sblk2006 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

forget about it , this is one of his great roles

Darkslayne (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Pacino's character doesn't criticize if Charlie's actions are right or wrong, he points out that Charlie's actions didn't involve sacrificing others to make himself better. Pacino is pointing out that they are sacrificing one to protect many in an incident that was wrong and there in is the problem.Pacino isn't commenting to screw justice, only that one shouldn't use it as a blanket to punish another.

BinkieMcFartnuggets (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is my second, well Third favorite scene of the film. My second favorite is the Thanksgiving Ranger Choke Hold.

yannos1000 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Perhaps I should clarify, I'm not even a US citizen. What I mean is that you can't compromise justice and that's exactly what Pacino is saying here. "Screw justice, this guy gets uncomfortable by this". Obviously I see that problem when the victim (the headmaster) puts himself up as the prosecutor but my point remains. People have to take the consequenses of their actions. It worked out well in the end, but I don't agree with what Pacino is saying. Leadership isn't to cover up for wrongdoers.

terminat0r77 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The witness has the right to remain silent. And that is the law I am afraid, whether you live in a rough area in Philly or in the safest area of Beverly hills. Pacino also mentions in his speech that he does not know if the boy's silence is right or wrong (in terms of punishment for loss/damage of property etc) and that he is no judge or jury. You can make your own conclusions after this tbh.

yannos1000 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I see your point, I'll confess that it was a while ago since I saw it but I do remember that it was their prank on the headmaster that lead up to all this. He, and his car got drenched in paint or whatever. It was humiliating, it was insulting AND it was a damage of his property. Those are legal matters and admittedly the headmaster went overboard but it's not about selling out, it's about justice. Should these men face the consequenses of their actions or not?

yannos1000 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Not where I'm from, if friendship goes above the law we end up with a mafioso society, one where law and order isn't worth shit and people are victimized. Call me a fascist if you please but my country is a relatively calm and peaceful one where people are safe. And that is because we don't drop all demands of justice as soon as it gets "uncomfortable" for the questioned.

terminat0r77 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The last two commnents go to yannos1000. And to top it all a witness have the right to remain silent. It is his/her fundamental right.

terminat0r77 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Bribery is aganist the law too.

terminat0r77 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

In purely law terms you are right. But you have to bear the fact that the headmaster offered a position for the guy to stay at school or if he doesnt name them he will be expelled. So the question you need to answer is integrity. In simple words 'never sell anybody to buy your future'. That is the moral of the issue and not the Omerta code you're reffering. Law and Integrity can be very different things I am afraid.