Scarface (1983)
High impact violence
| Director: | Brian De Palma |
| Actors: | Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Steven Bauer, Miriam Colon |
Al Pacino gives an unforgettable performance as Tony Montana, one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film, in this gripping crime epic inspired by the 1932 classic of the same title. Directed by hit-maker Brian DePalma and produced by Martin Bregman who brought both Godfather legends to the screen, Scarface follows the violent career of a small-time Cuban refugee hoodlum who guns his way to the top of Miami's cocaine empire. With its intense screenplay by Academy Award-winner Oliver Stone, driving musical score by Giorgio Moroder, and superb insights into Miami's Latin lifestyle, Scarface joins the ranks of Hollywood's greatest underworld dramas, as it lays bare the sordid power of the American drug scene. Time Magazine calls it "Exhilarating," while the New York Times' Vincent Canby applauds the picture as "Stylish and Provocative."
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 163mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (39)
39 Member
Reviews
ack
says
a true classic, saw it years ago but it still holds up today. a film for adults unlike a lot of stuff made today.
Jason
says
Miami in the early 1980’s was a vile criminal underworld and this movie I think represents this era well. It was one of the inspirations for Miami Vice, another 80s icon - pastel colours, neon signs, overdubbed 80's electronic music and my goodness the hair styles. A richly quotable movie e.g. "say hello to my little friend" used so often in parodies, it is nonetheless a movie classic, it you can endure the length.
Tamaresque
says
I expected much more than I got. It was too long and has to have the worst soundtrack of any movie I've ever watched. The 1st nightclub scene was laughable!
Eddy
says
Loved the movie. Action packed
Agnes
says
It's not my style of movie, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. Watched it because its one of those films on every must-see list, and because my friend loves gangster movies. So there, I've watched it, tick that one off the shopping list and send the next one please.
Initially gave it two stars - but something about it makes me keep watching it again and again, so I've bumped it up to 3.
ZombieDugong
says
Classic film. Full of great lines, and Pacino is incredible. Must see for any film lover.
Viewer
says
Great to see Al Pacino in one of his earlier roles, this film follows a Cuban drug dealing strongman's rise to the head of his underworld business and his bloody downfall. A classic film, I highly recommend it.
dj
says
One of the best movie's made
Ange
says
Al Pacino is fantastic in this movie. Heaps of violence and swearing. Didn't find too long. Characters are mesmerising.
RoyF
says
Just amazing stuff, i really loved it i would have to say Pacino's best film this is one of the best gangster films and sets the stanard. The story from start to finished is amazing it shows his rise to power then his greed and fall to his death of his power and control. I love this film just amazing stuff.
Sonia B.
says
It was next day delivery , I thought Al Pacino was so convincing,it's been along time since I have actually sat through a whole movie, no wonder it's a classic Now I know what other people were talking about.I would recommend it to anyone but children.
curls
says
this is al pacino at his best , yes its violent and lots of guns and bullets , but it tells the story of the rise and fall ofthe eighties drug barron culture in the USA, you'll never tire of Al Pacino.
Tiffani H.
says
very well-done. The last half hour was a little slow and formulaic (sort of said "yep, saw that coming" over and over) but Pacino acted it brilliantly and the supporting cast was also very strong.
Carolyn A.
says
Length isn't everthing. This didn't hold my interest beyond 2 hours. Maybe some editing would have helped. Having said that...Pacino was fantastic.
Tommy T.
says
One of the greatest classic out there. Loved it.
Peter F.
says
Pacino is nothing short of brilliant playing the brutal leader of a US drug cartel. The consistency with which he draws out an anger and belligerence within his character is astounding. Scarface is one of those genre defining movies against which all others are measured.
stimpy
says
Too violent for my taste.
smeggers
says
Ultra-violent, drug-laden, outstanding performance from Pacino. Jam-packed with popculture references.
Trent S.
says
Neither DePalma nor Pacino are known for their restraint, but this is just hilarious. Giorgio Morder's soundtrack dates it badly and the whole thing comes off like a giant episode of Miami Vice...except with the 'f' word.
Leith W.
says
Al Pacino is utterly convincing as Tony Montana whose push to live life to excess ultimately results in his downfall. Even his death is ridiculously over-dramatic and to the extreme - "Say hello to my little friend"!
Jill G.
says
Jim B.
says
A very confronting, raw movie. Al Pacino is excellent. The ending scene was a little disappointing compared to the rest of the movie.
Brian C.
says
Andrew H.
says
I rate this excellent simply for Al Pacino's fine performance in the lead role. The movie is almost ruined, however, by Giorgio Moroder's woeful soundtrack!
Rob
says
A very powerful movie, made all the more sinister with the great Al Pacino superbly playing the lead. Although there were nods to the original Paul Muni/George Raft b & w 1930s gangster film in that the story lines were loosley similar (the first set in Prohibiton America of the twenties [& available on Bigpond], the second, this one, set in Miami about the cocaine trade) this was far more brutal, violent & devious & was a truly anti-drug story. The main difficulty was understanding some of the actors' dialogue as they spoke their lines in heavy Cuban accents. Interesting to see Michelle Pfeiffer in an early major role - the potential for her current successful career was clearly evident in this. Heavy going at times but well worth persevering.
Sandy B.
says
bloody but brilliant
Joahla
says
This movie was based on the fact that in 1980, Fidel Castro alowed 125,000 of it's residents to leave Cuba and enter the US as political refugees, mainly via Miami (South Florida). They found out later that 25,000 of then had criminal records! Tony Montana (Al Pacino) wanted to make it big and he could see that to traffic yao (cocaine) was a way to do it. Plenty of shooting in this film, especially at the closing end! I loved the chainsaw scene near the start of the movie, at the drug dealer's house.
Adeel P.
says
fantastic classic not to be missed
Beverley M.
says
Stefano B.
says
Craig S.
says
A bit overrated. But Pacino's performance was just brilliant...
Cynthia Palmer
says
Roslyn Mcauliffe
says
A great movie of it's time, good acting, entertaining.
Eric Holroyd
says
I love both Mafia movies and Al Pacino, so enjoyed this one a lot. I'd recently seen the 'Buena Vista Social Club' so the Cuban references tied both movies together for me.
Sleepless in Seattle
says
Pacino at his best. Not for the faint hearted.
Sleepless in Seattle
says
Cinefile
says
Frank La Macchia
says
Scarface is an excellent film and well worth watching if you are or aren't a fan of Pacino.
Will
says
Overlong, over-rated. Has it's moments.