Gripping and intense...

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2000)

A slick, polished, extremely professional and intense depiction of one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film, the Cuban cocaine dealer "Tony Montana" (played by Al Pacino), also known as "Scarface." Running long (but never boring) at 2:50, the high production values of this film really make it stand out. Every penny put into this movie is evident on screen. Oliver Stone's screenplay is first-rate, and this is some of Al Pacino's best acting. Michelle Pfeiffer puts in an outstanding performance as well as "Elvira Hancock," Tony Montana's wife. I can't pinpoint a single actor in this movie who gets it wrong. Brian De Palma's directing is superb throughout the film.
It should be pointed out that there are scenes in this movie absolutely not suitable for younger viewers. Even accompanied by a parent, I would not bring along your 12-year-old to see this picture. The violence is so intense at some points that it's a miracle the picture escaped the "NC-17" rating. Actual sexual content is minimal. This is one of the most violent pictures I've ever seen, perhaps THE most violent.
Despite this, "Scarface" is an absolute must-see. You will be drawn into the story so fast and deep, you had better not drink any fluids for 8 hours prior to this picture (unless you want to change your undergarments). Anyway, on video or DVD you can always hit "pause," but you won't want to. The story is that involving. It's the best film portrayal I've ever seen of the universal principle: Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
9/10.