Donnie Brasco (1997)

Directed by: Mike Newell | 127 minutes | drama, thriller, crime | Actors: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, Anne Heche, James Russo, Zeljko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Robert Miano, Brian Tarantina, Rocco Sisto, Zach Grenier, Ronnie Farer, Terry Serpico

Based on the true story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone aka Donnie Brasco, who spent six years undercover in the New York underworld in the late 1970s, this film offers a different perspective on the Mafia world than the average Mafia movie. Violence and action are not the main focus here, but the emphasis is more on the human side of gangsters. The bond that develops between Lefty Ruggiero and Donnie Brasco is central to this. Lefty sees qualities in Donnie that he wished his own son had. This son is a drug addict, who is in danger of slipping further and further. Furthermore, Lefty suffers greatly from the lack of respect from his fellow mobsters. While he has a decent track record for a mob member, he is always passed over for promotion and often left out when it comes to making important decisions. That is why he is very happy that he can take under his wing someone like Donnie, who does appreciate and respects him.

The role of Lefty Ruggiero is perfect for Al Pacino. He has an impressive track record when it comes to playing mafia members (‘The Godfather’ saga, ‘Scarface’). While Ruggiero is basically a cold-blooded killer, Pacino plays him with a certain vulnerability that makes it nearly impossible not to feel sympathy for him. Johnny Depp once again proves his great versatility as an actor in the role of Joe Pistone. He convinces as an undercover cop who eventually finds himself in a personal crisis. In preparation for this role, Depp spent a lot of time with Pistone, and it paid off. Some of Pistone’s family members expressed surprise to the press after seeing Donnie Brasco at how Depp approached the real Joe Pistone even in small details. A beautiful supporting role is played by Anne Heche as Pistone’s wife Maggie, who does her utmost to continue to believe in their marriage.

Remarkably, with an all-American cast and setting, this film is directed by a Briton, Mike Newell. Newell was previously responsible for the direction of ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. He is currently in the pre-production of ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (the planned release of this film is in 2005). It is therefore clear that Newell feels at home in very different genres. He has in any case succeeded in creating a strong mafia drama with ‘Donnie Brasco’.