Donnie Brasco

 

            Cover: 

 

            Plot Summary: Undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) poses as jewel expert Donnie Brasco and befriends hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino) who places his trust in him and introduces him to other mafia men.

 

            Director: Mike Newell

 

            Writer: Joe D. Pistone (book)

                          Richard Woodley (book)

                          Paul Attanasio (screenplay)

 

            Cast:  Johnny Depp           (Joe Pistone/Donnie Brasco)

                        Al Pacino                  (Lefty Ruggiero)

                        Anne Heche             (Maggie Pistone)

                        Michael Madsen      (Sonny)

                        Bruno Kirby             (Nicky)

                        James Russo          (Paulie)

                        Zeljko Ivanek           (Tim Curley)

                        Gerry Becker           (Dean Blandford)

                        Robert Miano           (Sonny Red)

                        Brian Tarantina       (Bruno)

                        Rocco Sisto             (Richie Gazzo)

                        Zach Grenier            (Dr. Berger)

 

            Rating: R

 

            Review: A good movie based on a true story. Johnny Depp does wonderful as Joe Pistone/Donnie Brasco. As the film progresses he clearly becomes more and more conflicted about his feelings. Does he stay loyal to his friends or does he continue with the job and get them all busted? Its nice to see some feeling and friendship within the mafia, especially with all the movies about the mafia where everyone kills everyone. This movie is no different in that respect of course, but at least it shows the sensitive side of the mafia. This movie did a great job telling the story. Al Pacino is great, as always, and very cool to watch, especially when he’s acting with Johnny Depp.

 

            Trivia: This is Johnny Depp’s second movie with James Russo. James Russo was in The Ninth Gate as Bernie.