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

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 230 Ratings

See All

8.7

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.7	Your Score
8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 230 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Scent Of A Woman

Now Playing: Scent Of A Woman

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

See All Details and Credits

More You Might Like

Meet Joe Black

Gigli

Midnight Run

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Hateful Eight

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

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

SEE ALL 14 REVIEWS

Write a Review

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

samuelmarca

Apr 20, 2020

La actuacion de Al Pacino te estremece. Una historia maravilla-emotiva. Pelicula infravalorada.

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

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

FilipeNeto

Apr 25, 2018

This film is very interesting and does not only have an analysis or a possible reading. It focuses on the experience of a young student (Chris O'Donnell) who accepts the job of taking care of a blind old man to earn some extra money. He reluctantly accepts the job after verifying that theThis film is very interesting and does not only have an analysis or a possible reading. It focuses on the experience of a young student (Chris O'Donnell) who accepts the job of taking care of a blind old man to earn some extra money. He reluctantly accepts the job after verifying that the old man is an army veteran, lieutenant colonel, and that his abrupt and rude manners would be difficult to bear. It gets worse when colonel decides to travel with his new "recruit" without care about his thoughts in these matter. However, they are not so different. Both show a tremendous sense of honor, duty, and dignity that permeates throughout the film at various times. This feeling, in a way, will allow both to understand each other better and establish a friendship. Another strong feature in the film is the enormous taste that the old colonel has for feminine companionship, and that is the origin of some of the most memorable phrases of the dialogues of the film.

Chris O'Donnell and Al Pacino worked very well together, but Al Pacino dominates the film completely, with a delivery, a professionalism, a talent difficult to match. It is not surprising because he is already an established actor and with evidence given in the artistic world. However, in this film, he certainly got one of the most significant works of his career, along with the films of "The Godfather" trilogy. On a technical level, the film is fairly regular, but I would highlight cinematography, with a discreet but competent use of light and color, giving the film an elegant look that values without distracting the audience from the story itself. And here is the story, the script, what counts and what matters. An edifying story, where values and honor are at the heart of the plot.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MovieGuys

Aug 11, 2014

Hoo-ah! Scent of a Woman is an interesting movie. It s a showcase for Al Pacino, and a reason to give him an Oscar. It throws in some life messages and themes to seem important, and gives Al some good quips to make about prep school life. The character development is on point, an it isHoo-ah! Scent of a Woman is an interesting movie. It s a showcase for Al Pacino, and a reason to give him an Oscar. It throws in some life messages and themes to seem important, and gives Al some good quips to make about prep school life. The character development is on point, an it is entertaining to watch. It doesn't have much substance, but it makes up for it in comedy and themes; and the soundtrack is beautiful.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

MarkG.

Aug 31, 2008

A fine film, if overly drawn out. Its central drawing point is the great acting masterclass given by Mr. Pacino. He really brings a life and charisma to the Lt. Col. that i find hard to imagine other actors capable of replicating. Chris O Donnell for once appears not to be made out of A fine film, if overly drawn out. Its central drawing point is the great acting masterclass given by Mr. Pacino. He really brings a life and charisma to the Lt. Col. that i find hard to imagine other actors capable of replicating. Chris O Donnell for once appears not to be made out of mahogony, and give a restrained, yet powerful performance as the young student who acts as Pacino's carer. The set pieces are fabulous fun to watch, and include such memorable episodes as the blind Pacino driving a ferrari through the traffic filled streets. Overall, a very enjoyable, and well directed movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

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 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 23 REVIEWS