A gripping crime thriller that has captivated audiences for over 30 years is airing on Film 4 this evening.

Carlito’s Way, featuring Al Pacino, follows the journey of Carlito Brigante, who emerges from prison after serving a lengthy sentence. Resolved to leave his criminal past behind, Carlito finds himself dragged back into New York’s underworld upon his release.

Reuniting with his girlfriend Gail, Carlito becomes entangled in the illicit activities and shady operations of Dave Kleinfeld, his lawyer and friend. However, when they encounter gangster Benny Blanco, the situation takes a perilous turn.

Though it received mixed reviews upon its 1993 release, Brian de Palma’s film has since garnered a dedicated cult following and is now considered amongst the director’s finest achievements.

The cast includes Sean Penn as Dave Kleinfeld, Penelope Ann Miller as Gail, and John Leguizamo as Benny Blanco, with both Penn and Miller earning Golden Globe nominations for their performances.

In subsequent years, critics have reassessed their initial views of Carlito’s Way, which now boasts an impressive 91 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

One review noted: “The set pieces are among the most thrilling De Palma has ever filmed, while Pacino’s restrained performance as the leather-clad, gently lisping Carlito allows plenty of scope for the supporting cast to chew the scenery.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/gripping-crime-thriller-hollywood-icons-36450580″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Another critic said: “Pacino and especially Penn are terrific, and De Palma again masterminds a pair of superb set-pieces.”

Whilst a further review added: “Carlito’s Way, Brian De Palma’s return to the dangerous, violent world of Latino crime, marks yet another advance in the remarkable second act of Al Pacino’s career.”

Critics have lavished praise on both the performances and directorial vision, with one saying: “A great story told by a master filmmaker; sterling actors playing some truly fascinating characters; and a bunch of cinematic set-pieces that are worthy of repeat viewings.”

Audiences were equally effusive in their acclaim for Carlito’s Way. One viewer said: “Carlito’s Way is a gangster epic driven first and foremost by performance. Al Pacino gives one of his most nuanced turns, balancing regret, hope, and inevitability, while Sean Penn’s electric supporting role adds volatility and moral decay in equal measure. Their performances anchor a film filled with violence, shifting loyalties, and complex storytelling, allowing the brilliant script to breathe beneath the genre trappings. De Palma’s direction gives the story operatic weight, but it’s the character work that makes the tragedy resonate. Stylish, tense, and emotionally grounded, Carlito’s Way stands as one of the most human and compelling crime films of its era.”

Another viewer praised: “All Time Classic and the last truly great film from DePalma. It reads almost like a gangster novel it’s so well done. The way it weaves between Penn and Pacino without really ever losing focus and mianly staying on Pacino is first rate. Excellent direction, and just first rate execution across the board.”

Carlito’s Way will be broadcast on Film 4 at 1am on December 28.

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