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 233 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 233 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

Positive:

Mixed:

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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

samuelmarca

Apr 20, 2020

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

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ArkonBlade

Aug 28, 2010

now when i first heard of this film i thought it was about some blind guy finding love . so the films title is very misleading which is a very good thing cause the first one woulda bored the hell outa me . no what this film is about is a ex army colonel frank slade played by al pachino whonow when i first heard of this film i thought it was about some blind guy finding love . so the films title is very misleading which is a very good thing cause the first one woulda bored the hell outa me . no what this film is about is a ex army colonel frank slade played by al pachino who is a cranky , mean , nasty son of a **** . who plays this role to perfection . as well as a college kid played by chris o donnel who have a adventure in new york . the film is best seen to be understood. i dont know what film the critics saw to give this such low reviews . its a excellent film that has a great story and is very well acted.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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 1 users found this helpful01

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

ParkerG.

Jan 23, 2008

An unexpected treasure found on the shelf of my own DVD collection. I had purchased the movie many months ago based on the Academy Award to best actor. I had no idea what to expect and was completely enraptured with the journey the movie took me on. A wonderful movie. Don't analyze, An unexpected treasure found on the shelf of my own DVD collection. I had purchased the movie many months ago based on the Academy Award to best actor. I had no idea what to expect and was completely enraptured with the journey the movie took me on. A wonderful movie. Don't analyze, just enjoy.… 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

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