Scent Of A Woman [DVD] [1993]

Pacino plays a blind retired colnoel, who is miserable, mean, self-centered. When Charlie (Chris O' Donnel is assigned to look after him for Thanksgiving weekend, Pacino takes him to New York, for 'one last tour of the battlefield'. The film is heartwarming, heart braking and hilarious all at the same time (its difficult to believe without seeing the film), as Pacino meets old relatives (who are not too pleased to see him), lives the high life and teaches Charlie about life, booze and women.

The film is basically a two-man story of love and friendship; and is definitely one of the films of the twentieth century. The way it mixes comedy and tragedy is perfect, and strangely there were many moments in the films when you want to burst out laughing, despite feeling sad. Buy it, watch it, love it!

Don't get me wrong, the film isn't all about Pacino, a young Chris O'Donnell puts on a great turn as the naive schoolboy and for all of Pacino's dominance of centre stage it's great credit to O'Donnell that his performance also shines.

Both characters are ably supported by a whole host of extras, like O'Donnell's school colleagues who play the rich spoilt arrogant role fantastically well, Gabrielle Anwar as the infamous tango partner who is grace and elegant personified, Leonard Gaines as the Ferrari salesman and I could go on.

The actual film composition is just scene after scene of great drama and emotion and you could pick any one of a couple of dozen of classic moments , just pick your favourite from these perfect instances; Franks and Charles's first meeting, the airplane scene, the Thanksgiving dinner, the school disciplinary council, the suicide attempt and the Ferrari test drive. I could mention several others that are just as good, there really isn't a weak moment in the whole film.

A must for any film fan.

The 'Tango' scene is definitely one of my all time favourite movie moments, Gabriel Anwar is just stunning!