Scent of a Woman
A soul-stirring drama where a weary, sightless warrior and a principled youth navigate the shadows of New York, finding redemption in the rhythm of a tango and the courage of an unbroken spirit.
Scent of a Woman
Scent of a Woman

"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."

23 December 1992 United States of America 156 min ⭐ 7.8 (3,754)
Director: Martin Brest
Cast: Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Drama
Integrity vs. Self-Interest Redemption and Second Chances The Ethics of Loyalty Sight vs. Insight
Budget: $31,000,000
Box Office: $134,100,000

Scent of a Woman - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Hoo-ah!

— Frank Slade

Context:

Used by Frank throughout the film to express his various moods and to punctuate his aggressive personality.

Meaning:

A versatile military exclamation that signifies affirmation, defiance, and a zest for life. It became the film's most enduring catchphrase.

No mistakes in the tango, Donna, not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, get all tangled up, you just tango on.

— Frank Slade

Context:

Spoken to Donna on the dance floor when she expresses hesitation about making a mistake while dancing.

Meaning:

Encapsulates the film's philosophy that failure is not final and that one must keep moving forward despite errors.

I'm in the dark here! You understand? I'm in the dark!

— Frank Slade

Context:

Screamed during the suicide confrontation in the hotel room as Frank tries to push Charlie away.

Meaning:

Reveals the profound existential despair and isolation Frank feels, using his physical blindness as a metaphor for his mental state.

There is nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit. There is no prosthetic for that.

— Frank Slade

Context:

A key moment in the climactic speech at the Baird School hearing.

Meaning:

Argues that character and spirit are the only things that cannot be replaced once they are broken or sold out.