Scarface Turns 43 on December 9, and Al Pacino's Tony Montana Still Looms Large

Illustration: AI-generated with Pollinations (FLUX), free to use

Scarface was released in US cinemas on December 9, 1983, so it turns 43 on December 9. Brian De Palma directed the film, and Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay for this remake of the 1932 film of the same name.

Photo: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Al Pacino plays Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who rises through the Miami drug trade. His performance became one of the most imitated in film.

Film still: Warner Bros, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The film drew strong criticism for its violence when it was released. Its reputation grew over time, through home video and through its place in popular culture.

Photo: Spudgun67, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Scarface has since become a cult classic, and its style and soundtrack remain widely referenced.

Poster: Unknown illustrator, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Which crime epic do you rank higher, Scarface or The Godfather?