Donnie Brasco Movie Review 1996

Excellent look at the unglamourous working end of the mob and an undercover operation. In the late '70s, FBI agent Joe Pistone (Depp) infiltrates the New York Bonanno crime family, under the alias of Donnie Brasco, where he's mentored by aging low-level hood Lefty (Pacino). As Joe/Donnie gets deeper into the wiseguy life, Lefty takes a fatherly pride in his protege and the agent also becomes ensnared by his new identity--to the possible detriment of both feds and family. Terrific lead performances. Based on a true story and adapted from the book by Pistone and Richard Woodley.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 126 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Crime Drama, Organized Crime, True Stories, FBI, New York, New York, Buddies, Period Piece: 1970s, Undercover Cops

Screenplay

Paul Attanasio

Cast

Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Anne Heche, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Zeljko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Zach Grenier, Robert Miano

Cinematography

Peter Sova

Director

Mike Newell

Music

Patrick Doyle

Producer

Mark Johnson, Barry Levinson, Patrick McCormick, Baltimore Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Mandalay Entertainment, Sony Pictures

Awards

Natl. Bd. of Review 1997: Support. Actress (Heche).