Carlito's Way

The mafia's journey from a somewhat different perspective is especially evident under the directorial baton of Brian De Palma. However, the epic narrative about "purification," which lasts for two and a half hours, ultimately ends up in complete futility. No matter how you look at it, David Koepp's screenplay would hardly be sufficient for a ninety-minute runtime on its own. Fortunately, De Palma displays a strong dose of creativity and captivates the audience with every scene down to the last detail. As a whole, it ticks away incredibly quickly, even considering that not much substantial happens in the film. The performances by the actors unabashedly strive for various accolades, especially Sean Penn, who underwent a radical transformation and brilliantly embodies the classic notion that "lawyers simply can't be trusted." I believed in Carlito, played by Al Pacino, a slowly aging gangster, until the very last drop of blood he had to shed on his journey. Perhaps I do have a minor criticism regarding the lack of a larger dose of "DePalma violence," which is compensated for by the escalator shootout, allowing everyone to go their own way. (17.09.2005)

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... (18.07.2007)

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. (14.07.2006)

One of the best gangster films ever made, a stellar piece by Brian De Palma, with an outstanding performance by Al Pacino in the lead role. It's the story of a man with immense willpower to change his life, but unable to change his surroundings. Overall impression: 95%. (15.06.2006)

One of the few gangster movies that I’ve really liked. This time the protagonist is not an insufferable arrogant criminal, but the likeable and honourable Al Pacino, someone you can root for. That’s what I miss in other similar movies and the reason why I don’t like them in general. I didn’t have this problem with Carlito’s Way and I was able to truly enjoy this good quality film. Sean Penn delivers a superb performance, I didn’t recognise him at first. (04.09.2009)