A good crime thriller with strong performances from Pacino and Penn. De Palma does seem more interested in long takes and shot composition than in the rest of the film, but this does lead to some undeniably impressive cinematography.
I was less impressed by the dialogue and the voiceover, which seemed rather clumsy at times. It definitely feels like it's trying to be another Scarface, but the morality-play aspects are pushed a bit too much.
Great chase at the climax, even though the trains are all still running normally despite a bloodbath shootout in the middle of the station.
One of De Palma's absolute best. Loved the directing and the performances, especially from Pacino and Sean Penn who delivers some of their best in their entire careers.
If 99% of the people you know are criminals, it's going to be real hard not to get dragged back into the stink when you decide your second lease on life should be spent on clean business and reengaging with the love of your life. Carlito's Way is a tragedy from minute one, because we know where we'll end up, but De Palma is one of the masters of suspense, so it works not so much by making you wonder what, but rather HOW (though if you've been paying attention, you'll probably see the angle Carlito fails to). Though it feels dated to have Pacino play a Latino character (again), he's nonetheless very strong in this. Sean Penn is a real scuzzball. John Leguizamo... Luis Guzmán... Viggo Mortensen?! Great cast. Nice period soundtrack. Some great set pieces, as is usual for the director, in particular the final reel (if you're in a De Palma film, don't take the train, it ain't worth it). And it's all well supported by the novel's prose narration, really nice writing and dripped in just right an amount - I'm not a big fan of narration, but here, it really adds to the whole. You root for Carlito to finally get out and, man, it's crushing that he almost makes it.
this is absolutely one of (if not, the best) the best films I've seen.
The pace and dialogue is just amazing. It's also got some of the best performances I've seen in a while.
Some great and memorable characters played by a talented cast. Special mentions to John Leguizamo (Benny Blanco), Luis Guzman (Pachanga), Viggo Mortensen (in an oft-overlooked role as Lalin), and of course an almost unidentifiable Sean Penn in one of his best supporting roles of his career (dare I say even oscar worthy). The only weak performance I'd say would be Penelope Anne Miller's turn as the love-interest.
It's a shame this movie was not a commercial success at the time, but I'm glad people took the time to see it and has since turned it into a cult classic.
Masterfully shot and composed by Mr. De Palma. Excellent performances by the entire cast (especially the wonderful Mr. Pacino). A script that leaves you shocked, makes you laugh, cry...
The film kept me at the edge of my seat during its entire running time and gave me a smile of optimism at the end (despite its underwhelming finale).
Just in ten years, our hero dies two times in the finals of movies.
Both are dramatic and sad. Carlito's way's final is of course more dramatic than Scarface's, who has just killed his best friend and has made killed his sister.
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Comments 1 - 14 of 14
ChrisReynolds
A good crime thriller with strong performances from Pacino and Penn. De Palma does seem more interested in long takes and shot composition than in the rest of the film, but this does lead to some undeniably impressive cinematography.I was less impressed by the dialogue and the voiceover, which seemed rather clumsy at times. It definitely feels like it's trying to be another Scarface, but the morality-play aspects are pushed a bit too much.
Great chase at the climax, even though the trains are all still running normally despite a bloodbath shootout in the middle of the station.
Panunzio
Less over-the-top than many of De Palma's other films. It's a solid gangster film with a great sense of style.I have to say, it is bizarre seeing Sean Penn in a role like this -- nearly didn't recognise him!
Groovy09
One of De Palma's absolute best. Loved the directing and the performances, especially from Pacino and Sean Penn who delivers some of their best in their entire careers.MrE2Me
One of Sean Penn's greatest performances.Siskoid
If 99% of the people you know are criminals, it's going to be real hard not to get dragged back into the stink when you decide your second lease on life should be spent on clean business and reengaging with the love of your life. Carlito's Way is a tragedy from minute one, because we know where we'll end up, but De Palma is one of the masters of suspense, so it works not so much by making you wonder what, but rather HOW (though if you've been paying attention, you'll probably see the angle Carlito fails to). Though it feels dated to have Pacino play a Latino character (again), he's nonetheless very strong in this. Sean Penn is a real scuzzball. John Leguizamo... Luis Guzmán... Viggo Mortensen?! Great cast. Nice period soundtrack. Some great set pieces, as is usual for the director, in particular the final reel (if you're in a De Palma film, don't take the train, it ain't worth it). And it's all well supported by the novel's prose narration, really nice writing and dripped in just right an amount - I'm not a big fan of narration, but here, it really adds to the whole. You root for Carlito to finally get out and, man, it's crushing that he almost makes it.danisanna
I'm not a big maffia movie girl, but I did enjoy this one!Serpico
this is absolutely one of (if not, the best) the best films I've seen.The pace and dialogue is just amazing. It's also got some of the best performances I've seen in a while.
Some great and memorable characters played by a talented cast. Special mentions to John Leguizamo (Benny Blanco), Luis Guzman (Pachanga), Viggo Mortensen (in an oft-overlooked role as Lalin), and of course an almost unidentifiable Sean Penn in one of his best supporting roles of his career (dare I say even oscar worthy). The only weak performance I'd say would be Penelope Anne Miller's turn as the love-interest.
It's a shame this movie was not a commercial success at the time, but I'm glad people took the time to see it and has since turned it into a cult classic.
mabu mabu
Great movie with a decent endingCornelius P.
A bona fide cinematic masterpiece.Masterfully shot and composed by Mr. De Palma. Excellent performances by the entire cast (especially the wonderful Mr. Pacino). A script that leaves you shocked, makes you laugh, cry...
The film kept me at the edge of my seat during its entire running time and gave me a smile of optimism at the end (despite its underwhelming finale).
Thank you.
UnEnfantPerdu
Cheesy and trashy even by De Palmas standards.patato
why is this movie in one list only? !!!dirte_lawndre
Pacino's best movie in my opinion, classic!nytroe
best movie everCursed Chico
Just in ten years, our hero dies two times in the finals of movies.Both are dramatic and sad. Carlito's way's final is of course more dramatic than Scarface's, who has just killed his best friend and has made killed his sister.