Donnie Brasco (1997)

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one.

Director:

Mike Newell

Writers:

Joseph D. Pistone (book), Richard Woodley (book)

Stars:

Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 15 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Al Pacino	...	Lefty
Johnny Depp	...	Donnie
Michael Madsen	...	Sonny
Bruno Kirby	...	Nicky
James Russo	...	Paulie
Anne Heche	...	Maggie
Zeljko Ivanek	...	Tim Curley (as Zeljko Ivanek)
Gerry Becker	...	Dean Blandford FBI
Robert Miano	...	Sonny Red
Brian Tarantina	...	Bruno
Rocco Sisto	...	Richie Gazzo
Zach Grenier	...	Dr. Berger
Walt MacPherson	...	Sheriff
Ronnie Farer	...	Annette
Terry Serpico	...	Strip Club Owner

Storyline

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 led 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.

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Plot Keywords:

mafia | fbi | fbi agent | money | racial slur | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong graphic violence, pervasive strong language and brief nudity and sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian Japanese

Release Date:

28 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Donnie Brasco

Filming Locations:

Chambers Paper Fibers, Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,660,216, 2 March 1997, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$41,909,762

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$124,909,762

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mandalay Entertainment, Baltimore Pictures, Mark Johnson Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min 147 min (extended cut)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Al Pacino was originally going to play Brasco. When he switched to Lefty, he recommended Johnny Depp.

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Goofs

In 1970s New York, sawhorse-style traffic safety barricades were pieced together out of wood (like real sawhorses), then painted yellow or orange, sometimes with stripes. One street scene shows a white plastic model with applied reflective orange stripes, first used in the mid-1990s.

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Quotes

Donnie Brasco: [while carrying bags and coolers onto the boat] Hey Richie, what are you trying to do, get me killed with that fucking suit?
Richard 'Richie' Gazzo: What?
Donnie Brasco: That fucking car, purple fucking car. Don't say the word plotz, you understand?
Richard 'Richie' Gazzo: Yeah, yeah.

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Connections

Referenced in Donnie Brasco: Out of the Shadows (2000)

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Soundtracks

What You Won't Do for Love
(1970)
Written by Bobby Caldwell and Alfons Kettner
Performed by Bobby Caldwell
Courtesy of Sin-Drome Records Ltd.
By Arrangement with Celebrity Licensing Inc.

User Reviews

A deeply moving and beautiful movie.

I read movie magazines regulary and I came across a review for "Donnie Brasco". I read it and thought "I would like to see that". It isn't really a well known film and I didn't remember it coming out in the cinema. So there I saw it, in my local video rental store, near the bottom shelf and just one copy. I rented it and I watched it. And I have to say it is one of the finest movies I had ever seen. It has drama, comedy, sadness and violence and continues to entertain the viewer until the opening of the end credits.

The beauty of the film is that although Pacino plays a member of the mob you end up with sympathy with him due to his loyalty to Donnie (Depp). Pacino plays Lefty well. The movie is very funny in parts and sad in others. Lefty is a very funny character and is hard not to like. Michael Madsen is my favourite actor and although you don't see enough of Sonny Black in contrast to his importance in the book, what you do see of him is enjoyable. Although the film ends differently to that in the book it shows the workings of the mafia well. A splendid over-looked movie with a great cast and an atmosphere that drags you in. Yet you have to read the brilliant book to get the full story.