"Is Scarface Based on a True Story?"

There's no denying that Scarface is a classic film. But is it based on a true story? The answer is both yes and no.

The character of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, is fictional. However, the film is loosely based on a few serious characters including real-life gangster Al Capone, who rose to power in the 1920s during the Prohibition era in Chicago. Like Tony Montana, Capone was known for his violent tactics and eventually served time in prison for tax evasion.

But the film also takes inspiration from other real-life events and figures. The cocaine trade of the 1970s and 1980s, which is depicted in the film, was a major factor in the creation of the glitzy Miami skyline. The violence and corruption depicted in the film also had roots in reality, as the smuggling of drugs and guns became more prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s.

The parallels between the film and real life don't end there. The character of Tony Montana is a reflection of the flashy, reckless excess that defined the era. His downfall, and the shocking consequences he faces, are reminiscent of the high prices paid by those who became caught up in the world of guns and drugs.

As Al Pacino himself said, "Tony Montana was a man who lived by a code, but that code had to be created because there were no rules in the world he lived in." The film Scarface may be fictional, but it's based on the tumultuous and violent reality of the times.

But the film takes significant artistic liberties with the story, adding in larger-than-life characters and amping up the violence for dramatic effect. Still, the film accurately reflects the socio-economic climate of the time and the explosion of guns and drugs in the 70s and 80s as smuggling became more fashionable.

"It was dangerous to fly to Miami in those days," recalls airline hostess, Maria Rodriguez. "Everyone was smuggling something. It was like a game to see who could get away with it."

"I worked in Miami during that time," says police officer, Jack Thompson. "The violence was out of control. You couldn't go a day without hearing about a shooting or a drug bust."

Even convicted drug dealer, Tony "Scarface" Perez, admits that the film is not too far off from the reality of the drug trade. "It was all about the money. We didn't care who we had to step on or who we had to kill to get it."

And it wasn't just the criminals who were affected by the lawlessness. Bystander, Elizabeth Smith, remembers the fear that permeated the city. "You never knew when a deal was going to go bad or when someone was going to start shooting. It was a scary time to be in Miami."

Al Pacino, who played the iconic role of Tony Montana, says of the character: "Tony Montana is a symbol of America's fascination with the criminal underworld."

And as for the film itself, Pacino reflects: "Scarface is a tragedy about the American Dream. It's a story about the corruption of that dream." 

So, while Scarface may not be a completely true story, it's certainly based on the true events and figures that shaped the criminal underworld of the 1970s and 1980s. And as a film, it stands the test of time as a powerful tale of greed, excess, and the ultimate cost of living outside the law.

"Is Scarface Based on a True Story?" Absolutely yes...

Despite the many challenges that came with making the film, Scarface remains a classic in the world of cinema. As Al Pacino said and I’m sure many of the hands on deck were thinking, "it was a risky move for the studio, but it was a fantastic film to be a part of."

So there you have it - while Scarface is not a true story, it is definitely based in reality. If you're a fan of the film, be sure to check out our incredible Al Pacino Films VHS collection, featuring all of his classic movies.