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Amazon.co.uk Review
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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Based on a true story that is so amazing and shocking, "Donnie Brasco" is a fantastic film that hooks you from start to finish. With stars like Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen and many more, this is a movie that should be seen by all.
FBI Joseph D. Pistone is an undercover agent who's goal is to get into the violent and unpredictable mob world. He goes the by name of Donnie Brasco. Soon he is discovered by Lefty Ruggiero, who sees potential in the kid and is not aware of who Brasco really is. He brings him into the family and the world of the Mafia. It doesn't take long for Joseph to get so deep into the action that he starts to become one of them. This unforgettable picture shows us that sometimes you can become what you chase if you're in too long, and that in order to catch a monster you may become one yourself in the process.
I became addicted to this film in no time. It's one of my favourites that I have seen over and over again, and it hasn't gotten old yet. The acting and directing is all fantastic. Al Pacino really shines, as always, and Johnny Depp gives an Academy Award performance as the FBI agent. He actually spent time with the real Joseph Pistone to get his character down, as he did when he was working on "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and spent time with the real Hunter S. Thompson. Michael Madsen is also terrific and can once again send chills down our spines just as he did in "Reservoir Dogs."
All in all, "Donnie Brasco" is an outstanding picture on all fronts. Filled with drama and suspense, this is a film that will take you deep into the world of the Mafia. The only question is how far would you go? And would you risk becoming one of them when it's all said and done? Excellent all the way!
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Goodfellas takes all the plaudits, and deservedly so, as being the third best gangster film of all time (behind Godfathers I & II) but Donnie Brasco has to make the Top Five, surely. This is an utterly brilliant, thrilling, amusing and moving tale based on the true story of an undercover cop (Joe Pistone, Johnny Depp) who befriends an ageing Mafia gangster (Lefty, Al Pacino) and then is torn between good and evil. This film has never received the accolades it deserved. OK, the story isn't entirely original, but the casting and acting is first class. This is probably the film where Depp proved he was more than just a pretty-boy actor and turns in a towering performance as Pistone, who slowly becomes his gangster alias, Donnie Brasco. The ever watchable Pacino is as good as he is in Scarface and Carlito's Way, though for once the viewer sympathises with rather than fears him. Another superbly cast character is Michael Madsen (Mr Blonde from Reservoir Dogs) who is just born to play bad-guy roles. There is plenty of amusing dialogue, too, especially between Lefty, Sonny Black and Brasco. This isn't a comedy though, far from it. It is a superb piece of drama from Mike Newell, best known for Four Weddings And A Funeral but has done little since.
The extras are OK but nothing too special. It's the film that you will buy this DVD for. An underrated classic.
The extras are OK but nothing too special. It's the film that you will buy this DVD for. An underrated classic.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Al Pacino has starred alongside many youth actors, from Chris O Donnell (Scent of a Woman), Keanu Reeves (The Devil's Advocate) and Colin Farrell (The Recruit) but I don't think he has ever been more compatible on the screen with any of these, than what he was with Johnny Depp in this superb film.
He plays Lefty. A small time gangster who decides to take young Donnie Brasco under his wing and show him the ropes of the mafia world. Unaware of the fact that he is actually an undercover fed trying to land himself the trust of the mob, so he can eventually catch the boss.
This film is dramatic, tense and offers many sentimental messages regarding respect, friendship and mainly trust. As Donnie slowly grows fond of Lefty and creates a fickle bond with him it shows a change of loyalties as his marriage fails, and his mission is jeopardised by the friendly compassion he has developed for Lefty.
Al Pacino is on top form and shows he has a sensitive side to him, and Depp offers sound support. Mike Newell directs subtly and with the detailed styles of other great sensitive directors such as Jonathan Demme and Steven Spielberg.
I urge you to watch this exceptionally good film.
He plays Lefty. A small time gangster who decides to take young Donnie Brasco under his wing and show him the ropes of the mafia world. Unaware of the fact that he is actually an undercover fed trying to land himself the trust of the mob, so he can eventually catch the boss.
This film is dramatic, tense and offers many sentimental messages regarding respect, friendship and mainly trust. As Donnie slowly grows fond of Lefty and creates a fickle bond with him it shows a change of loyalties as his marriage fails, and his mission is jeopardised by the friendly compassion he has developed for Lefty.
Al Pacino is on top form and shows he has a sensitive side to him, and Depp offers sound support. Mike Newell directs subtly and with the detailed styles of other great sensitive directors such as Jonathan Demme and Steven Spielberg.
I urge you to watch this exceptionally good film.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Such a great movie
This is a great movie, with excellent insight into the basics of Mafia life. it is moving in places as you cant help but feel empathy for Lefty.
Published 1 day ago by Wendy Leigh
Great gangster film
I like this film. Al Pacino plays his role just right. This is also the Extended cut, which was the first time i saw it. I like the newly added scenes. Read more
Published 1 month ago by LoBo
5 Stars
Donnie Brasco is a masterpiece. A very accurate take on the Mafia world. Johnny Depp's best film and Al Pacino lights up the screen with charisma once again.
Published 3 months ago by Mel Santino
Blu-Ray..? Quality..?
once again...a review about buying "again" for HD would be better than "what the film is about"...those of us buying already know and want to know if its worth buying again !! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Simon Harold
buyer beware
I was looking forward to buying this DVD and was pleased to see it on Amazon recently. My hearing is not good and I rely on subtitles a lot. Read more
Published 9 months ago by D. Payne
You know what we do when we find that rat, right, Lefty?
Joe Pistone is an undercover FBI agent assigned to infiltrate the mob as Donnie Brasco. Making friends with Lefty Ruggiero, both men soon strike up a warm father and son like... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Spike Owen
I'm Just a Spoke on a Wheel!
A great gangster / mafia movie with a high profile cast of actors. Unlike the benchmark of all mafia movies, The Godfather, which looks at the struggle at the top of the family,... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Abdulla M. Al Qasim
not very good
DVD was delivered quickly although was not in a DVD box but in a clear plastic sleeve, which was not stated when I purchased it!!! Read more
Published 14 months ago by heelismartin
Another great gangsta movie
How many gangsta movies can Pacino be in? Each time he is very different and always superb. Depp is on form too.
Published 15 months ago by M. Evans
Mafia intrigues..
It cannot get any better than this movie - Al Pacino at its best and so is Johnny Depp. Great acting. A most film if you like mafia movies.
Published 20 months ago by Madalina
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