Directed by:
Brian De PalmaCinematography:
John A. AlonzoComposer:
Giorgio MoroderCast:
Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham, Paul Shenar, Harris Yulin (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
After years of diplomatic silence between the United States and Cuba, Castro opens the port of Mariel Harbor, Cuba, to thousands emigrating to the United States in search of the American dream. Shrewdly, Castro also unlocks the overpacked prisons, allowing hordes of criminals to join the refugees. Tony Montana, a small time hood, is one of them. In Florida, Montana connects with gangster Frank Lopez, and guns his way through the sun washed streets of Miami where he finds power, wealth and passion. He kills Lopez and marries his mistress, Elvira. Montana, better known as "Scarface," soon becomes the leader of a bloody cocaine-smuggling empire but at a terrible cost to his sister, Gina and his loyal friend, Manny. However, like that of others before him, Montana's reign is brief and a violent end is guaranteed as rival gangsters compete to become the next drug lord. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Videos (1)
Reviews (15)
Scarface is an extravagant, brutal, almost three-hour gangster flick with no spiritual dimension or significant emotions (in comparison with the later Carlito’s Way), but I never took my eyes off of it for even a second and I wouldn’t cut a single scene out of it. It felt like it lasted only two hours. Brilliant filmmaking in every way. Where are the Oscar nominations at least for Al Pacino and the cinematographer?!
()
I still can’t fully understand the massive popularity of gangster movies. They force the viewer to sympathise with arrogant (and often incompetent) criminals that make their profession look like the coolest thing in the world. This is a behaviour I can’t stand in any form and that’s why these films leave me underwhelmed, and Scarface is no exception. The three star rating, however, is quite strong. The shootout in the end is awesome.
()
De Palma's films are best seen in their original form and on the big screen because otherwise, they lose much of their power. This new Scarface should be seen mainly as the ultimate homage to Howard Hawks, James Cagney, and all the tough guys from the original world of classic Hollywood gangster films. And if we get the added opportunity to feast on Michelle Pfeiffer's bony junkie character, who built her entire career on this film and closed the door on Grease 2, I have nothing to complain about.
()
I saw Scarface years ago, but even though I can vividly recall many details from the distant past, I didn't dare to review this film because it didn't really stand out to me. Now I have seen it for the second time and I have to admit that, considering the high ratings from fans, it brought me great disappointment. Brian De Palma made one of my favorite gangster films, Carlito's Way, but this time the story of a Cuban criminal felt very dragged out, the main character uncharismatic, and the ending of the film is simply and plainly stupid. The whole final battle for the luxurious villa is like something from a very bad action movie. Michelle Pfeiffer is indeed beautiful, but she doesn't have much room to act, Al Pacino does his best, but this time he seems to be overacting, and most importantly, there's quite a bit of filler in the film. Perhaps the only thing that pleased me was the confrontation with the Colombian gang in the opening part. Emotionally, I felt completely indifferent about the heroes and anti-heroes. Overall impression: 45%.
()
This film has many deaf spots where the editor’s scissors should have been involved to ruthlessly shorten it. Brian De Palma knows how to create an atmosphere, but he can't maintain the pace. A big credit goes to the actors. Al Pacino is unforgettable and practically carries the whole film on his shoulders. With his Spanish accent and sneering face, he captures attention for the entire 170 minutes.
()
Ads