Scarface, the 1983 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, has been hailed by audiences as the greatest gangster movie of all time. The film, which initially divided critics due to its graphic violence, now holds a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre.
Plot and Cast
Scarface stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami during the 1980 Mariel boatlift. The story follows Tony as he rises from poverty to become one of the city's most powerful drug lords, building a vast cocaine empire. As his wealth and influence grow, so do the dangers surrounding him, culminating in one of the most iconic endings in crime film history.
The cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer as Elvira Hancock, Steven Bauer as Tony's best friend Manny Ribera, Robert Loggia, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, F. Murray Abraham, and Míriam Colón. The film is based on Armitage Trail's novel and is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name.
Production and Reception
Released in December 1983, Scarface was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, with some scenes shot in Miami. Upon its release, the film sparked controversy for its extreme violence, but over the decades, critical opinion has shifted dramatically. Today, it is considered a landmark in gangster cinema.
Audience reviews remain overwhelmingly positive. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote: "The greatest gangster movie of all time!" Another added: "An American masterpiece. The style, the energy, and Al Pacino’s performance make it one of the most iconic crime films ever made, unforgettable. It’s bold, intense, and iconic from start to finish." A third reviewer called it "Brilliant, epic and forever a benchmark. Closest thing to a perfect movie." A fourth commented: "DePalma was firing on all 300 cylinders when he created this masterpiece. Everything works on every level from the acting, the editing, the music, to the photography and the sets."
Streaming Availability
Scarface is currently available to stream on Netflix, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience what many consider the greatest gangster movie of all time.
