Scent Of A Woman [1993]

Don't get me wrong, the film isn't all about Pacino, a young Chris O'Donnell puts on a great turn as the naive schoolboy and for all of Pacino's dominance of centre stage it's great credit to O'Donnell that his performance also shines.

Both characters are ably supported by a whole host of extras, like O'Donnell's school colleagues who play the rich spoilt arrogant role fantastically well, Gabrielle Anwar as the infamous tango partner who is grace and elegant personified, Leonard Gaines as the Ferrari salesman and I could go on.

The actual film composition is just scene after scene of great drama and emotion and you could pick any one of a couple of dozen of classic moments , just pick your favourite from these perfect instances; Franks and Charles's first meeting, the airplane scene, the Thanksgiving dinner, the school disciplinary council, the suicide attempt and the Ferrari test drive. I could mention several others that are just as good, there really isn't a weak moment in the whole film.

A must for any film fan.


Hoo-hah!   July 21, 2004
george (uk)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

AT last Al Pacino got the Oscar he deserved, and for what is probably his finest performance ever. Yes, in my opinion his performance in Scent of a Woman beats those in Scarface, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and even the Godfather Trilogy. This is one of my favourite films of all time, if not my favourite.

Pacino plays a blind retired colnoel, who is miserable, mean, self-centered. When Charlie (Chris O' Donnel is assigned to look after him for Thanksgiving weekend, Pacino takes him to New York, for 'one last tour of the battlefield'. The film is heartwarming, heart braking and hilarious all at the same time (its difficult to believe without seeing the film), as Pacino meets old relatives (who are not too pleased to see him), lives the high life and teaches Charlie about life, booze and women.

The film is basically a two-man story of love and friendship; and is definitely one of the films of the twentieth century. The way it mixes comedy and tragedy is perfect, and strangely there were many moments in the films when you want to burst out laughing, despite feeling sad. Buy it, watch it, love it!


Powerful   August 18, 2003
Mr. Naveed H. Siddiqui (London, England)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

One of those films that I wish I could watch again as if for the first time. If you are a Pacino fan in the slightest then this is a 'must see' for you!

The 'Tango' scene is definitely one of my all time favourite movie moments, Gabriel Anwar is just stunning!


a snap shot of pacinos genius   February 1, 2004
C J Edwards
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Who else could pull it off, a black comedy about a blind retired officer who in all honesty you should hate. he rude blunt and appears to be the most arrogant selfish man to grace the silver screen. But pacino makes you love him. lets face it even when he played satan him self you couldnt help but root for him.

He recrutes a young broke student to look after him for the week end and their time together helps bring out the soldiers softer side. one of the warmest feel good films i have ever seen. Pacinos defence of his friend is touching as it is inspiring. the tango dance scene has to be one of the greatest moments in cinema. alone with as good as it gets this is my favourite film of all time. im fact as far as films go this is as good as it gets. love him or hate him i pity who has never seen this master piece


A Masterpiece   March 18, 2000
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Al Pacino dominates the screen is this awesome tale of a bitter a twisted vietnam veterans journey to New York with the underated Chris O'Donnell as his public schoolboy and not altogether willing sidekick. Totally worthy of all the praise this film has received along with individual merit for Pacino. A true Masterpiece!