Scarface
Scarface

Scarface

1983Movie170 minEnglish

After getting a green card in exchange for assassinating a Cuban government official, Tony Montana stakes a claim on the drug trade in Miami. Viciously murdering anyone who stands in his way, Tony eventually becomes the biggest drug lord in the state, controlling nearly all the cocaine that comes through Miami. But increased pressure from the police, wars with Colombian drug cartels and his own drug-fueled paranoia serve to fuel the flames of his eventual downfall.

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Insights

IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes62%
Metacritic66/100
Google Users92%
Director: Brian De PalmaGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1980, a determined Cuban refugee named Tony Montana arrives in Miami with nothing and sets his sights on the American dream. Through ruthless ambition and escalating violence, he ascends the ranks of the cocaine underworld, building a vast empire. However, his paranoia and addiction eventually lead to his downfall, consumed by the very power he craved.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Scarface was met with mixed to negative reviews, with many critics citing its excessive violence and perceived lack of subtlety. However, it has since gained a significant cult following and is now widely regarded as a classic crime film, praised for its iconic performances, memorable dialogue, and unflinching portrayal of ambition and corruption.

What Reviewers Say

  • Al Pacino delivers an unforgettable, larger-than-life performance as the ambitious Tony Montana.
  • The film's portrayal of the drug trade and its corrupting influence is both brutal and compelling.
  • Despite initial controversy, its quotable dialogue and operatic excess have cemented its status as a cult classic.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise Scarface for its intense performances, particularly Al Pacino's iconic turn, and its gripping, albeit violent, narrative. Many appreciate the film's exploration of the dark side of the American dream and its memorable, often-quoted dialogue. Some find the violence gratuitous, but the majority view it as a powerful and influential crime drama.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for multiple awards including a Golden Globe for Al Pacino for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

The chainsaw scene was so controversial that the MPAA initially gave the film an X rating, forcing cuts to achieve an R rating.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
JackthePGL

JackthePGL

Like most of the gangster films, Scarface is the first one from many years and some people didn't even know that it's actually a remake to the original B&W version. While I was thinking about this, it went on the whole new level with the vi...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A very violent film about drug trafficking and paranoia, with a great cast and a great production, but where everything is histrionic and exaggerated.** I caught this film yesterday on television and decided to watch it in full. I had ...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Despite all the hype and plaudits, I don't think this film is as good as Paul Muni's 1932 iteration. That's not to say it isn't a good film, nor that Al Pacino doesn't turn in a good effort - it's that it is all so brash. The language and a...
JPV852

JPV852

Immensely great crime-drama that features some great performances and excellent writing from Oliver Stone (and this coming from someone who isn't a big fan of his) to the direction by Brian De Palma. The score is great though still love the...