A lot of people don’t know that 1983’s “Scarface” is actually a remake of a film from the 30s (I’ve not yet seen that version). “Scarface” is a fantastic crime film directed by Brian De Palma (“Mission: Impossible”) with enough passion, energy and style to justify the violence and sleaze.

In “Scarface”, Al Pacino (“The Devil’s Advocate”, “Heat”) plays Cuban immigrant Tony Montana. Montana. He has spent time in prison in Cuba but sees opportunity to change his life when he gets to America. Montana works his way up in the world of organised crime in Florida. He soon becomes a big crime boss but it isn’t long before the law and his enemies catch up with him.

Al Pacino is terrific and highly memorable as Tony Montana. Montana is despicable and incredibly lively… you also have to love his smart suits and colourful shirts. Michelle Pfeiffer (“Batman Returns”) plays Elvira Hancock, who Montana quickly sets his sights on. Pfeiffer gives a good performance and the chemistry between her and Pacino is rather impressive. The other characters are okay but Pacino totally steals the show as he dishes out lines such as the classic ‘Say hello to my little friend’ before blowing away a bunch of rival gangsters.

“Scarface” is a highly competent crime thriller that has gone on to inspire countless imitators, not just in the film industry but also in the music and videogame industries. The shootout near the end of the film is absolutely amazing and the film’s ending is rather clever and poetic. The most infamous scene in the film is rather early on and features a man being sliced to pieces with a chainsaw. You don’t see too much yet it is far more intense and thrilling than any of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” films. “Scarface” is definitely worth watching for fans of the crime genre and moviegoers in general should enjoy it too.