Watch Carlito's Way

Carlito's Way is a crime drama movie from 1993 based on a novel by Edwin Torres. It was directed by Brian De Palma and stars Al Pacino, Sean Penn, and Penelope Ann Miller. The film tells the story of a former drug dealer and criminal, Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino), who is released from prison after a five-year sentence. He wants to turn his life around, start his own business, and leave his criminal past behind.

Carlito's Way takes place in New York City in the 1970s. Carlito is fresh out of prison and quickly connects with his old friend and lawyer, David Kleinfeld (Sean Penn), who got him out on a parole. Kleinfeld is a sleazy and corrupt lawyer who has his hands in many illegal activities. He wants Carlito to join him in a new drug business, but Carlito refuses as he is done with drug dealing. Instead, he dreams of running a legitimate business – a car rental service in the Bahamas.

As Carlito tries to make a new life for himself, he finds himself pulled back into a life of crime due to his old connections and friends. He gets involved in a drug deal that goes wrong, and soon he is on the run with his girlfriend Gail (Penelope Ann Miller). Carlito realizes that he needs to leave town and start fresh somewhere else, but he also knows that it won't be an easy task.

Throughout the movie, we see Carlito struggle to escape his past and the people who want to bring him down. He navigates through a dangerous underworld of gangsters and corrupt cops, trying to stay one step ahead of them. Meanwhile, he also learns to reignite his passion for Gail, who he left behind when he went to prison.

The film's thematic focus is on redemption, regret, and loyalty. Carlito Brigante is presented as a character who is acutely aware of his past mistakes and is trying to make up for them. He struggles with the urge to return to his old life and the desire to stay true to his new ideals. Moreover, the film explores the idea that the past is always at the heels of someone who has lived an unrighteous life, no matter how far they have gone or how long it takes.

The performances by the actors are outstanding and bring depth to their respective characters. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced and layered portrayal of Carlito Brigante, a man who is torn between his desire for redemption and his duty to his old friends. Sean Penn is electric as David Kleinfeld, capturing the desperation and amorality of his character. Penelope Ann Miller is beautiful and charming as Gail, Carlito's love interest.

The film's direction by Brian De Palma is exemplary, especially in the filming of tense scenes. He aptly captures the grittiness of the New York City streets and evokes the viewer's emotions effectively. The movie starts with a long, continuous shot that then leads into a feverish chase, the signature De Palma style of directing.

The music by Patrick Doyle adds to the film's atmosphere and brings emotional depth to moments of triumph and loss. The jazz-infused soundtrack is perfect for the scenes set in the New York City clubs and bars.

In conclusion, Carlito's Way is a gripping and engaging crime drama that tugs on the viewer's heartstrings. It explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and regret, and features strong performances by Al Pacino, Sean Penn, and Penelope Ann Miller. The film's direction by Brian De Palma, camera work, music, and editing all contribute to making it an intense and unforgettable experience.

Carlito's Way is a 1993 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 66.