Review of Donnie Brasco (1997) by John B — 10 Aug 2010

Im not sure if this was loosely based on a true story or not, but if it is, this was one hell of a story. Director Mike Newell brings a new genre to the table with this gangster flick. It's loaded with pulse pounding tension and unbelieveable betrayal. A true portrayal of what it means to seperate business from pleasure and family from work.

Johnny Depp stars as undercover FBI agent Joey Pistone AKA Donnie Brasco, who is sent to infiltrate the mob. Pistone, along with his front as a top notch jewel thief, makes his way into the lower ranks of the mob by striking an unexpected friendship with a low level and aging hitman named Lefty-played wonderfully by Al Pacino. As the days go by, Pistone' loyalties between the FBI, the mob, and ultimately his own family start to get mixed up and divided to the point of being completely overwhelmed. As Donnie makes his way farther and deeper into the mob, the safety of him, his friend Lefty, and his family become endangered.

A terrifically wound up gangster film with excellent acting and a blisteringly entertaining story. An action packed thrill ride that's a roller coaster ride all the way through. Also stars Michael Madsen and Anne Heche. Mafia film fans will need this movie to add to their collection, as it is a mob movie classic.