You win some, you lose some.

Unless you're a character in this film - in which case you win (or expect to win) every time.

What are the chances of being involved in a plane crash? And what are the odds of surviving such a disaster?

Tomas is a young thief, and was the lucky sole survivor when a plane came down.

The problem is that the police are now after him for robbing a bank.

Frederico survived a massive earthquake and has discovered that he can take people's luck from them with a touch.

He has lost his luck and wants to use Tomas' skills to win the ultimate prize in an illegal gambling ring, where those who feel 'charmed' dice with their lives and with the lives of those they love.

Sara is a policewoman who walked away from a horrific car accident that killed her husband and daughter.

She is determined to infiltrate the gambling ring and to defy Tomas' luck by putting him behind bars.

All three characters are linked by their uncanny ability to come out of disastrous situations unscathed.

Sam, played by a beautifully understated Max von Sydow, is the ultimate survivor.

The scene in which he relates his Holocaust story is the most moving in the film, and the one that makes you appreciate how a twist of fate can really change the future of one life.

Sam runs the ultimate game: a contestant who considers himself 'lucky' fills the barrel of a gun with four bullets...leaving one space empty.

He shoots Max, who is never killed. And then Max has a go and invariably kills his opponent.

It's a confusing film about chance, fate and pure luck.

Spanish director Fresnadillo creates an enigmatic and provocative ambience and a deadly tale from which only one of the characters can emerge intact.

Natalie Stone