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Scent of a Woman

Play trailer 2:40 Poster for Scent of a Woman R 1992 2h 37m Holiday Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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82% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
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 college. 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.
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Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman

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Critics 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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Critics Reviews

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Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle 01/11/2023
1/4
As the irascible, drunken Frank Slade, Al Pacino is convincingly obnoxious and loutish, but the character doesn't grow: this is a lout with, underneath it all, the heart of a lout. Go to Full Review
Angie Errigo Empire Magazine 05/27/2011
3/5
While fairly predictable and unoriginal, it is nevertheless entertaining. Go to Full Review
Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader 05/27/2011
An irascible bully who proves to have a heart of gold, Pacino's character seems manufactured by a computer programmed with box-office grosses. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jun 2
2/4
There’s exactly one lovely scene in the entire picture -- the rest is mawkish, manipulative, heavy-handed, and hokey. Go to Full Review
Jeff Beck The Blu Spot May 27
3.5/5
Scent of a Woman may run a little too long at 157 minutes, but that doesn't stop it from being a rather captivating story, featuring intriguing characters, as well as a commanding, unforgettable, and Oscar-winning performance from the legendary Al Pacino. Go to Full Review
Yasser Medina Cinefilia May 12
6/10
Aside from Al Pacino's stellar performance, I have the feeling that its fragrance isn't very strong and, unfortunately, its dramatic essence is too conventional in dealing with themes of loneliness, anguish, and acceptance. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Christian M 4d Generally, remakes rarely convince me, often falling short. 'Scent of a Woman', however, is the rare exception. It stands firmly on its own, even surpassing the original in emotional depth. While not fully faithful in style, it preserves the core story, reimagined with a distinct pulse, tone, and sensitivity. Al Pacino delivers a commanding performance, inhabiting his character with authenticity, while Chris O’Donnell complements him with grounded energy. Martin Brest’s direction is intelligent and controlled, balancing restraint and emotional resonance. The film’s elegance lies in portraying a deeply broken figure who experiences life through the soul rather than sight. More than a story, it is a profoundly human experience. Its impact is undeniable, making it a cinematic must-see, even without comparing it to the source novel. See more Matteo G @TigerTeo Dec 5 I expected a completely different movie but I found one of the best movies ever .. in the end nothing really happens most of the time but the performance of Pacino is exceptional and makes the movie.... wonderful See more Daniel S Nov 28 Whoo Ah Scent of a Woman hits hard thanks to one of Al Pacino’s most iconic performances ever. This role finally earned him the Oscar he deserved, and you can feel why. His portrayal of the blind Colonel Slade feels unforgettable, bold, and larger than life. When people think Pacino, this character instantly comes to mind. And yes, the legendary "Hoo ha!" still slaps. That said, the movie itself does not reach flawless status. The story follows a predictable path and leans heavily on classic Hollywood formulas. You see the big moments coming, especially the courtroom finale. Still, Pacino completely owns that scene with a monologue so powerful it carries the entire film’s emotional weight, even if the final outcome feels a little melodramatic. One major critique comes from how the film handles Slade’s blindness. The idea that he can detect tiny details like pimples or recall full personal histories just by hearing a voice feels exaggerated. It pushes past impressive perception into straight-up superpower territory, which breaks realism for some viewers. Still, the movie delivers plenty of unforgettable moments. Pacino’s raw, funny, and often outrageous monologues steal the spotlight. The dialogue packs serious personality, and several lines have become timeless quotes in film culture. In the end, Scent of a Woman stands as a flawed but highly entertaining classic. It shines because of Pacino’s intense energy and commanding presence. If you want to witness a performance that defines a career and leaves a lasting impact, this one deserves a spot on your must-watch list, especially if you ride for Pacino. See more Nano N Nov 25 The title threw me. Thought this was a sappy romanc of some kind. Great stuff. See more William W Nov 9 Ignore the haters who got no taste or patience. This is a great movie that everyone should at least watch once. This is LIFE. Hoo-ah!! See more Cody W. @Cwalton1994 Aug 11 Thoughtful, emotional, and well executed, SCENT OF A WOMAN delivers a fantastic story, and gives one of the world’s best known actors, Al Pacino, the performance of a lifetime. See more Read all reviews
Scent of a Woman

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Scent of a Woman

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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 college. 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.
Director
Martin Brest
Producer
Martin Brest
Screenwriter
Bo Goldman
Production Co
Universal Pictures, City Lights Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Holiday, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 23, 1992, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$62.1M
Runtime
2h 37m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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