Carlito's Way (1993) is a vibrant crime thriller starring Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante, a former convict determined to leave his criminal past behind. Set in 1975 New York City, the film follows Brigante’s journey as he navigates the treacherous landscape of the city’s underworld, beset by loyalty, betrayal and greed at nearly every turn.
The story begins as Brigante receives an early release from prison through a technicality exploited by his shady lawyer, Dave Kleinfeld (Sean Penn). Intent on accumulating the funds necessary to retire to the Caribbean, Brigante invests in a Harlem nightclub while reconnecting with his former flame, Gail (Penelope Ann Miller). Yet, Kleinfeld’s nefarious dealings with the Italian mafia put them both in grave danger, just as an ambitious young up-and-comer named Benny Blanco (John Leguizamo) further threatens Brigante’s intentions of making a clean break from a life of criminality.
Based on the novels "Carlito's Way" and "After Hours" by Edwin Torres, and directed by Brian De Palma (The Untouchables, Mission: Impossible), Carlito’s Way is an enthralling crime saga bolstered by its assemblage of world-class performances. Impressive as ever, Pacino delivers both intensity and nuance in his depiction of Brigante’s inner turmoil, his longing for redemption and his ingrained instincts for survival. A prime example of De Palma at his best, Carlito’s Way is a dynamic, emotionally-fueled exploration of moral ambiguity—and a timeless classic of the crime genre.
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