MovieAddict's Movie Review of Scarface (1983)

Rating of
3.5/4

Scarface (1983)

Scarface (1983)
MovieAddict - wrote on 01/21/12

One of the greatest gangster movies ever made! Brian De Palma's brutal but epic masterpiece. This is the type of film that keeps Hollywood alive because of its timelessness.

Al Pacino is in top form as a Cuban refugee in this dark, socially-challenging take on the old "rags-to-riches" stories that epitomize American capitalism. The American dream is everyone's secret fantasy and Al takes it to the max portraying the self-obsessed, arrogant anti-hero Tony Montana who gets in the business with his right hand man and best buddy, Manny (Steven Bauer). From the opening shots of Castro's eviction of 250,000 unwanted Cubans to its climactic ending, "Scarface" portrays a roller coaster ride through Miami's cocaine world, and a thrilling look as Tony becomes one of the country's most wealthiest and ruthless gangsters lusting over his boss' girl, Elvira (Michelle Pfeiffer).

The rise of Montana is an epic one but so also is his downfall. As he is told early on in the film "Don't get high on your own supply" which is ironic as this is exactly what he does and he pays the consequences for it. The other actors are all very good, especially Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Tony Montana's little sister Gina. You also see a lot of Latin American mannerisms and attitudes in Tony's jealousy and protection over Gina.

Whether he's burying his face into a pile of coke, shooting someone point blank in the head or refusing to kill two small children Montana always seems like a real, deep character. He's a ruthless business man and killer, but he also has an honor code despite his sneering insouciance, directed at everyone. The shower scene with the chain saw is most memorable, but the end is also bloody.

One of the most violent pictures I've ever seen, that will drain you of every emotion you have but despite this, "Scarface" is an absolute must-see.

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