Scent of a Woman

Name: Scent of a Woman
Genre: Drama
Released: December 23, 1992
Duration: 157 min
Rating: 59
Cast: Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell

1992

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 265 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 265 Ratings

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Scent Of A Woman

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Movie Details & Credits

American Broadcasting Company (ABC) | Release Date: December 23, 1992 | R

Starring: Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell

Summary: Al Pacino won his first Best Actor Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of an overbearing, blind retired Lieutenant Colonel who hires a young guardian (O'Donnell), to assist him. It's a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of opposites attracting when they embark on a wild weekend trip that will change the lives of both men forever. (Universal)

Director: Martin Brest

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 157 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Elvis Mitchell

The good thing is that the principals and film makers make the absolute most of a conventional opportunity. Read full review

Peter Rainer

But it's essentially a tour de force for Pacino, and he sustains us through the slow passages by working with a closed-in intensity that turns each scene into a kind of mini-movie complete with its own ticking time bomb. [23Dec1992 Pg. 1]

Roger Ebert

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. Read full review

Terrence Rafferty

This is acting that chills the heart beyond any possibility of warming. Read full review

Desson Thomson

In the end, however, when all Pacino's demons are bared, they don't add up to the poignant punchline you were set up for. The movie seems to have two or three finales too many -- a disturbing trend in all too many films of late. Read full review

Marjorie Baumgarten

There's no denying that Pacino's performance is superb. The rest of the movie plays like a bunch of inconsequentially strung together sequences. Read full review

Rick Groen

Instead, you get a nominal character study that boasts a single mighty performance and one nifty scene; alas, both performance and scene exist in a narrative vacuum - the plot is non-existent and the pace makes the ice age seem hasty. Read full review

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User Reviews

annbd

May 29, 2019

Masterpiece from beginning to the end. The tears can not be held back here. No doubt, Al Pacino's incarnation in role makes the film perfect. The story is incredible with a lot of comparisons: young - old, elegant - negligent, intelligent and principled - chaotic and nervous and so on. Just perfect.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

JustinCritic24

Oct 11, 2020

Absolutely amazing movie, keeps you entertained the whole way through, it's a must watch for everybody

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEROJ

Sep 12, 2013

Finally! Something really emotional! The acting is just so amazing that it's hard to believe that it's a movie! I love it and i highly recommend it to people with heart! 9/10

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

Spangle

May 17, 2014

Charming, funny, and powerful, Scent of a Woman is a good film anchored by a legendary performance from Al Pacino. Without him, this film would be nothing extraordinary. But, with him, it is elevated significantly. Overall, the story is ok and is somewhat compelling, but every line spoken byCharming, funny, and powerful, Scent of a Woman is a good film anchored by a legendary performance from Al Pacino. Without him, this film would be nothing extraordinary. But, with him, it is elevated significantly. Overall, the story is ok and is somewhat compelling, but every line spoken by Pacino are a mixture of emotions. On the surface, many undeniably funny, but it is also hard-hittingly powerful or inspirational, while many of them are simply depressing, as he is a man who thinks he has no further purpose in life. On top of Pacino, Chris O'Donnell does a great job (as does Philip Seymour Hoffman in a small role RIP), making this even more of an acting showcase, rather than a superb film. However, regardless, the film is incredibly enjoyable and endearing as we learn to love Slade (much like Charlie) and all of his little quirks. Plus, his monologue at the end is absolutely phemomenal and really stands as one of the best monologues in film.

On the negative side of things, it is a tad long. I love getting to see this much of their lives, but if it could be cut down to at least 2:10 rather than almost 2:40, it would be really beneficial. There is really no reason for this one to be so long. Otherwise, Scent of a Woman is a solid film that is lifted to new heights by a bravora performance from a living legend in Al Pacino who continously wows you throughout the film.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

DJ_Kaas

Jan 3, 2014

Al Pacino did a really great job, good movie, it's worth your time indeed. There are lots of contents and humor in different locations, the film is also serious

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

alejandro970

Feb 20, 2021

Why is this version one hour longer than the Italian original? Did Al Pacino deserve the Best Actor award or not? Those are two enigmas for me. It is true that Pacino acts as hyperactive as a child saturated with sugar, but the film has its details that allow him to float like a duck inWhy is this version one hour longer than the Italian original? Did Al Pacino deserve the Best Actor award or not? Those are two enigmas for me. It is true that Pacino acts as hyperactive as a child saturated with sugar, but the film has its details that allow him to float like a duck in water: the tango dance and how the chaperone prevents Frank Slade from committing suicide. Of course, a little more attachment to the original and 20 minutes less of footage would have been better.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

calhounite

Jan 13, 2016

these arsholes who keep shouting keep your mouth shut in the face of crimes, no matter how trivial, need the same treatment as this movie - get plugged.

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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