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.
What were Pacino's detractors hoping for? Something internal and realistic? Low key? The Tony Montana character is above all a performance artist, a man who exists in order to gloriously be himself.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
15 Jan 2004
fresh:
An unashamed study of selfish, sadistic criminality, and all the better for it.
– Tom Huddleston,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
rotten:
Viewed today, while Scarface seems less shocking than it did during its initial theatrical run, it's no more substantive or interesting.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
30 Apr 2009
fresh:
Performances are all extremely effective, with Pacino leading the way.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
23 Feb 2012
fresh:
It is a serious, often hilarious peek under the rock where nightmares strut in $800 suits and Armageddon lies around the next twist of treason.