(AgoraPublishing.com) -- Owning Mahowny is based on a true story about a bank executive who committed the largest one man fraud in Canadian history. The movie was released in 2003 and is set in the time of 1980-1982 when the actual events occurred. This movie is based on the book "Stung: The Incredible Obsession of Brian Molony" by Gary Stephen Ross that tells the real story of Brian Molony which the character of Dan Mahowny is based upon.

Dan Mahowny is a mild mannered bank executive with an addiction to gambling. His job gives him access to a 20 million account. When he encounters a losing streak he "borrows" from this account and eventually takes10.2 million dollars over an 18 month period to fuel his gambling addiction.

Like most addicts Dan Mahowny is in denial. When confronted by his girl friend about his gambling, he tells "I don't have a gambling problem. I have a financial problem."

What is even more disturbing is the way the greedy casino executives coax and encourage him to remain gambling. At one point the casino flies "the cage" from Atlantic City to Toronto to get a signature which would allow Mahowny money to gambling with. This took place in 1980 and a lot has changed but some of the tactics used by the casinos remain today.

I originally purchased this movie because I enjoy watching to see how accurate casino scenes are portrayed in a movie. The gambling scenes were just a backdrop to the story of this pitiful man who starts the movie as a gambling addict and then spirals down even father in toe the depths of his addiction until he is caught.

This is not a great movie with an entertaining story line but neither is addiction to gambling in true life. The fact that it was based on a true story gives it credence and makes it worth watching. I must caution that you will probably not find this story entertaining as it is more of a study in human misery. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays Dan Mahowny does and outstanding job in his portrayal of this poor sole whose life is out of control due to his gambling addiction.

Other Canadian Film of potential interest concerning gambling:

A debt-ridden University professor recruits three of his brightest students to excel in the art of card counting and gambling to help him pay back his large sums of money. However, things take a dangerous turn when the teacher's bankroller claims he wants payback in seven days - or else.