Cigars and Cinema: Combining Great Films & The Best Cigars Ever Rolled

For movie buffs and cigar aficionados alike, the blending of captivating storytelling with a great cigar creates an unparalleled sensory experience.  Not only do we have more access to more movies now than ever before, we are living in a time where the best cigars ever are being made. Due in part to globalization, knowledge sharing, advances in agricultural techniques, increased consumer demand, and a focus on an artisanal approach to cigar-making, there simply has never been higher quality raw materials, On top of that, the skill levels of the artisans working with those materials to craft cigars has never been higher. Powerful stories paired with decadent blends isn’t all that different from wine and cheese, or cooking your favorite food to your favorite music – all of these things transport us.

Here are three movies for you to start with, each offering the perfect backdrop to savor your favorite smoke while immersing yourself in the magic of cinema. These selections stand out for their unique atmosphere and engaging stories, so get comfortable, light up, and allow these works of art transport you to another world.

Guy Ritchie’s Snatch is an exhilarating, stylish crime-comedy that masterfully blends witty dialogue, memorable characters, and complex plotlines, making it an exceptional movie to enjoy with a premium cigar. Set in the chaos of London’s criminal underworld, the film follows various factions as they desperately try to get their hands on a priceless stolen diamond. With its all-star ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt as an Irish boxer, Jason Statham as a small-time boxing promoter, and Benicio Del Toro as a skilled thief, Snatch has earned its status as a cult classic and remains a beloved favorite.

The film’s fast-paced, darkly humorous atmosphere and its engaging characters offer a perfect backdrop for savoring a cigar. As the story unfolds, each character showcases their unique style and approach, much like the distinct flavors and profiles found in your favorite cigars. The unpredictable twists and turns of Snatch mirror the evolving experience of smoking a well-crafted blend, with each puff potentially revealing another layer of complexity.

To fully appreciate Snatch’s distinctive storytelling and colorful personalities, try indulging in a dynamic and multifaceted cigar. Something with rich and varied notes will pair perfectly with the film’s gritty, lively world. So, light up, sit back, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Snatch. As you unravel the film’s intricate web of deceit, alliances, and betrayals, let the rich flavors of your cigar elevate the experience, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic and sensory journey.

The Croupier is an ideal movie to smoke a cigar to due to its intriguing atmosphere, engaging narrative, and immersive portrayal of the world of gambling. Directed by Mike Hodges and starring Clive Owen as Jack Manfred, the film offers a fascinating look into the life of a croupier (dealer) at a London casino – a venue where such luxuries are not only permitted, but encouraged.

The film’s plot, which follows Jack Manfred as he gets drawn into the casino’s underworld of crime and deception, provides a compelling backdrop for savoring a cigar. A movie that a surprising amount of people haven’t seen given how well made it is, The Croupier’s pacing allows for moments of reflection and appreciation of the craftsmanship and flavors of your cigar, while the tense and mysterious scenes can elevate the sensory experience.

Moreover, the sense of intrigue and complex character dynamics in The Croupier create a unique ambiance that pairs well with the enjoyment of a premium cigar. The film’s exploration of themes such as temptation, morality, and personal ambition resonates with the rich tradition and appreciation of the finer things in life, such as premium cigars. As you immerse yourself in the world of Jack Manfred and indulge in a fine cigar, you’ll find that the combination of a captivating film and a premium smoke creates a truly unforgettable and satisfying experience.

Glengarry Glen Ross is a really interesting film to pair with a cigar because it showcases the complexities and nuances of David Mamet’s work, which can be deeply appreciated alongside the intricate experience that a really great cigar provides. The film, based on Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, delves into the high-pressure world of real estate salesmen, presenting a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of ambition, desperation, and the moral compromises people make in pursuit of success.

As you watch the intense, character-driven dialogue unfold, the act of smoking a cigar can heighten your appreciation of the film’s subtleties and the craftsmanship of Mamet’s writing. The slow burn of a premium cigar mirrors the simmering tension within the movie, where every word spoken carries weight and hidden meaning. This parallel makes the film and cigar experience complementary and deeply immersive. The pacing is masterful.

Furthermore, Glengarry Glen Ross features a cast of seasoned actors, including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Ed Harris, who deliver powerful performances that bring Mamet’s words to life. The depth and intricacy of their performances parallel the rich, complex flavors and aromas of a well-crafted cigar. As you savor your chosen blend and become absorbed in the film’s gripping narrative, you’ll likely find that the combination of Mamet’s masterful storytelling and the luxury of a premium smoke creates a truly unforgettable and intellectually stimulating experience.

Have you watched any of Wes Anderson’s films while smoking their A.J. Fernandez W.A. Series counterpart? What movies have you paired with your favorite blends? Let everyone know in the comments below!