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)
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%.
()
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?!
()
Oliver Stone and director Brian De Palma turned Howard Hawks' original, straightforward gangster film into a grand masterpiece and populated it with well-developed characters. Unfortunately, they also heavily paid the price of the time, dictated by President Jimmy Carter's anti-communist policies. Tony Montana, a refugee from Cuba under the rule of Fidel Castro, became a symbol of anti-communist resistance, impressing the people who worship the red and white stripes with white stars on a blue background. But anyone who can overlook this dated aspect from the creators will enjoy this impressively crafted "journey to the top." Stone manages to avoid the "godfather" portrayal of the characters, where we can already partially guess the transformation of the "good guys" into the "bad guys." Here, no one can ever be certain whether someone will change and, more importantly, why. The most extensive and problematic development is that of Tony Montana himself, played by Al Pacino, on whom Stone reflects the influence of the most primitive contemporary factors, such as drugs or money. Brian De Palma approached it as a stylized journey, in which even the most brutal violence is necessary (as evidenced by the chainsaw scene and the ending). So as a whole, the film feels like a grand and comprehensive fresco, yet it is capable of delving into the most intricate details. While Scarface cannot be classified as one of the possible definitions of the gangster genre, it can certainly be considered one of its pillars, which is certainly no small feat.
()
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.
()
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.
()
Ads