffered throughout his stay, hits the jackpot on a rigged slot machine at the airport, bringing the entire operation full circle.

Timeline

Track the key events of Ocean's Thirteen (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Reuben Tishkoff's Betrayal

Reuben Tishkoff, portrayed by Elliott Gould, is betrayed by his former business partner, Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino. Bank coerces Reuben into signing over his share of their new hotel and casino venture, known as 'The Bank', leading Reuben to suffer a heart attack and become bedridden.

Daniel Ocean's Mission

In response to Reuben's plight, Daniel Ocean, played by George Clooney, is determined to avenge his friend. He begins to organize a heist as a form of retribution against Bank, focusing on sabotaging the grand opening of 'The Bank'.

Sabotaging the Five Diamond Award

Ocean's team devises a plan to disrupt Willy Bank's chances of winning the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Saul Bloom, played by Carl Reiner, forges a clever scheme to pose as the reviewer, while the actual reviewer, David Paymer, faces unfortunate circumstances due to Ocean’s crew's interference.

The Bank

Rigging the Slot Machines

The team progresses to the ambitious second phase, where they rig the casino's slot machines to ensure payouts of over $500 million. They must outsmart the advanced Greco Player Tracker, which monitors players' biometric data for suspicious activity, in order to execute their plan.

The Bank

The Magnetron Plan

To further distract Bank during their heist, technical expert Roman Nagel, played by Eddie Izzard, devises an intricate plan involving a Magnetron. This device aims to disrupt the Greco Player Tracker, allowing Ocean's team to operate under the radar as they prepare for the casino's opening night.

The Earthquake Illusion

As the crew prepares for the grand opening of The Bank, they acquire a massive drilling machine to simulate an earthquake. The drill’s purpose is to divert attention, but when it breaks down, they must seek help to finish the job.

The Bank

A Deal with Terry Benedict

In a surprising twist, Ocean turns to his former adversary, Terry Benedict, portrayed by Andy García, for assistance in procuring a replacement drill. Although their partnership is uneasy, Benedict is motivated by his own vendetta against Bank and agrees, but in return, he demands the theft of four valuable necklaces.

Infiltrating Bank's Inner Circle

Linus Caldwell, engagingly played by Matt Damon, volunteers to seduce Bank's assistant, Abigail Sponder, to gain access to the display where the necklaces are kept. This daring infiltration is key to their plan of switching the real diamonds with replicas.

The Bank

FBI Interventions and Surprises

As the heist draws near, agents from the FBI uncover the rigged slot machines, leading to a tense moment for Ocean's crew. However, the crew cleverly uses this revelation to replace card-shuffling machines, allowing them to maintain their cover during the heist.

The Bank

Confrontation with the Night Fox

During their operations, Ocean's crew faces off against François 'The Night Fox' Toulour, sent by Benedict. Linus skillfully deceives Toulour, allowing them to extract the actual necklaces without him realizing the diamonds are merely fakes.

The Bank

The Fallout of Manipulations

With the Greco Player Tracker neutralized and chaotic winnings flooding the casino floor, Willy Bank faces the repercussions of his treacherous actions. Daniel Ocean confronts him, revealing that the entire heist was orchestrated to support Reuben, adding psychological weight to their revenge.

The Bank

A Twist of Charity

In a strategic turn of events, Ocean donates his ill-gotten share of $72 million to charity, complicating Benedict's plans and forcing him to uphold a public image of philanthropy. This act serves as a strong counter to Benedict's previous betrayals.

Wrapping Up the Heist

As Ocean and his team disband, Rusty, played by Brad Pitt, ensures that the real Five Diamond reviewer receives a jackpot win at a rigged airport slot machine. This final act ties together their elaborate plan, leaving a memorable mark on their heist.

Airport

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Ocean's Thirteen (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Reuben Tishkoff

Reuben Tishkoff is a seasoned casino owner determined to legitimize his operations but falls victim to betrayal by his partner. His vulnerability showcases the emotional stakes of the heist, motivating the entire team to take action. Despite his health setbacks, Reuben’s friendship with Ocean reveals his deep-rooted resilience.

🏦 Casino Owner 🥺 Betrayed 👴 Elderly

Daniel Ocean

Daniel Ocean is a mastermind con artist, characterized by his charm and strategic thinking. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and driven by a quest for justice on behalf of Reuben. Ocean's leadership and ingenuity play crucial roles in executing the team's risky plans, making him the film's central figure.

🕴️ Mastermind 💼 Leader 🧠 Strategic

Linus Caldwell

Linus Caldwell is a skilled thief with a knack for deception. His character develops as he faces challenges, including engaging with Bank's assistant for information. Linus's growth throughout the heist reflects his increasing confidence and resourcefulness, making him essential to the team's success.

👨‍🎤 Con Artist 💔 Romantic Interest 🎭 Deceptive

Rusty Ryan

Rusty Ryan is Ocean's right-hand man, known for his charisma and multifaceted skills. He balances cunning with charm, playing a vital role in the team's heists. Rusty's ability to navigate complex situations and stay cool under pressure showcases his importance in the film's plans.

🤵 Charismatic 🎭 Cunning 🧊 Calm

Setting

Uncover the settings of Ocean's Thirteen (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Location

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment options, and luxurious hotels and casinos. The city is often dubbed the entertainment capital of the world, attracting millions of visitors seeking fun and excitement. In 'Ocean's Thirteen', the glitzy backdrop of Las Vegas serves as the perfect setting for an elaborate heist and revenge plan.

🎲 Casino 🌆 City 🏨 Hotel

Themes

Explore the core themes of Ocean's Thirteen (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


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Betrayal

Betrayal is a pivotal theme in 'Ocean's Thirteen', showcased through Reuben's trust in his former partner Willy Bank. This act of treachery propels Daniel Ocean and his team into action, highlighting the consequences of deceit. The film explores how betrayal can lead to a quest for vengeance and justice.

💰

Greed

Greed drives the characters in 'Ocean's Thirteen', particularly Willy Bank's desire for wealth and recognition. The film illustrates how the pursuit of money can corrupt morals and relationships, leading characters to take extreme actions to achieve their ambitions. Ultimately, it critiques the excesses of wealth in the high-stakes world of Las Vegas.

🤝

Friendship

Friendship is at the heart of Ocean's crew's actions, particularly in their loyalty to Reuben. The film emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and support in overcoming adversities. It portrays how friends may come together to fight for one another, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

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