This Day in History: br Al Pacino Stars in 'Scarface'.br December 9, 1983.br Directed by Brian De Palmabr and written by Oliver Stone,br 'Scarface' opened on this day in the U.S.br Screen legend Al Pacino played br Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee br who becomes a Miami drug kingpin.br The film received br mixed critical reviews, br in large part because of its violence.br But audiences loved br it. 'Scarface' has since br taken on an iconic status.br According to Pacino, br his portrayal of Tony Montana br had been inspired in part by br welterweight boxer Roberto Duran.