Scent of a Woman (1992)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: It might soar on Al Pacino's performance more than the drama itself, but what a performance it is -- big, bold, occasionally over-the-top, and finally giving the Academy pause to award the star his first Oscar.
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Cast
as Lt. Col. Frank Slade
as Charlie Simms
as Mr. Trask
as Donna
as George Willis Jr.
as W.R. Slade
as Randy
as Gretchen
as Gail
as Garry
as Harry Havemeyer
as Trent Potter
as Jimmy Jameson
as Manny
as Christine Downes
as Mrs. Hunsaker
as Officer Gore
as Karen Rossi
as Donny Rossi
as Francine Rossi
as Francine Rossi
as Willie Rossi
as Willie Rossi
as Sofia
as Freddie Bisco
as Michael
as Bellhop
as George Willis Sr.
as Flight Attendant
as Oak Room Waiter
as Oak Room Maitre d'
as Skycap
as Ballroom Waiter
as Bootblack
as Doorman
as Cab Driver
as Night Maid
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Critic Reviews for Scent of a Woman
All Critics (42) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (5) | DVD (3)
An irascible bully who proves to have a heart of gold, Pacino's character seems manufactured by a computer programmed with box-office grosses.
Scent of a Woman indulgently stretches a modest conceit well past the breaking point.
Corny and heart-warming, with O'Donnell proving almost a match for the master.
The good thing is that the principals and film makers make the absolute most of a conventional opportunity.
By the end of Scent of a Woman, we have arrived at the usual conclusion of the coming-of-age movie, and the usual conclusion of the prep school movie. But rarely have we been taken there with so much intelligence and skill.
When all Pacino's demons are bared, they don't add up to the poignant punchline you were set up for.
Audience Reviews for Scent of a Woman
Pacino is on fine form with a dazzling performance but it's not enough to make this film shine in my eyes!
Super Reviewer
Al Pacino is magic in this film. You can't take his eyes of him. Added to this, the film is moving and carries an important message. It is a satisfying, uplifting, triumphant film that must be watched!
Super Reviewer
When things get tangled, tango on! Great Film! The Scent of a Woman is the kind of film that many would think belongs to a bygone era. While it is frank and contemporary without sugar coating it illustrates the value of character over glitz and how small acts can have long lasting consequences. The Scent of a Woman is very satisfying on many levels. Of course the primary reason it succeeds is Al Pacino, whose Oscar was well-deserved, needless to say. Chris O'Donnell doesn't overplay his part, and in doing so is realistic and natural. The character development is superb, dialogue terrific, glamorous locations and a story line that requires the characters to show themselves to be the people they really are. The film has a lot of funny lines and great drama. Frank is a retired Lt Col in the US army. He's blind and impossible to get along with. Charlie is at school and is looking forward to going to university; to help pay for a trip home for Christmas, he agrees to look after Frank over thanksgiving. Frank's niece says this will be easy money, but she didn't reckon on Frank spending his thanksgiving in New York.
Super Reviewer
Scent of a Woman Quotes
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | Something big may happen for that little thing of yours Charlie |
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | [Frank plans to kill himself and Charlie as well but hesitates] You don't wanna die |
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | [Frank plans to kill himself and Charlie as well but hesitates] You don't wanna die. |
| Charlie Simms: | Neither do you |
| Charlie Simms: | Neither do you. |
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | Give me one good reason not to |
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | Give me one good reason not to. |
| Charlie Simms: | I'll give you two. You can dance the tango and drive a Ferrari better than anyone I've ever seen |
| Charlie Simms: | I'll give you two. You can dance the tango and drive a Ferrari better than anyone I've ever seen. |
| Lt. Col. Frank Slade: | You never seen anyone do either |