Scent of a Woman

85%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Frank is a retired Lt. Col. in the US army. He's blind and impossible to get along with. Charlie is at school and is looking forward to going to college. To help pay for a trip home for Christmas, he agrees to look after Frank over Thanksgiving. Frank's niece says this will be easy money, but she didn't reckon on Frank spending his Thanksgiving in New York.

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Critics Consensus

It might soar on Al Pacino's performance more than the drama itself, but what a performance it is -- big, bold, occasionally over-the-top, and finally giving the Academy pause to award the star his first Oscar.

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Critics Reviews

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

As the irascible, drunken Frank Slade, Al Pacino is convincingly obnoxious and loutish, but the character doesn't grow: this is a lout with, underneath it all, the heart of a lout.

Rated: 1/4

Jan 11, 2023

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Angie Errigo

Empire Magazine

While fairly predictable and unoriginal, it is nevertheless entertaining.

Rated: 3/5

May 27, 2011

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

An irascible bully who proves to have a heart of gold, Pacino's character seems manufactured by a computer programmed with box-office grosses.

May 27, 2011

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Steve Warren

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

Scent of a Woman stinks.

May 9, 2023

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

There's nothing as convincing as an Army vet talking to privileged prep school boys about boys in battle getting legs blown off, and how, when the bullets fly downrange, some boys run and some stand their ground. Every high schooler needs to see it.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 29, 2021

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Pacino's performance is that rare kind that captivates all on its own, stealing every scene away from everyone else in it.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 7, 2020

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Audience Reviews

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Larry K Pacino is awesome in this, one of the best actors of all time. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/04/25 Full Review Rami A Martin Brest's "Scent of a Woman" is a beautiful coming-of-age story. It features some of the most stunning performances, a well-written script, character development, and arcs. The story also teaches us to be good people and never let anyone take us for granted. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/25 Full Review paul o Pacino gives a truly brilliant acting performance as a blind man. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Paula M I thoroughly enjoyed this film.Pacino obviously brilliant but strong performances across the board, especially from Chris O'Donnell. A couple of minor glitches but it carried me along and was highly entertaining throughout. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/25 Full Review Johannes S I just love watching Al Pacino, he is just amazing. The story drags a bit in the middle part, but the ending makes up for it. Beautiful movie. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/26/24 Full Review Spitz S This loudmouth slam-bang knock-off is not a patch on the original by Dino Riso and starring Vittorio Gassman: superb! You. can see why Hollowood tried to bury the Italian version when Pacino's lumbered onto the screen. Rated 1.5/5 Stars • Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 12/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

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Martin Brest Director Al Pacino Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade Chris O'Donnell Charlie Simms James Rebhorn Mr. Trask Gabrielle Anwar Donna Philip Seymour Hoffman George Willis, Jr.

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Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman: Official Clip - Frank Defends Charlie in Court