Scarface is a classic American crime film.
It showcases Al Pacino’s unforgettable portrayal of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee turned Miami drug lord.
Directed by Brian De Palma and penned by Oliver Stone, the film is a modern take on the 1932 classic, itself inspired by Armitage Trail’s 1930 novel.
Alongside Pacino, the star-studded cast includes Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, and more, painting a vivid picture of ambition and downfall in the drug-fueled underworld of Miami.
It is a gripping narrative of power, betrayal, and the American Dream turned nightmare.
Let’s have a look at some of the most famous quotes from Scarface.
Scarface Quotes
You worry too much. You’re gonna have a heart attack. ~ Tony Montana.
Sanitation? I told you to tell ’em that you was in a sanitarium. Not sanitation, sanitarium. ~ Tony Montana.
Best Scarface Quotes
Come on, pelicans! Fly, fly away! ~ Tony Montana.
This country was built on laundered money. ~ Tony Montana.
You a communist? Huh? How’d you like it, man? They tell you all the time what to do, what to think, what to feel. Do you wanna be like a sheep? Like all those other people? Baah! Baah! ~ Tony Montana.
You wanna waste my time? Okay. I call my lawyer. He’s the best lawyer in Miami. He’s such a good lawyer, that by tomorrow morning, you gonna be working in Alaska. So dress warm. ~ Tony Montana.
The world is yours, chico, and everything in it. So say goodnight to the bad guy. ~ Tony Montana.
You wanna give me the cash? Or do I kill your brother before I kill you?” ~ Hector the Toad.
Famous Scarface Quotes
Every day above ground is a good day. – Mel Bernstein
Another Quaalude, and she’ll be mine again. ~ Tony Montana.
I always tell the truth. Even when I lie. ~ Tony Montana.
Don’t toot your horn honey, you’re not that good. ~ Elvira.
I kill a communist for fun, but for a green card, I gonna carve him up real nice. ~ Tony Montana.
I got ears, ya know. I hear things. ~ Tony Montana.
Scarface Quotes from Characters
So, you want to dance, Frank, or you want to sit there and have a heart attack? ~ Elvira Hancock.
Now you’re talking to me, baby! That I like! Keep it coming! ~ Tony Montana.
Nothing exceeds like excess. You should know that, Tony. ~ Elvira Hancock.
In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women. ~ Tony Montana.
You know what a chazzer is? It’s a Yiddish word for ‘pig.’ See, the guy, he wants more than what he needs. He don’t fly straight no more. ~ Frank Lopez.
You’re gonna find, if you stay loyal in this business, you’re gonna move up. You’re gonna move up fast. ~ Frank Lopez.
Scarface Quotes from Tony Montana
I work hard for this. I want you to know that. ~ Tony Montana.
Dat chick he’s with – she like me. ~ Tony Montana.
All I have in this world is my balls and my word, and I don’t break ‘em for no one! ~ Tony Montana.
Amigo, the only thing in this world that gives orders is balls. Balls. You got that? ~ Tony Montana.
Memorable Scarface Quotes
The jails in this country are like hotels, man. ~ Manny Ribera.
Don’t call me ‘Baby.’ I’m not your ‘baby.’ ~ Elvira.
Every dog has his day. ~ Tony Montana.
You little cockroaches… come on. You wanna play games? ~ Tony Montana.
Okay, here’s the story. I come from the gutter. I know that. I got no education, but that’s okay. I know the street, and I’m making all the right connections. With the right woman, there’s no stopping me. I could go right to the top. ~ Tony Montana.
Who put this thing together? Me, that’s who! Who do I trust? Me! ~ Tony Montana.
Top Scarface Quotes
You know what you’re becoming, Tony? You’re an immigrant spick millionaire, who can’t stop talking about money. ~ Elvira Hancock.
You want to play games? Okay, I play with you. ~ Tony Montana.
Lesson number one: Don’t underestimate the other guy’s greed! ~ Frank Lopez
Here is a video from Universal Pictures on Scarface.
So these were the 45 quotes from Scarface movie.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other movie quotes from Optimus Prime quotes and Cheech and Chong quotes and Napoleon Dynamite quotes.
Short Description of Scarface
“Scarface” (1983) was directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee turned Miami drug lord.
The film, a remake of the 1932 classic, follows Montana’s rise and fall in the crime world.
| Movie Name | Scarface |
| Directed by | Brian De Palma |
| Screenplay by | Oliver Stone |
| Based on | Scarface |
| Produced by | Martin Bregman |
| Starring | Al Pacino |
| Cinematography | John A. Alonzo |
| Edited by | Jerry Greenberg, David Ray |
| Music by | Giorgio Moroder |
| Production Company | Martin Bregman Productions |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
| Release Dates | December 1, 1983 (New York City premiere); December 9, 1983 (United States) |
| Running Time | 170 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $23.5–37 million |
| Box Office | $66 million |
Despite initial backlash for its violence and portrayal of Cubans, it later gained acclaim, especially in the gangster genre and pop culture.
Filming occurred in Los Angeles and Miami, with a memorable soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder.
The narrative spans from Montana’s arrival in Miami, his work under drug lord Frank Lopez, to his eventual creation of a drug empire and dramatic downfall, highlighted by intense loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power.
Short Biography of Al Pacino
Al Pacino, born April 25, 1940, in New York City, is hailed as one of the most influential actors of the 20th century.
His notable achievements include an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, among others.
| Full Name | Alfredo James Pacino |
| Born | April 25, 1940 (age 83) New York City, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Actors Studio, HB Studio |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1967–present |
| Partner(s) | Beverly D’Angelo (1997–2003), Lucila Polak (2008–2018) |
| Children | 4 |
A method actor, Pacino’s illustrious career spans iconic roles in films like “Scent of a Woman,” “The Godfather” series, and “Scarface,” as well as impactful work on stage and television, including HBO productions like “Angels in America.”
Pacino, who grew up in East Harlem and the South Bronx, overcame early life challenges, including a period of homelessness, to study acting intensively, leading to his eventual success in the industry.
He made his directorial debut with “Looking for Richard” and has been the joint president of the Actors Studio since 1994.
Quick Facts about Scarface
- The film used baby laxatives as a stand-in for cocaine.
- Director Brian De Palma makes a subtle cameo in the film.
- The movie boasts a high kill count, with 42 deaths depicted.
- Oliver Stone named Tony Montana after NFL legend Joe Montana.
- Steven Spielberg, visiting the set, directed a scene on a whim.
- The 1983 “Scarface” is a modern remake of a 1932 gangster film.
- Brian De Palma left the project “Flashdance” to direct “Scarface.”
- Al Pacino immersed himself in Spanish language preparation for his role.
- A gruesome chainsaw scene in the movie was inspired by a real-life event.
- A high-budget “Scarface” remake is in development, with Pacino’s blessing.
- The original chainsaw scene was modified to remove overly graphic content.
- Tony Montana’s character drew inspiration from notorious gangster Al Capone.
- The iconic line “Say hello to my little friend” was scripted by Oliver Stone.
- Al Pacino suffered a burn from handling a prop machine gun, pausing production.
- Speculation exists about the presence of real cocaine on the set during filming.
- “Scarface” has garnered admiration from hip-hop artists for its thematic lessons.
- Pacino appreciates the enduring popularity of “Scarface” within the rap community.
- Saddam Hussein reportedly admired “Scarface,” even naming a business after the film.
- Robert De Niro was considered for the role of Tony Montana before Al Pacino was chosen.
- Brian De Palma declined to incorporate rap music into the 2003 re-release of “Scarface.”
- The title “Scarface” is mentioned only once in the movie, in Spanish as “cara cicatriz.”
- Steven Bauer landed the role of Manny Ribera, but John Travolta was initially considered.
- The success of “Scarface” surprised its cast and crew, given their intensive preparation.
- “Scarface” initially received an X rating due to its explicit content, later reduced to R.
- Oliver Stone credits the film’s success to its timely release, capturing the era’s essence.
- Michelle Pfeiffer, portraying Elvira, subsisted on tomato soup and Marlboros during filming.
- Tammy Lynn Leppert, appearing briefly in the film, mysteriously disappeared post-production.
- The film’s prolific use of the word “fuck” was intentional, emphasizing its thematic bombast.
- Despite reservations, Michelle Pfeiffer was cast as Elvira, a decision Pacino later questioned.
- The character Tony Montana frequently uses homophobic slurs, reflecting his lack of “wokeness.”
- Al Pacino was instrumental in the decision to remake the 1932 classic into the modern “Scarface.”
- “Grand Theft Auto Vice City” contains numerous “Scarface” references, from its plot to specific settings.
- Oliver Stone, battling his own cocaine addiction, drew from personal experiences while writing “Scarface.”
- Filming locations for “Scarface” included L.A., New York, and Santa Barbara, avoiding Miami due to protests.
- Martin Scorsese predicted Hollywood’s disdain for “Scarface,” attributing it to its critique of the industry.
Top Questions about Scarface
A: “Scarface” was released in 1983.
A: Brian De Palma directed the 1983 remake of “Scarface.”
A: Al Pacino played the character Tony Montana in “Scarface.”
A: Tony Montana is depicted as a Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami during the Mariel boatlift and rises to become a powerful drug lord.
A: Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay for the 1983 “Scarface.”
A: The initial negative critical response to “Scarface” was due to its excessive violence, profanity, and graphic drug usage.
A: The 1983 “Scarface” is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name.
A: “Scarface” grossed $45 million at the domestic box office.
A: Sidney Lumet was initially hired to direct “Scarface” but was later replaced.
A: Tony Montana comes into contact with Frank Lopez after he and his friends are given green cards in exchange for assassinating a former senior henchman of Fidel Castro at Lopez’s request.
A: Giorgio Moroder composed the soundtrack for “Scarface.”
A: The music in “Scarface” is characterized by synthesized new wave and electronic music, reflecting Giorgio Moroder’s style, instead of using popular music from the period in which the film is set.
A: “Scarface” initially received an X rating due to “excessive and cumulative violence and for language.”
A: Tony Montana meets his demise when he is shot in the back by an assassin, after which his body falls into the pool by a globe with the motto “The World Is Yours.”
A: “Scarface” has been referenced extensively in pop culture, especially in hip hop music, where it is often cited for its themes of ambition and rise to power.
