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Scent of a Woman

Play trailer 2:40 Poster for Scent of a Woman R Released Dec 23, 1992 2h 37m Holiday Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 47 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 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. Rated: 1/4 Jan 11, 2023 Full Review Angie Errigo Empire Magazine While fairly predictable and unoriginal, it is nevertheless entertaining. Rated: 3/5 May 27, 2011 Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader An irascible bully who proves to have a heart of gold, Pacino's character seems manufactured by a computer programmed with box-office grosses. May 27, 2011 Full Review Steve Warren Southern Voice (Atlanta) Scent of a Woman stinks. May 9, 2023 Full Review Mark Jackson Epoch Times There's nothing as convincing as an Army vet talking to privileged prep school boys about boys in battle getting legs blown off, and how, when the bullets fly downrange, some boys run and some stand their ground. Every high schooler needs to see it. Rated: 4/5 Sep 29, 2021 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Pacino's performance is that rare kind that captivates all on its own, stealing every scene away from everyone else in it. Rated: 7/10 Dec 7, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Horror fan 4 A great heartwarming movie with 2 great performances. Tim Treakle Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/15/24 Full Review Soroosh F A Masterpiece of Humanity and Performance Martin Brest’s Scent of a Woman is not just a film—it is an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. This profoundly emotional journey intertwines themes of redemption, loyalty, and the complexities of human frailty, delivering a narrative that is as soul-stirring as it is thought-provoking. At the heart of this cinematic triumph is Al Pacino’s spellbinding performance as Lt. Col. Frank Slade, a retired, blind Army officer grappling with bitterness and disillusionment. Pacino’s portrayal is a masterclass in character work; he dives deep into Slade’s vulnerability, charm, and volcanic rage, capturing the complexities of a man who has seen too much and lost even more. His nuanced transformation—from a man consumed by despair to one rediscovering the will to live—rightfully earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. The chemistry between Pacino and Chris O’Donnell, who plays the earnest and morally conflicted Charlie Simms, is electric. Their dynamic propels the narrative forward, blending humour, tension, and heartfelt moments. Charlie’s integrity and innocence serve as the perfect counterbalance to Slade’s cynicism, creating a compelling mentor-protégé relationship that feels both authentic and profound. The film’s crowning achievement is its ability to merge its grand emotional core with moments of unforgettable poignancy. From the iconic tango scene, which radiates elegance and vitality, to Slade’s fiery courtroom monologue—a searing indictment of hypocrisy and a celebration of moral courage—the movie continually delivers sequences that define cinematic excellence. Thomas Newman’s evocative score and Donald E. Thorin’s elegant cinematography enhance the film’s emotional depth, while Bo Goldman’s screenplay crafts dialogue that brims with intelligence, wit, and raw humanity. Scent of a Woman is more than a character study; it’s a celebration of the human spirit, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, redemption and connection remain within reach. This film is a towering achievement in storytelling and performance, and it remains a timeless testament to the power of cinema. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/27/24 Full Review Will G God this is my favorite Thanksgiving movie. It’s about a student at a boarding school who takes care of an old man. They go to New York City and drive a nice car. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/26/24 Full Review Clafoutis C My fav movie showed by my dad...truly a masterpiece. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/26/24 Full Review mary k This movie was torture. There was no acting, just yelling. Pacino's character was unblelievable, as was the premise. I only hoped Pacino would have done himself in the first 15 minutes. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 11/19/24 Full Review Chas S Everyone must see this film; a masterclass in acting, scripting, directing – movie making. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/08/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Scent of a Woman

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Cast & Crew

Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Frank Defends Charlie in Court Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Frank Defends Charlie in Court 2:48 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Ferrari Test Drive Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Ferrari Test Drive 2:52 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - I'm In the Dark Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - I'm In the Dark 3:04 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - The Tango Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - The Tango 4:00 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - The One That Got Away Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - The One That Got Away 2:34 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Gray Ghosts Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Gray Ghosts 2:36 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Charlie Meets Frank Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Charlie Meets Frank 2:59 Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Frank's Pearls of Wisdom Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Frank's Pearls of Wisdom 2:25 View more videos
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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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