Scarface

Scarface

Year: 1983

Runtime: 170 mins

Language: English

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaActionCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersIntense violence and sexual transgression

Tony Montana trades a green card for the murder of a Cuban official, then launches into Miami’s drug trade. Using brutal force, he eliminates rivals and becomes the state’s dominant cocaine kingpin, controlling most shipments. Escalating police pressure, wars with Colombian cartels, and his own drug‑fueled paranoia trigger his dramatic downfall.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Scarface yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Scarface (1983)

Trace every key event in Scarface (1983) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tony arrives in Miami and sets his sights high

Tony Montana arrives in Miami as part of the Mariel boatlift, accompanied by Manny and their companions. Frank Lopez offers them green cards in exchange for killing a former Castro henchman, signaling the start of their criminal path. Dissatisfied with dishwasher jobs, Tony and his friends decide to pursue the drug trade.

1980 Miami
2

First drug deal goes sideways; Angel is killed

The four are sent to purchase cocaine from Colombian dealers. They are taken at gunpoint and Tony is forced to watch as Angel is dismembered with a chainsaw, a brutal act that shocks Manny and Chi-Chi. Manny and Chi-Chi rescue them, and they manage to kill three dealers and secure the drugs.

1980 Colombia
3

Delivering drugs to Frank; suspicion of Omar

After surviving the ambush, Tony and the crew kill three dealers and deliver the drugs and money to Frank in person. They suspect Omar set them up, and this fuels their wary alliance with Frank. It marks their first step into Frank's operation.

1980 Miami
4

Frank hires them; Elvira's presence interests Tony

Frank hires Tony and Manny as his new operators and begins grooming them for bigger things. Tony notices Frank's trophy wife Elvira and becomes attracted to her, fueling future tension. Their new alliance marks a shift from menial jobs to the expansion of a criminal empire.

1980 Miami
5

Visit to mother and sister Gina; money and lies

Tony visits his mother and sister Gina, claiming he earns money as a political organizer and giving his mother $1,000. She sees through the lie and rejects the money, kicking him out, while Gina keeps the cash. Manny, meanwhile, is attracted to Gina, but Tony warns him to stay away.

1980 Miami
6

Bolivia assignment and Omar's downfall

Frank sends Tony and Omar to Bolivia to meet cocaine kingpin Alejandro Sosa. Omar argues with Tony over negotiating a large deal without Frank's approval, and Sosa's men later hang Omar from a helicopter, while Tony is kept behind. Sosa warns Tony not to betray him and soon takes a liking to him.

1981 Bolivia
7

Tony severs with Frank; goes independent

Back in Miami, Frank is furious about Tony's unauthorized deal with Sosa and Omar's demise. Tony severs his business ties with Frank and starts his own cocaine operation, while continuing his pursuit of Elvira. The move marks the birth of Tony's independent empire.

1982 Miami
8

Extortion, betrayals, and a night of killings

Mel Bernstein, a crooked detective on Frank's payroll, attempts to extort Tony for police protection. Tony confronts Frank and Bernstein over the attack on Gina, forcing Frank to confess that he set it up. Tony has Manny shoot Frank dead and then kills Bernstein himself. Tony marries Elvira and becomes Sosa's distributor, constructing a large estate to oversee his growing empire.

1982 Miami
9

FBI sting and a journalist's murder plot

In 1983, Tony is caught in an FBI sting for money laundering and tax evasion. Sosa offers to keep him out of prison if Tony helps murder a journalist about to expose Sosa. During a restaurant dinner, a drunken Tony insults Manny and Elvira, prompting Sosa's men to press ahead with the hit; Alberto the Shadow plants a bomb under the journalist's car. Tony tries to call off the hit but kills Alberto when he refuses to back down, and Sosa vows revenge.

1983 Miami
10

Gina and Manny; Manny's death

At his mother's urging, Tony, high on cocaine, tracks down Gina and Manny. Tony fatally shoots Manny after learning Gina has just married him. He takes Gina to his estate and begins a cocaine binge in his office.

1983 Miami
11

Estate siege and Gina's death

Sosa's men invade the estate and begin killing the guards, escalating the siege. Gina mocks Tony and urges him to have sex with her, highlighting his obsessive control over her life. She shoots him in the arm, and one of Sosa's men returns fire and kills Gina, whom Tony then kills.

1983 Miami
12

Final assault and Tony's end

Tony opens fire with an M16 and grenade launcher, killing many of the attackers but sustaining fatal wounds. The Skull, Sosa's enforcer, shoots him in the back and his body falls from the balcony into a pool beneath a statue bearing the motto 'The World Is Yours'.

1983 Tony's estate, Miami

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:42

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Scarface

Don't stop at just watching — explore Scarface in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Scarface is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Scarface Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Scarface, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Scarface Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Scarface

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Scarface. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Scarface

More About Scarface

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Scarface: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Scarface

Similar Movies to Scarface

Discover movies like Scarface that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.