Donnie Brasco
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Movie Reviews of Donnie Brasco
Movie Review: A side of the mafia seldom seen.
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1976, the government of the United States took on the Mafia in perhaps one of the greatest showdowns in crime history. One man, Joe Pistone a.k.a. Donnie Brasco, sacrificed everything in his life including family and sometimes sanity to become the FBI's supreme undercover agent. By 1982, the work of Donnie Brasco would bring in not only about 200 convictions (A staggering amount by any standard), but would also bring down the most powerful mob bosses in history up to that date (the fall of John Gotti was still almost a decade away.) Pistone/Brasco (Johnny Depp) is introduced into the mob by passing himself off as a jewelry smuggler. Eventually he befriends Lefty (Al Pacino), a mid-level mob hitman who takes Brasco under his wing. As time goes by, Brasco makes connections with the high-ranking officials of the New York Mafia by making himself visible and gaining their trust by way of business and clout. After perfectly keeping up his act as Donnie Brasco for more than five years, Joe Pistone, his wife (Anne Heche) and children go into the witness protection program under which they still live. To this day the Mafia still has a contract on Pistone's life for $ 500,000. Although there is some violence and interesting action, one thing not to expect in this film is gun blazing, bloodletting action ala Goodfellas. This film focuses more on the carrying out of operations and relationships, which Brasco had to prevent from meeting on the same playing field.Movie Review: A true keeper
Summary: 4 Stars
Overlooked at the time of its release, I really hope Donnie Brasco has found its audience on video and DVD. The depth of characterization so rare in most films is abundant here, and a lot of the credit goes to both Depp and Pacino. This is a really heartbreaking, gritty drama. Its also brightened by an astounding performance by Anne Heche that shatters preconceptions. As a film, there is little wrong with it, but as a DVD, there's a lot to be desired. Such a great film deserves extras, other than just languages and a trailer. Why don't any newer films ever get extras? Its seems that they just get rushed out to the stores without much preparation. The picture is great, but I would expect no less from a modern film. Watch it for the great movie, don't get your hopes up about anything else.Movie Review: A good enough gangster movie...
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie was better than i expexted it to be. Really delving into the mob and mafia families, showing the lives of fear and the danger of living as a wiseguy. For example vouching for someone who dosn't deliver gets you killed. So imagine the danger that an undercover FBI agent is in. There you have Donnie Brasco. A great movie, really tense, and showing a side of wiseguys not usually shown in the movies in the Pacino character 'Lefty' who is poor and basically a donkey worker. With great acting from Al and Depp, the only thing that lets this movie down from 5 stars is the scatty story which is based on actual events. A bit here and there though i thought. All in all a great movie. Enjoy!Movie Review: very good mob drama
Summary: 4 Stars
I have seen this movie three times and it gets better each time. Depp is good in the title role as an FBI agent investigating the everyday lives of the local mob. Pacino and Madsen are also fabulous at their trade. This movie not only shows how things are run within the mafia but also gives us a nice account of the relationship between Brasco, his disgruntled wife Maggie (Heche) and Lefty (Pacino). Overall a very well crafted film by a British director (surprise). A definite must-see on DVD.Movie Review: Before Falcone, there's Donnie Brasco
Summary: 4 Stars
Al Pacino and Johnny Depp shine in this based-on-real-life account. The film itself is wonderful, although I hear it's not as good as the book (isn't that usually the case?). The DVD quality itself is very good, but I wish there were some worthwhile extras (there's just a trailer). It should've contained audio commentary by Pistone himself, or at least the filmmakers. Ahh, well - it's still a worthwhile addition to your Mob or Pacino collection!