Scarface

Tony Montana: "Me, I want what's coming to me."
Manny: "What's coming to you?"
Tony Montana: "The world...and everything in it."

release year: 1983
genre: drama
viewing setting: home Bluray 12/13/22

synopsis: A headstrong, ambitious kid from Cuba climbs to the top of the Miami drug trade.

impressions: Frankly, I was surprised that I hadn't watched/reviewed this since starting this website in 2001. I know I've seen it several times in my life, but it had obviously been a while. Anyway...what we have here is the story of a young punk who refuses to be pushed around or intimidated, and is very aggressive about seeing and taking opportunities. Unfortunately, when he gets to the top he can't keep things under control, due to the combination of his temper and his drug use...and it all predictably comes crashing down. It's violent, it's profane, and it shows just how powerful (and dangerous) the drug business can be.

acting: Al Pacino is in top form as the brash criminal on his way up. Steven Bauer is his childhood friend who becomes his right-hand man. Michelle Pfeiffer is a snotty upper-class woman who becomes a trophy wife despite having no real connection to her new husband. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is Tony's sister, who he tries to protect from the life he's chosen. Paul Shenar is a Bolivian drug lord who helps Tony get ahead.

final word: Brutal and honest look at the rise of a drug empire.

back to the main review page