Based on a memoir by former undercover cop Joe Pistone (whose daring and unprecedented infiltration of the New York Mob scene earned him a place in the federal witness protection program), Donnie Brasco is like a de-romanticised, de-mythologised version of The Godfather. It offers an uncommonly detailed, privileged glimpse inside the world of organised crime from the perspective of the little guys at the bottom of Mafia hierarchy rather than from the kingpins at the top. Donnie Brasco is not only one of the great modern-day gangster movies to put in the company of... The Godfather films and GoodFellas, but it is also one of the great undercover police movies--arguably surpassing Serpico and Prince of the City in richness of character, detail and moral complexity. Donnie (Johnny Depp, a splendid actor) is practically adopted by Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino), a gregarious, low-level "made" man who grows to love his young protégé like a son. (Pacino really sinks into this guy's skin and polyester slacks and creates his freshest, most fully realised character since his 1970s heyday.) As Donnie acclimates himself to Lefty's world, he distances himself from his wife (a terrific Anne Heche) and family for their own protection. Almost imperceptibly his sense of identity slips away from him. Questioning his own confused loyalties, unable to trust anybody else because he himself is an imposter, Donnie loses his way in a murky and treacherous no-man's land. The film is directed by Mike Newell, who also headed up Four Weddings and a Funeral and the gritty, true crime melodrama Dance with a Stranger. --Jim Emerson [show more]
The more i watch this the better it gets.Pacino was born to play this role.Depp is very good but is over shadowed by real heavyweight acting from other members of the cast.More classic lines than the godfather"your diamond is a beautiful thing....but its not my thing".As much action and suspense as the best,but without glamourising these murderers.You feel genuine sorrow for the wasted life of this ageing mobster.If youve missed this(as many have),and you like the godfather or casino,£3 is bargain and this does have multiple watchability."hes a friend of ours"
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Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. The true story of an FBI undercover agent (Johnny Depp) who becomes Donnie Brasco, 'The Jewel Man', to infiltrate one of the mob families. Donnie manoeuvres his way into the confidence of ageing hit man, Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino) who trusts Donnie and vouches for him to the mob. But Lefty and Donnie become friends when they should be enemies. As Donnie moves deeper and deeper into the Mafia chain of command, he realises he is not only crossing the line between federal agent and criminal but it also leading his friend Lefty to an almost certain death sentence... Actors Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, Anne Heche, Zeljko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Zach Grenier, Brian Tarantina, Robert Miano, Gretchen Mol, Tim Blake Nelson & Paul Giamatti Director Mike Newell Certificate 18 years and over Year 1997 Screen Widescreen 2.35:1 Languages English - Dolby Surround Subtitles None listed Duration 2 hours (approx)
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