Synopsis: Based On A True Story

Posing as jewel broker Donnie Brasco, FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone (Johnny Depp) is granted entrance into the violent mob family of aging hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). When his personal and professional lives collide, Pistone jeopardizes his marriage, his job, his life and, ultimately, the gangster mentor he has come to respect and admire. From acclaimed director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and featuring an extraordinary supporting cast including Michael Madsen, Anne Heche, Bruno Kirby and James Russo, Donnie Brasco is “one terrific movie!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)
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Donnie Brasco 8.0

Here’s one of those rare times where I’ve appreciated Al Pacino’s performance. In this one he plays a more subdued character – an ambitious loser who has difficulty facing a life’s lot of failed dreams.

The first time I saw this I felt for him – something Pacino has rarely gotten me to do for one of his characters. I almost pitied him, despite his poor life choices; he is washed up, drowning and struggling for a few last gasps. It’s pretty sad to watch. (this time around it didn’t affect me as intensely – but maybe the element of surprise initially had something to do with it)

In any case, the cast is solid and the script is based on a true story (as an antithetical ‘Goodfellas’ one could say) so there’s an unmistakable sense of real drama. Not bad at all.