A gripping crime thriller, celebrated for featuring one of Hollywood icon Al Pacino's finest performances, is set to captivate audiences on Film4 tonight.
From Box Office Disappointment to Cult Classic
The film 'Carlito's Way' will be broadcast on Film4 at 1am on Saturday, December 28. Directed by Brian De Palma, the 1993 movie initially received a lukewarm reception from critics upon its release. However, in the decades since, it has undergone a dramatic critical reassessment, amassing a devoted cult following and now boasting an impressive 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The story follows Carlito Brigante, a man determined to leave his criminal past behind after years in prison. Pacino portrays the leather-clad ex-convict whose plans for a straight life in New York are violently derailed. His struggle to stay clean is complicated by his reconnection with girlfriend Gail, played by Penelope Ann Miller, and the dangerously corrupt dealings of his lawyer and friend, Dave Kleinfeld, portrayed by Sean Penn.
A Cast of Powerhouse Performances
The film's ensemble is a key factor in its enduring appeal. Alongside Pacino's nuanced and restrained performance, Sean Penn's electrifying turn as the volatile lawyer Kleinfeld earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Penelope Ann Miller, also nominated for a Golden Globe, and John Leguizamo as the menacing gangster Benny Blanco complete a formidable cast.
Critics now widely regard the film as one of De Palma's best works, praising both the direction and the acting. One review highlighted the "thrilling" set pieces and Pacino's performance, which "allows plenty of scope for the supporting cast to chew the scenery." Another noted the "terrific" work of Pacino and Penn, masterminded by De Palma.
Why Fans Hail It as a Masterpiece
Beyond critical acclaim, the film has resonated deeply with audiences. Fans frequently describe Carlito's Way as a "masterpiece" and an "All Time Classic," praising its novelistic storytelling and emotional depth. One fan elaborated, calling it a "gangster epic driven first and foremost by performance," where Pacino balances "regret, hope, and inevitability."
The consensus is clear: what was once overlooked is now considered a high point in the careers of its director and legendary star. For those seeking a stylish, tense, and emotionally grounded crime saga, 'Carlito's Way' on Film4 tonight offers what many consider Al Pacino's best ever performance.
