Carlito's Way (1993) - Carlito Brigante

Carlito's Way is a fictional story of Puerto-Rican ex-gangster Carlito 'Charlie' Brigante who just released from prison with the help of his lawyer, and pledges to stay away from his past criminal life and lead on to a better life. The film directed by Brian De Palma, with screenplay by David Koepp, based on Judge Edwin Torres' novels After Hours, but took the title from his previous novel, Carlito's Way, to make it not to be confused with Martin Scorsese's film After Hours.

Carlito's Way story was similar to Brian De Palma's previous film, Scarface (1983), and it is considered to be a companion piece of sorts to Scarface, as both using the same Greek tragedy approach (It was criticized by many for re-treading old ground). However, Carlito Brigante character seems to be more human than Tony Montana in Scarface. Tony Montana devote his entire life in evil side, and his stubbornness bring him to his downfall.

Unlike Tony Montana, Carlito Brigante tries to change his fate and stay away from criminal activities. But both meet the same fate: their criminal past won't let them change their life to be a nice guy, and they will never see heaven. They ends up being dragged back into the same evil way.

Carlito's Way stars Al Pacino as Carlito Brigante, Sean Penn as Carlito's lawyer David Kleinfeld, Penelope Ann Miller as Gail (Carlito's girlfriend), and Viggo Mortensen as Lalin, Carlito's gangster friend who secretly recording their conversation at the night club in order to gain evidence against him, as it is the only way he could stay out of prison.

The film was released on 3 November 1993. It premiered with $9 million opening weekend box office. For their roles as lawyer David Kleinfeld and Carlito's girlfriend Gail, Sean Penn and Penelope Ann Miller both received Golden Globe nominations.

The prequel of Carlito's Way was filmed and released direct-to-video in 2005, under the title Carlito's Way: Rise to Power. The prequel film stars Jay Hernandez as Carlito, Mario Van Peebles as Earl, and Michael Joseph Kelly as Rocco.


Cast:

Al Pacino ... Carlito Brigante
Sean Penn ... David Kleinfeld
Penelope Ann Miller ... Gail
Viggo Mortensen ... Lalin
John Leguizamo ... Benny Blanco
Luis Guzmán ... Pachanga
Joseph Siravo ... Vincent 'Vinnie' Taglialucci
Adrian Pasdar ... Frankie Taglialucci