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Last updated: 11 Jun 2026 at 10:48 UTC

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Review of by Jaden N — 18 Jun 2011

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Donnie Brasco (based on a book) is about an FBI undercover agent (Joe Pistone) who infilitrates the mob and found himself having a strong tie to the mafia family than his own. The whole film based itself on the lying and leading a double life of Donnie Brasco.

It's very visceral and relatable (for those of you who leads double lives) thanks to the solid storytelling from director Mike Newell (Harry Potter & Goblet Fire). The script was based on true events but things were changed for dramatic effects.

Critics praised Al Pacino's performance and how he was the anchor of the film, but his character (Lefty), in my opinion, was utterly annoying in the beginning. Now granted that he grew and developed into a relatable character by the end, but there wasn't much to praise about Pacino's performance as Lefty.

Donnie Brasco used every single cliche there is about life in the mafia: from getting clipped to forgetaboutit to being made. But it was for a purpose, to show how life in organized crimes are like. The film did a good job of showing the audience that this is what it's like, but never really achieved enough to be a gangster classic.

This review of Donnie Brasco (1997) was written by on 18 Jun 2011.

Donnie Brasco has generally received positive reviews.

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