Carlito's Way

“Sorry boys, all the stitches in the world can't sew me together again. Lay down... lay down. Gonna stretch me out in Fernandez funeral home on Hun and Ninth street. Always knew I'd make a stop there, but a lot later than a whole gang of people thought... Last of the Moh-Ricans... well maybe not the last. Gail's gonna be a good mom... New improved Carlito Brigante... Hope she uses the money to get out. No room in this city for big hearts like hers... Sorry baby, I tried the best I could, honest... Can't come with me on this trip, Loaf. Getting the shakes now, last call for drinks, bars closing down... Sun's out, where are we going for breakfast? Don't wanna go far. Rough night, tired baby... Tired....” One of the greatest mafia movies of all time. (10/26/2006)

A very impressively and somewhat unconventionally made gangster film with the excellent Al Pacino and Penn, Brian de Palma shoots it precisely and uncompromisingly. Carlito, even though he is (was) actually a dirty drug dealer, has his street tough principles that he can't let go of, wins back his love, and wants to make his living hiring out cars. But his path goes in many directions... The character of Carlito provides a fairly comprehensive character analysis of the decent and principled gangster, and Al Pacino is simply superb in his role. (06/16/2009)

A great old-school gangster movie where Pacino once again gives his best. His Carlito walks the line between a principled cool guy and a cold-blooded killer, so you just have to fall in love with him. Already the opening monologue grabs you by the heart. Slick and slimy Sean Penn was also great, and I now know who the model was for Ken Rosenberg from GTA: Vice City. De Palma plays with the camera, as is his tradition, especially in the final chase scene, which only confirms his directorial skills. (06/12/2009)

De Palma has never been so stylish, captivating, or good. The director's best film is a precise contrast to Scarface, Carlito is unlike Montana, he is an honest guy who doesn't go from innocence to corruption, but exactly the opposite, he tries to dig himself out of the mud and start a new life. Thanks to Pacino's performance, this battle with fate is a fascinating solo performance with a sinister atmosphere and a story full of deceitful practices and betrayals. During the final chase, I was struggling to catch my breath and losing my nerves after the previous experiences. Sometimes problems come on their own. And that paradise can be so unbearably far away... (07/18/2007)

After a second screening, I’m giving a full rating to this great gangster flick, with De Palma in full force. While Montana was a perfectly relatable character in Scarface, you simply have to root for the old school Carlito Brigante, with his street morals, even though he was certainly no saint thanks to his drug past. De Palma's ability to tell a compelling story while captivating with his directorial ideas is evident in the first dramatic scene in the billiard room. The final fifteen minutes escalate incredibly, and the scene of the ambulance ride with the badly wounded Carlito and his gaze on the advertising poster of the "road to paradise", accompanied by a melancholic song, is beautifully sad and uplifting at the same time. (07/14/2006)