Carlito's Way | The Most Underrated Gangster Film Ever Made? 

Scarface is like a gangster fantasy and Carlitos way is like a gangsters reality.

Carlito's Way, Goodfellas, Casino, Donnie Brasco are my go to movies.

This is probably the best gangster movie in the 90s. What made it very dope imo, the "square" could relate to every character. Meaning the "straight guys" always want to be gangsters, while the "gangsters" want to be the straight guy. The new young gangster, wants the respect and he going to get it. The # 2 was tired of being # 2 and betray him. His nephew wanted to impress him. The only person that heard him, was the love of his life. But it was too late. He was running from his past, that he didn't see what the future had in store for him...

its such a good movie, specially because its very different than other gangster films, its less focused on the underground crime story telling and the mafia side of it and more about the psychology of falling into crime, looking for redemption and trying to live a decent life and improve and how at some point it can even be too late to get out of it, it definitely hits you in the feels far harder than most other gangster/crime movies/series do

One of my all time faves, I always stop it when Carlito is running down the platform though. So in my mind, he made it out. 😅

Very tragic movie in a lot of ways. But one that left a big impression on me as a teenager. Love the idea of someone’s past chasing them. But I found myself pulling for Carlito along the way. Great film, albeit underrated.

I think it was an instant classic!!! I rented it and watched it over and over again and before I knew it, it was like 3 months overdue. When I finally went to return it, the store had closed and I added it to my collection for the low, low price of $2.

Great video. "The most underrated gangster film ever made" is the best description of Carlito's Way I have seen. It was not as popular as other movies because Carlito was killed at the end. That is not how American movie viewers like movies to end. I did not watch the film when it first came out but "found" it later and was amazed it had not been more popular. A gangster's journey to become straight and a lawyer's journey to become a gangster. Both fatally failing. Penn's singular best performance in his career. I will always view this Pacino role as one of his best. Thank you.

The ultimate tragedy, the friendship at the heart of it is one of the most beautifully played out I think in all cinema. Performances are brilliant, even the love story with Penelope Ann Miller doesn't come across as hokey or tacked on. De Palma is all big set pieces, long takes and the foot chase at the end is probably the best ever committed to film, Pacino genuinely looks like he's running for his life

This was a great movie. The story was incredible. The ending was a tearjerker. This is everything that today’s movies or not.

Carlito's Way is far superior to Scareface. Sean Penn's best role and Jonny Soprano is in it 😊

I just rewatched this recently, as well, go figure. When I was 13 or so I got this movie for Christmas. Came in a bundle with American gangster, Scarface and something else, maybe Donnie Brasco. I enjoyed it a lot, maybe more than Scarface. I ended up giving the dvd to my best friend who loved it more than me. Just waxing nostalgic here, don’t mind me.

Well I wouldn't say its better than Scarface. I always viewed it as a companion piece to Scarface. The guy who wants to get out vs the guy who only knows how to stay in. I will say the dialouge is better in Carlito's Way. More subtle. But the action in Scarface, the shootout in the staircase is arguably the greatest shotout in film history. There's an ultimate and inevitable tragedy that befalls both Tony and Carlito. You know its not going to end well for either. Pacino's performance is impeccable in both. So here's to the last of the MoRican's. Carlito's Way is an underrated classic and a must see for any gangster film aficionado. And remember " the streets are always watching."

"It's Benny Blanco from the Bronx" ..... WHO?! Love this classic line 😂

I've watched this movie 1000 times and the red on the face is something I just realized now that you pointed out.

It's by far my favourite gangster film. As much as I love, love, love goodfellas, there is just something so tragic about this film. And that end shot and music 'tired baby, tired' 😢 gets me everytime!

Carlito didn't owe Davey Kleinfeld nothing because Kleinfeld was a lawyer.

Excellent breakdown. I have to disagree with Carlito seeing his old self in Benny. I would say Carlito was never the piece of shit Benny was because when Carlito came home from prison he still had so many loyal people left who had love for him. That kind of respect doesn't wait for people like Benny.

I saw this movie on it's opening weekend when I was in high school in NJ. One of my girl friends and a cheerleader was in a scene when Pacino goes to his girlfriends dance studio. She is a ballet student dancing in the background. She later became a cheerleader in the NBA.

One of the very best crime films of the 90s... truly iconic and brilliant film

"you think you fuckin Big Time, You gonna Die ! Big Time!" "Here Comes The Pain" Best line in any gangster Film Ever!

Timeless gangster classic of the 1990s, along with another masterpiece, Heat, and two Scorcese's films. Thank you for a smashing review, as usual, CineRanter.

Yes it is. Saw it in the theater and was blown away.

The film is amazing...Penn and Pacino were awesome as were Leguizamo, Mortensen, and Miller!

One thing about Carlito's Way is that the music played at the club scene is great. All the Disco music played was phenomenal. Sean Penn played a great role.

I love the score to this movie. Especially the very end, when he knows it’s his time, and they’re wheeling him to try and save his life. “Gayle’s gonna be a good mom”

Holy shit dude - you are really, REALLY smart and observant! I've seen this movie many times and the symbolism(s) you pointed out went over my head each time! This channel is turning out to be one of my prized subscriptions!

a lot of people don't know but this movie also tells the backstory of Aragorn and what went on before he started fighting orcs

I love this movie, has anyone else ever noticed Brian DePalma's love of Elevator death scenes?

That final chase sequence is brilliant film making.

Carlito's Way is kind of a beloved cult classic here in Argentina since it features Argentine actor Viggo Mortensen and (kinda) beloved argentine 70s comedian Jorge Porcel as the fat dude from the night club

Glad to find your appreciation for this De Palma film. It is a minor masterpiece, I would argue. It is gorgeously filmed and, in my opinion, greatly underappreciated. Cheers 🍺

One of the greatest movies I've ever seen...watched it on TV, and then I went out and bought the DVD as soon as it went off

I'm a little ashamed to admit that when this movie did come out, i did kind of dismiss it as a lesser scarface, or maybe some kind of pretender sequel, but this movie doesn't deserve to be called either of those things, and for me its literally gotten better every time i have watched it. Cineranter is right, this IS prime depalma, there is nobody these days putting so much love and style in old school gangster movies besides scorcese. Classic.

"You think you like me? I been with made people. Who you been with?...... Go ahead, go snatch a purse."

9:05-9:25 this is why CR is one of the best … so subtle but so brilliant

Superb review and great observations that I'd never realised. One of my favorite films and as usual a cracking review. Keep up the excellent content, kind regards

My favourite Pacino movie and the first one I saw as a kid. I used to get posters from the video shop when I was little, I had a Carlito's Way poster in my bedroom for years before I saw it. The one where Carlito is in the shadows. It's a superslick film.

My 3 favorite Brian DePalma movies are all gangster flicks. : Scarface, The Untouchables, and Carlito's Way. The latter is the most under rated. Al Pacino and Sean Penn both gave excellent performances.

"These Italians, I work with 'em, I know 'em." You could say that, Al... 🤣

Great, underrated, and often overlooked.

Yeah one of De Palma's best, with mercifully few of his embarrassing trademarks, though i really could've done without the simpering use of "You Are So Beautiful". Penn is incredible in the film and never even got a nomination. De Palma had the strangest career of any director I can think of- the highs of this, "Blow Out", "The Untouchables", "Carrie", "Scarface" contrasted with unmitigated crap like "Body Double", "Obsession" and "Sisters".

I always thought it was underrated. I think it actually really well done . I prefer it instead of Scarface.

Check out Empire if you've never seen it. It's not a sequel (there is a Carlitos way 2, but it doesn't count IMO), but more of an homage/love letter to this film. It has John L (who plays Benny Blanco from da Bronx) as the main character. And the ending is pretty fitting.

“Maybe you don’t remember me? “ “ maybe I don’t remember the last time I blew my nose either, who the fuck are you that is important enough for me to care”

one of my best movies of all time i just love each and evrey part of this great movie ❤❤

The only bad thing about Carlito's Way is that it made Carlito's Way 2 possible Edit. Carlitos way 2 is already a movie. It's terrible

Brilliant film! One of my favs! Excellent performances! I love the 'Voice-over' narration!x

hes not into the gangster life tho , so its more of a story about how you can never escape it. I can only imagine if he was about the life, it would be an insane gangster film

In life especially in criminal life everybody has an angle for their own benefit in every move they make. Like Carlito said, when you stop seeing the angles your in trouble. The camera exposes all the angles throughout the movie which I thought was brilliant.

If you can't see the angles no more , you're in trouble .

EXCELLENT, HOWEVER IT'S A PITY THAT YOU DIDN'T HIGHLIGHT THE MAFIA SCENE JUST BEFORE THE METRO CHASE ONE. A MASTERPÌECE. CARLITO TELLING THE AUDIENCE WHAT HE THINKS AT ANY MOMENT...

i got 4 minutes into this review before pausing it to watch the film... I'll be back to finish the review afterwards.

That judge is Sunshine the card dealer from the Sopranos.

Line of the movie: *When questioned by Norwalk about Tony T's death* "...I don't like boats"

I totally agree with ur view on Scarface and Untouchables, Carlito’s way is definitely a more refined film with a better plot and acting performances

I think it's critical to analyze Klinefeld's downfall as well. What De Palma is saying with this film is, we live in a society that has no values if you are legit or not. The primary reason is, we are putting the accumulation of things above Love. Carlito participated in this life and sadly, he was doomed to die in it. I think this is the only film in DePalma's filmography that has a such rich texture of character, world weariness, and indulging his love of cinema. I honestly feel that this is his masterpiece and one of the best films of the 90's. By the way, I agree with you about the timeless aspect. This film wears it's decade lightly, it feels it could take place in almost any decade.

Definitely in my top 5 of all time list. Classic cinema.

This film deserved many Academy Awards. Just as solid as Goodfellas.

Carlito's biggest mistake was disrespecting Benny Blanco.

Carlito made a profound statement in the movie. "When you can't see the angles no more, you're in trouble" That's what led to his demise. I'm the streets learning to read the room (So to speak) is a successful gangster's super power. Knowing what play to make in a certain situation. I.E. the pool scene. His downfall was he chose not to read the room. He was so laser focused on getting out he thought that if he just kept his down, get the 70k he'd be good. He knew Pagenga had alterior motives to pay him close. He said it. "Thinks I'm gonna make him rich" A knee deep gangster would be aware that you have to feed your wolves. He didn't dislike Benny he just didn't wanna deal wit'em. Because he was so frustrated wit'em, he insulted him. (Not reading the room) After Clinefeld crossed em, he figured his best bet was to run for it. He didn't wanna kill not one of them mob guys. He just didn't wanna die. So he protected his self. Choosing not to read the room was his downfall. But I'm the streets, he forgot that you're never safe until to make it home and lock your door. Play by the rules, read the room like you normally would and don't your guard down until you guys were in the Bahamas

I’m probably the only Puerto Rican here and I must say Al Pacino was convincing playing a PR gangster from NY

Carlitos way is third most quoted next to godfather scarface

De Palma has made some of the oddest and most interesting movies of the 70s 80s and 90s.

SO overdue. Thank You!

This is my FAVOURITE movie of all time!!

At the End...I got teary eyed. #missionaccomplished

Did you know the guy who played the "scumbag" who takes Gina into the toilet in Scarface is the author of the Carlito's Way novels that the movie is based on‼️

Next up for you should be Donnie Brasco. You should enjoy it

Tony Montana was a blood thusrty Conquistador. When reformed Carlito said his environment made him the way he was, You can believe him

One of the best gangster films ever made, definitely in my top 5

This is my favorite movie of all time, its just so damn good.

I loved the movie... It kind of remind me of the neighborhood I grew up in, actually a close Puerto Rican friend of mine looks and talks like the Carlito character in the movie and Scarface lol

Facts I'm glad somebody's recognizes top of the line film

This was a great movie and the prequel Carlito’s Way II Rise to Power was good too.

This is my fave Pacino film. Penn also nailed it

Masterpiece that for some reason Hollywood establishment hates.

Hell yeah one of the best gangster movies

one of my all time favorite movies.

The crazy part about this movie is Carlito didn’t like Benny bcuz they were the same person at one point. Carlito might’ve projected differently but its the truth. Even Lalo said so. I think he didn’t like who he was back then and Benny reminded him of that guy

Carltio's Way has way more depth to it's plot and characters than the cartoonishly over the top Scarface. Both are immensely enjoyable and iconic though. They just come at the genre from very different angles.

DePalmas last great film was Mission Impossible

Carltos Way is on best movies I every seen.

The streets are watching is true in so many situations

Hot take: this movie is better than Godfather 3 and even Scarface

Carlito is dope! So are the books and the prequel movie was cool too. Not in the same level but the end of Carlitos’s way kits harder.

just saw the movie thanks to you, good film👍

Cool review bro, I agree with you

Great movie, and the narrative is even more gangster! Tony T!

This is a very good movie. Scarface was more epic and operatic. But Carlitos Way is deeper, and better than Scarface or Untouchables. Definitely a must see for gangster movie fans.

You should really watch De Palma's Blowout. Fantastic film.

“Here come the pain”

Did you know Benny Blanco felt so guilty for his actions he left active crime and became a mechanic with his own shop in partnership with some russians?

One of my fav movies

I see it like a gangster version of John Wayne's classic final film The Shootist, the old timer who has a reputation everyone wants a piece of , either from admiration or resentment as they want to be the one to topple him. As his character J.B. Books says to Ron Howard's character while practice shooting with him, "Its usually some 6 fingered busket who couldn't hit a cow in the tit with a tin cup who does you in". And so it proved in both films, Carlito outwits his slimy lawyer Kleinfeld , survives the shootout with the Italians, and gets done in by a punk like Benny Blanco. J.B fights 3 men who all have reputations and wins despite wounds then is shot in the back by the bartender who had stayed out of the fight.

I fuckin loveeeee ur channel bro 😢

Carlito’s way was always superior to Scarface for me, not even close. Music is fantastic, and the penn and Pacino characters and their arc really rewards watching it again.

Great analysis. Terrific movie far better than scarface one of my favorite gangster films of all time superb performances all around

I've always loved Carlitos Way more then Scarface. I just think it's a much better film that always holds my attention.

Never forget its Benny Blanco from.The BRONX