Donnie Brasco

1997, Drama/Crime, 2h 6m

56 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

A stark, nuanced portrait of life in organized crime, bolstered by strong performances from Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) is an FBI agent who has infiltrated one of the major New York Mafia families and is living under the name Donnie Brasco. He develops a relationship with mob hit man Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino) in order to get deeper under cover, but ends up developing a real friendship with the Mafioso. As their relationship develops, Pistone must decide whether or not to complete his job, knowing that it will lead to the murder of his new friend.

Cast & Crew

Al Pacino
Lefty
Johnny Depp
Donnie
Michael Madsen
Sonny
Bruno Kirby
Nicky
James Russo
Paulie
Anne Heche
Maggie
Zeljko Ivanek
Tim Curley
Gerry Becker
Dean Blandford
Zach Grenier
Dr. Berger
Brian Tarantina
Bruno
Robert Miano
Sonny Red
Mike Newell
Director
Joseph D. Pistone
Writer
Richard Woodley
Writer
Paul Attanasio
Writer
Alan Greenspan
Executive Producer
Patrick McCormick
Executive Producer
Barry Levinson
Producer
Mark Johnson
Producer
Louis DiGiaimo
Producer
Gail Mutrux
Producer
Patrick Doyle
Original Music
Peter Sova
Cinematographer
Jon Gregory
Film Editor
Louis DiGiaimo
Casting
Brett Goldstein
Casting
Donald Graham Burt
Production Design
Jefferson Sage
Art Direction
Leslie Pope
Set Decoration
Aude Bronson-Howard
Costume Designer
David Robinson
Costume Designer
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Critic Reviews for Donnie Brasco

All Critics (56) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (7)

View All Critic Reviews (56)

Audience Reviews for Donnie Brasco

  • Jul 02, 2016
    Watching Johnny Depp as the lead character, an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate the mob, I have to wonder why he isn't considered one of our greatest film actors of all time. Especially playing opposite Al Pacino in one of his greatest film roles. Then I remember the acting flubs the adventuresome Depp has had in recent years (Black Mass is an exception). This is meticulously well told story. Unlike many other mob movies, this film deglamorizes wise guy life.
    Aldo G Super Reviewer
  • May 23, 2016
    This true to life mobster thriller is bolstered by excellent performances from Depp, Pacino and Madsen. One to watch for mafia fans.
    Peter B Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2013
    I'm over a decade and a half late, but I finally watched Donnie Brasco. Went in not knowing a clue about who or what the movie was about, but afterwards I was left feeling stupid. Stupid because I didn't watch such a great mobster/suspense film sooner. It's pretty awesome to see Johnny Depp in a role where he is not playing a pirate or a man with scissors attached to his hands lol; if only he could get back to more of this real life acting. I enjoyed the movie and thought it flowed really well.
    Eric A Super Reviewer
  • Jul 31, 2013
    "Forget about it." Inspired by a true story, Donnie Brasco is a thrilling crime drama that explores the struggle of living a double life. The story follows an FBI agent that goes undercover with the New York mafia, but when he stops reporting in the FBI starts to suspect that he may have been turned. The cast is especially strong and includes Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, and Anne Heche; who all deliver excellent performances. The writing is also very good; particularly the dialog and the character development. A fascinating look at organized crime, Donnie Brasco is an impressive and compelling film.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
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