L'Impasse

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 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)

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)

One of the best gangster movies ever made, a great piece by Brian De Palma, and an outstanding performance by Al Pacino in the lead role. It's a story of a man who had immense willpower to change his life, but couldn't change his surroundings. Overall impression: 95%. (15/06/2006)

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. (12/06/2009)

“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. (26/10/2006)

Absolutely the best gangster film I've ever seen (and I've thoroughly enjoyed both Coppola and Scorsese). A film in which there is not a single extra scene, not a single shot is self-serving and everything fits together. Sean Penn's transformation is fascinating, but of course it's Al Pacino who gets all the attention. I maintain that Carlito Brigante is his best role. Tony Montana in Scarface was an asshole - and yet everyone was rooting for him. So with Carlito, who just got out of prison and wants nothing to do with the past, it must be the same. Unfortunately for this Puerto Rican, nothing is going nearly as well as he would like. Brian de Palma is in top form here, the final fifteen minutes at the "station" is unparalleled in the film world, and a thumbs up is also in order for Patrick Doyle's score. All I have to do is listen it on its own and my eyes get weirdly moist... (03/10/2007)

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. (16/06/2009)