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Carlito's Way [HD DVD] [1994] [US Import]
![Carlito's Way [HD DVD] [1994] [US Import]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EgWP7DloL._SL160_.jpg)
Our Price: £24.71 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Al Pacino cuts a noble figure in this very enjoyable drama by director Brian De Palma (Scarface), based on a pair of books by Edwin Torres. Pacino plays a Puerto Rican ex-con trying hard to go straight, but his loyalty to his lowlife attorney (a virtually unrecognisable Sean Penn) and enemies on the street make that choice difficult. Penelope Ann Miller plays, somewhat unlikely, a stripper who has a romance with Pacino's character. The film finds De Palma tempering his more outlandish moves (think of Body Double or Snake Eyes) just as he did with the popular Untouchables and Mission: Impossible. But while Carlito's Way was not as commercially successful as those two movies, it is a genuinely compelling work graced with a fine performance by Pacino and a surprising one from Penn. --Tom Keogh
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Al Pacino cuts a noble figure in Carlito's Way, an enjoyable drama by director Brian De Palma (Scarface), based on a pair of books by Edwin Torres. Pacino plays a Puerto Rican ex-con trying hard to go straight, but his loyalty to his lowlife attorney (a virtually unrecognisable Sean Penn) and enemies on the street make that choice difficult. In a somewhat unlikely role, Penelope Ann Miller plays a stripper who has a romance with Pacino's character. The film finds De Palma tempering his more outlandish moves (think of Body Double or Snake Eyes) just as he did with the popular The Untouchables and Mission: Impossible. But while Carlito's Way was not commercially successful and never rises to the level of greatness, it is a genuinely compelling movie graced with a fine performance by Pacino and a surprising one from Penn. --Tom Keogh
Fantastic piece of crime, pretty much a classic
Review date: 2008-06-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is great stuff, hugely good fun and absorbing from the get go. The script and performances are great (check out Edwin Torres' books Carlito's Way and After Hours - both the basis for this and stunning reading) and the film delivers in every way. Some fine action and pretty much iconic scenes and you have a real winner.
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Reviews
Pacino
Review date: 2008-04-21 Rating: 8 out of 10
Pacino shows us once again why he is the guy to go for gangster movies,watchin alot of his films lately,didnt realise what i was missin out on until now!!!
Like a plate of cold tripe
Review date: 2008-03-17 Rating: 2 out of 10
This is why I only watch foreign films nowadays. Subtitles are an inconvenience but when you see what North America, as opposed to South America, has to offer, it's worth the eye strain.
Favor gonna kill you faster than a bullet.
Review date: 2008-01-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
Director Brian DePalma returns with this 1993 adaptation of the novel 'After Hours' by judge and author Edwin Torres. Here DePalma alternates his filmic style more to the side of 'Mission Impossible' and 'The Untouchables' rather than his usual Hitchcock homages ala 'Body Double' and 'Blow Out' to deliver (for me anyway) his finest film.
The story has Al Pacino (never better) playing Puerto Rican ex-con Carlito Brigante trying desperately to go straight and make a new life for himself and his dancer girlfriend (played by the excellent Penelope Ann Miller). Obviously, it all takes a turn for the worse when Carlito's attorney friend (played by an unrecognisable Sean Penn) is destined to take not only himself, but Carlito down with him.
The film itself is beautifully acted, exceptionally well written (each character is well developed and fully rounded) and the direction by DePalma is his sharpest yet. His roaming camera and stylish lighting give the city scenes life and the bars and club that glitzy and low life appeal in equal measure. Al Pacino is perfect in the role and gives the film an exceptional emotional core - so to does Sean Penn, who is the epitome of sleaze and his look for the character is spot on. The romance between Pacino and Miller is well handled, not too slushy or slowing the story down - and like each plot point in the film, it is expertly handled and played out well.
All in all, one of DePalma's finest films and (for me) more satisfying than their previous collaboration 'Scarface' - although, that is excellent as well. Universals' disc has a sharp transfer and a short making of documentary, but the film itself is well worth the price of the disc alone. Recemmended.
Hey remember me, Benny Blanco from the Bronx?
Review date: 2008-01-05 Rating: 8 out of 10
Al Pacino plays Puerto Rican drug dealer and killer, Carlito Brigante, who is released on a technicality 5 years into a 30 year prison sentence. Recognising his opportunity to be a better person Carlito decides to go straight but his gratitude to corrupt lawyer Kleinfeld (Sean Penn) for getting him out of prison means he will eventually step back over the line to repay the favour.
Carlito's Way is a magnificent, well written crime drama and the performances of Pacino and Penn are wonderful. Brian De Palma's direction is spot on but as hard as it tries, Carlito's Way doesn't quite match up to his previous collaboration with Pacino, the classic Scarface. Pacino plays both roles differently, Tony Montana was a ruthless killer who murdered his best friend in a heartbeat but Carlito cares much more about his loved ones, so much so that he helps Kleinfeld on a job that will potentially send him back to prison for the rest of his life. Carlito is genuinely grateful for another shot at life and his weary narration as he is dragged back into his old ways give the film a heart that Scarface didn't have. When watching Carlito's Way you just know theres not gonna be a happy ending but the third act is so well done it's impossible not to watch it out despite the feeling of impending tragedy.
Like this? Try: Scarface
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Penelope Ann Miller
Al Pacino
Sean Penn
Ingrid Rogers
John Leguizamo
Creators:
Al Pacino (Primary Contributor)
Sean Penn (Primary Contributor)
Judith Stevens (Producer)
Louis A. Stroller (Producer)
Martin Bregman (Producer)
Michael Bregman (Producer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
EAN: 0025193285324
Binding: HD DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: AC-3, Colour, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen,
Release date: 2007-10-23
Universal product code (UPC): 025193285324
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Running time: 145 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1993-11-10
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: French (Dubbed)