Al Pacino Says Rappers’ ‘Support’ Helped ‘Scarface’ Become a Classic

Al Pacino played drug kingpin Tony Montana in the celebrated 1983 film 'Scarface,' but even he has learned a thing or two about his own movie from hearing rappers talk about it.

Pacino told MTV News he was impressed by the 2003 documentary 'Scarface: Origins of a Hip-Hop Classic,' which featured Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Nas and others commenting on the classic movie, which has grown in popularity over the years.

"I don't think anybody's ever talked about it as articulately and clearly," Pacino said. "Even I understood it better having heard them talk about it. I mean, they really get it. They understand it, and it speaks to them. That's a great thing. They've been very supportive all these years. I think they've helped us tremendously."

Pacino made the comments on the red carpet for the Blu-ray release of 'Scarface' on Tuesday. He added that the movie connects with viewers because people can relate to the character's efforts to improve his situation in life.

"Man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for? That's a great expression, and I think that's Tony Montana," he adds. "Reaching for something he can't get, but he keeps going. There is an element of hope in it, believe it or not."