A true coming-of-age movie

A good judge of a man’s character is how he responds to "crossroad" situations. I’ve always felt that the critical choices a person makes in his adult life are shaped by earlier experiences that may define his destiny. Such is the case in Scent of a Woman, starring Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnel.

The movie is quite simple in its plot. Al Pacino portrays Lt. Col. Frank Slade, a tired and retired army officer rendered blind by an accident during one of his army assignments. Chris O’ Donnel is Charles, a graduating high school student, enrolled as a scholar at the exclusive Baird School. The two are brought together by unexpected circumstances.

Charles is hired as a companion to Col. Slade during Thanksgiving, in the midst of an uproarious incident in school which he witnessed. On the other hand, Lt. Col. Slade, gripped by hopelessness, is planning a surprise visit to New York City, where he plans to "dine in a fine restaurant, make love to a beautiful woman, and blow his brains out". Charles becomes an unwilling companion to Col. Slade in this agenda.

The weekend the two spend together becomes an unforgettable experience for both of them. Amidst a family squabble during Thanksgiving dinner, a round of tango with a beautiful woman and an exhilarating drive aboard a red Ferrari, Col. Slade and Charles are treated to an unexpected, cataclysmic weekend of their lives. Charles inadvertently becomes a hero and savior to Col. Slade when he thwarts the latter’s suicide attempt. On the other hand, Col. Slade defends Charles’ idealism and spirit in a general campus meeting attended by all sectors of the Baird School, an attempt by the schoolmaster to pressure Charles into naming the perpetrators of a malicious conduct.

Each scene in the movie belies an underlying lesson in life. The malicious mischief done by Harry, Trent, and James brings to mind youth’s recklessness and irresponsibility of the youth. The scene where Charles is offered a bribe by the headmaster Mr. Trask certainly brings to mind interpersonal situations in which we are forced to surrender our principles and convictions to gain prestige, wealth or both. A visit by Col. Slade to his family on Thanksgiving Day represents a need to go back to our basic roots.

For me, the defense of Charles by Col. Slade during the open meeting is the greatest highlight of the movie. Not only does it brilliantly portray Al Pacino’s depth of acting, it also shows that integrity and honesty need not be in the form of words. Charles’ choice to be silent in this matter proves that a person can certainly reach the highest ideals without sacrificing his principles or stepping on others’ rights. While the perpetrators certainly deserve to be roasted, it does not excuse a person from sacrificing his integrity and principles. That is a true measure of a man.

The character of Lt. Col. Slade shows us that as long as we are alive, hope will always be there. It is not too late to harbor dreams and ambitions, for as long as they make us better individuals.

Col. Slade reminds me of people who have become jaded and disillusioned. It is certainly not too late for them to turn around in their ways and ideals. In some ways, it teaches us to become thankful for what we have and what we have become.

The movie reaches across all boarders – from the young to the older generation. This movie is timeless because its lessons transcend time and situations.

Whenever I feel desperate, hopeless, or cornered, I always go back to the lessons imparted by this film. And I always manage to get through the day.