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)
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Reviews (15)
Probably the biggest movie debt I've had and I'm very glad I took the time to watch it after a long time, because Scarface hasn't aged a day in 40 years. This is an excellent gangster movie that keeps you entertained, shocked, it’s suspenseful and fascinating for the entire two and a half hours. Al Pacino is excellent, but at times he got on my nerves with his behaviour, his sister is hot and so is Elvira. The action scenes have balls even today and blood is not spared. Perhaps the best part is the rise of Al Pacino from nothing to the absolute top. A great cinematic experience and actually a gem among gangster films. 95%
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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%.
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I never thought I'd be disappointed with a De Palma film starring Al Pacino. The story didn't impress me much overall, I've seen the same thing many times before in better execution (thanks Scorsese). It had a decent start, but then the almost three-hour-long probe into the life of a gangster stopped entertaining me and I didn't care what happened to the main characters. Emotionally empty, there is no possibility of even a small degree of connection and everything is marred by the strange final carnage. The final impression is one of great dejection and the certainty that I won't watch it a second time, despite the great Al Pacino and his impeccable Spanish accent.
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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.
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While I was excited during the escalating start (the scene with the chainsaw is full of tension and action), the unremarkable and slow burning ending began to really annoy me due to Brian De Palma's directorial style filled with static shots against a background of "blaring" music. Al Pacino was, of course, amazing; I believed his every gesture from the first to the last (though I was annoyed that I couldn't really identify with his gangster character), and I probably can't help but admire him, but honestly, the other actors, including Michelle Pfeiffer, are not worth mentioning. Considering my expectations, the final feelings after watching the film are almost negative, because the legendary Scarface turned out to be a predictably solid average in terms of plot.
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