Donnie Brasco (1997)

Release date: 1997-02-28
Country: USA
Language: English|Italian|Japanese
Director: Mike Newell
Production Co: Mandalay Entertainment, Baltimore Pictures, Mark Johnson Productions
Genre: Drama, Crime, Biography
Rating: 7.7/10
Length: 2h 7min

Storyline

This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction led by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big-time when Black himself becomes a boss; all the while, Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart, and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

Plot Keywords

mafia, fbi, neglected wife, corrupt police, duct tape over mouth, domestic violence, police brutality, dismemberment, based on true story, police arrest, hospital, fbi agent, money, racial slur, singer, airplane, stripper, weightlifting, pier, held at gunpoint

Short Review

This is Depp's coming-of-age role, and he's terrific. Pacino, who's shown more flash than substance recently, reminds us how great he can be when he loses himself inside a character.