Donnie Brasco - Johnny Depp as Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone

Description:

This true story follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he infiltrates the mafia of New York. Befriending Lefty Ruggiero, Pistone (under the name Donnie Brasco) is able to embed himself in a mafia faction lead by Sonny Black. Ruggiero and Pistone become tight as the group goes about collecting money for 'the bosses'. Eventually, the group become big time when Black himself becomes a boss, all the while Pistone collects evidence. However, the trials and tribulations of the undercover work become more than Pistone can bear. His marriage falls apart and to top it off, the mafia suspect a mole in the organization. The real dilemma is afforded to Pistone, who knows if he walks away from the mafia, Ruggiero will be the one punished.

Tagline: In 1978, the US government waged a war against organized crime. One man was left behind the lines.

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Movie Overview:

Fan Review:

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, 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 favorites 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." Michael Madsen is also terrific and can once again send chills down our spines just as he did in "Reservoir Dogs."

This new special edition of the DVD is much, MUCH better than the original. First off, the sound and picture quality has really improved. Especially the picture; it looks a lot better than the first version that came out. There are also a lot of extras, including features such as director's commentary, and exclusive featurette, the original featurette, deleted scenes, trailers, and more. The featurettes are very interesting and makes the DVD that much more special. A very high quality special edition, if you ask me.

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!

Credits:

Directed by
Mike Newell

Writing credits (WGA)
Joseph D. Pistone (book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia) and
Richard Woodley (book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia)

Paul Attanasio (screenplay)

Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
Al Pacino .... Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero
Johnny Depp .... Donnie Brasco/Joseph D. 'Joe' Pistone
Michael Madsen .... Sonny Black
Bruno Kirby .... Nicky
James Russo .... Paulie
Anne Heche .... Maggie Pistone
Zeljko Ivanek .... Tim Curley
Gerry Becker .... Dean Blandford
Robert Miano .... Sonny Red
Brian Tarantina .... Bruno
Rocco Sisto .... Richard 'Richie' Gazzo
Zach Grenier .... Dr. Berger
Walt MacPherson .... Sheriff
Ronnie Farer .... Annette
Terry Serpico .... Strip Club Owner
Gretchen Mol .... Sonny's Girlfriend
Tony Lip .... Philly Lucky
George Angelica .... Big Trin
Val Avery .... Trafficante
Madison Arnold .... Jilly
Delanie Fitzpatrick .... Daughter Amanda Pistone
Katie Sagona .... Daughter Jessica Pistone
Sara Gold .... Daughter
Larry Romano .... Tommy Ruggiero
Tim Blake Nelson .... FBI Technician
Paul Giamatti .... FBI Technician
James Michael McCauley .... FBI Agent
James Bulleit .... U.S. Attorney (as Jim Bulleit)
Andrew Parks .... Hollman
Keenan Shimizu .... Japanese Maitre D'
Rocco Musacchia .... Trafficante's Man
Joe Francis .... Trafficante's Man
Sal Jenco .... Mare Chiaro Bartender
Billy Capucilli .... Communion Party Man
Laura Cahill .... Communion Party Woman
Doreen Murphy .... Mob Girlfriend
Elle Alexander .... Mob Girlfriend
Denise Faye .... Mob Girlfriend
Elaine del Valle .... Mob Girlfriend (as Elaine Del Valle)
John Horton .... FBI Director
Dan Brennan .... FBI Photographer
LaJuan Carter .... Singer
Sandy Barber .... Singer
Joyce Stovall .... Singer
Frank Pesce .... Wiseguy
Randy Jurgensen .... Wiseguy
John Di Benedetto .... Wiseguy (as John DiBenedetto)
Richard Zavaglia .... Wiseguy
Tony Ray Rossi .... Wiseguy
Edward Black .... Wiseguy
Gaetano LoGiudice .... Wiseguy
Carmelo Musacchia .... Wiseguy
Pat Vecchio .... Wiseguy
Caleb .... The Lion