Based on a true story.|Feb. 27, 1997|United States|127 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: Set in 1970s New York City, *Donnie Brasco* follows FBI agent Joe Pistone as he goes undercover as jewel thief Donnie Brasco. He befriends Mafia enforcer Lefty Ruggiero, who takes him under his wing after Donnie proves his loyalty by handling a dispute over a fake diamond. As Donnie becomes more involved in the mob, he gains the trust of key figures like Sonny Black, Nicky, Paulie, and rival leader Sonny Red.
Despite his mission to gather evidence for the FBI, Donnie forms a close bond with Lefty, who feels overlooked and underappreciated within the organization. As tensions rise within the crime family, Donnie’s personal life begins to crumble. His prolonged absence and secrecy strain his marriage, and his behavior increasingly mirrors that of the criminals he’s infiltrating.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Lefty suspects Donnie of betrayal after a failed attempt to impress a powerful mob boss in Miami. Meanwhile, Donnie’s undercover work takes a toll on his psyche, blurring the line between his true identity and his criminal persona. The film explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the consequences of living a double life.
Cast director: Mike Newell
Cast actor: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche, Zeljko Ivanek, Brian Tarantina, Rocco Sisto, Zach Grenier
Original name: Donnie Brasco