Scent of a Woman (1992)

Al Pacino delivers a legendary Oscar-winning performance in this emotionally charged drama about honor, blindness, and an unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend in New York City.

Scent of a Woman - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Scent of a Woman
  • Release Year: 1992
  • Directed by: Martin Brest
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 2h 36m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 1992 (United States - R), March 11, 1993 (United Kingdom - 15), March 4, 1993 (Germany - 12), March 24, 1993 (France - U), March 11, 1993 (Australia - M), March 5, 1993 (Brazil - 14), February 26, 1993 (Italy), March 20, 1993 (South Korea - 15)
  • Alternative Titles: Усещане за жена (BG), Запах женщины (RU), Kadin Kokusu (TR), Zapach kobiety (PL), Άρωμα Γυναίκας (GR), Egy asszony illata (HU), En kvinnas doft (SE), Le temps d'un week-end (FR)
  • Production Companies: Universal Pictures, City Light Films
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Scent of a Woman - Plot

Charlie Simms is a student at a private preparatory school who comes from a poor family. To earn the money for his flight home to Gresham, Oregon for Christmas, Charlie takes a job over Thanksgiving looking after retired U.S. Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a cantankerous middle-aged man who lives with his niece and her family.

Scent of a Woman - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this unforgettable 1992 drama:

Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he's bringing Charlie along for the ride.

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Scent of a Woman - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Martin Brest

Main Cast

  • Al Pacino
  • Chris O'Donnell
  • James Rebhorn
  • Gabrielle Anwar
  • Philip Seymour Hoffman
  • Richard Venture
  • Bradley Whitford
  • Ron Eldard
  • Rochelle Oliver
  • Margaret Eginton

Writers

  • Bo Goldman

Producers

  • Martin Brest

Scent of a Woman - FAQs

Did Al Pacino win an Oscar for Scent of a Woman?

Yes. Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Lt. Col. Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman at the 1993 ceremony. Remarkably, it was his first Oscar win despite seven previous nominations, making the victory one of the most celebrated in Academy history.

What is the famous tango scene in Scent of a Woman?

In one of cinema's most iconic moments, Lt. Col. Frank Slade — blind and unaccompanied — invites a stranger named Donna to dance the tango at a New York restaurant. The scene, set to 'Por Una Cabeza,' showcases Pacino's commanding presence and became a defining image of the film.

What is Scent of a Woman about?

Scent of a Woman follows Charlie Simms, a prep school student who takes a Thanksgiving job chaperoning Frank Slade, a blind, volatile retired Army colonel. Their journey to New York City becomes a transformative experience for both, exploring themes of honor, integrity, and the will to live.

What is the 'Hoo-ah!' catchphrase in Scent of a Woman?

Al Pacino's repeated exclamation 'Hoo-ah!' throughout the film became one of cinema's most recognizable catchphrases. Frank Slade uses it as an expression of enthusiasm, defiance, and vitality — a verbal signature that perfectly encapsulates the colonel's larger-than-life personality and refusal to be diminished by his blindness.

Who are the main actors in Scent of a Woman?

Scent of a Woman stars Al Pacino as Lt. Col. Frank Slade and Chris O'Donnell as Charlie Simms. The supporting cast includes James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bradley Whitford, Richard Venture, Ron Eldard, Rochelle Oliver, and Margaret Eginton.

Where can I stream Scent of a Woman?

Scent of a Woman is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling. A free ad-supported option is available on YouTube Free.

Is Scent of a Woman based on a true story?

Scent of a Woman is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of the 1974 Italian film of the same name, which was itself based on Giovanni Arpino's 1969 novel 'Il buio e il miele' (Darkness and Honey). Screenwriter Bo Goldman significantly reimagined the story for the American setting.

What is the age rating for Scent of a Woman?

Scent of a Woman is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects strong language, some sexual content, and mature thematic elements including discussions of suicide and the psychological aftermath of war injuries. It received a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom and Australia.

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