Scarface (1983)

Al Pacino's defining moment through 3 hours of mayhem.

"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women," so said Tony Montana. And what a spectacular surge of power indeed. You got to give it to Al Pacino. His acting skills are being stretch to the limit. From his heavy Cuban accent to the occasional habit of pulling up of trousers he imparts to Tony Montana, every single movement and mannerism is painfully being acted out in detail. A certain manly charisma is projected on Montana. The way he speaks, walks and swears just oozes out a certain charm. Ruthless and his archaic way of handling matters make him a 'one-man army vs. the rest of the world' and how accurate it turns out to be.

Arriving as a part of the Cuban 'political refugees', Tony Montana and Manny Ribera (the charming Steven Bauer) are in search of freedom and, of course, to make it in the land they describe as a 'great big pussy just waiting to get fucked.' They see limitless opportunities to make it big. However it appears that the only way out of poverty fast is to take the criminal route. A route laden with violence, blood and drugs.

Kudos to Brian De Palma, the director, for showing us a different side of Miami. For his direction and his casting of actors make Scarface a truly memorable film. This film will always be known for its wild and provocative style. And true to its grandiose style, I will end this review with one of my favourate quote:" What you think I am? HUH? What you think, I a fuckin' worm, like you? I told you, mayne, I told you, don't fuck with me!"

txq