The film "Donnie Brasco" is simply amazing in its basis and in the acting. Based on real events and telling about the life of the American mafia in the 1970s, this shaped film draws the viewer inside with its cruel and intriguing story, not letting go until the very end.
One of the biggest advantages of the film is the impeccable acting of the main characters. Johnny Depp, skillfully relegating to the role of Donnie Brasco, an FBI agent infiltrating the ranks of the Italian mafia, completely surrenders to his character and creates an unforgettable image of Brasco, who is deeply immersed in the mafia world, and we see how he changes under the influence of this dangerous environment. His genuine sense of danger and anxiety convey the horror and complexity of his situation.
Al Pacino, who plays a left-hander who builds a trusting relationship with Brasco, also deserves special attention. Pacino masterfully conveys the image of an experienced mafia, whose manner has its own color and style. His interaction with Depp on screen is one of the best moments of the film, their acting chemistry is clearly felt, and building relationships between the characters perfectly serves the development of the plot.
The plot of Donnie Brasco is tense and well structured. We follow Brasco’s every move and his infiltration into the mafia environment, watching as the real person merges with his fictional role. We will have to experience the difficulties faced undercover FBI agents, and gradually plunge into the dark side of the life of the mafia, where every mistake can cost lives.
In addition, the film has a resonance that can be traced all the way. It raises doubts and questions: where is the boundary between legality and crime, why do people commit such acts, how to deal with the dark sides of human nature? “Donnie Brasco” invites the viewer to pay attention to these moral and ethical issues, calling them into us, and making us think about them long after watching.
The film has an excellent tempo and narrative. Director Mike Newell created a rich picture where no scene is wasted to the viewer. Given that these are real events, the director tries to adhere to the fundamental facts, but does not forget about the artistic side of the film, making it beautiful and full of emotional depth.
This film raises many emotions and questions. It makes us think about the role of law and morality in our lives, about the nature of human nature. All this is accompanied by the outstanding acting of Depp and Pacino, their charisma and their interaction on the screen.
In conclusion, Donnie Brasco is a film that holds its viewer’s hands tight and doesn’t let go until the very end. He exceeds expectations in plot, acting and spectrum of emotions. And if you’re looking for a movie that will make you feel genuinely and keep you on edge, Donnie Brasco is the perfect choice.
"Donnie Brasco" is one of the exemplary representatives of films about mafia families operating in the United States. If after watching a movie you immediately rush to look for where you can buy Joe Pistone's autobiography, which served as the primary source (yes, the film is based on real events), then this is the best indicator of the highest quality.
From this film by Mike Newell you can write a textbook How to shoot crime dramas. Here, each element - whether it is dialogue, actor, car or clothing - is strictly in its place and works to create an atmosphere and develop characters. Having received such titans as Al Pacino and Michael Madsen in his film, who by that time had already perfected the skills of embodying bad guys on the screen, Newell invited the already quite famous, but not yet star Johnny Depp, who, unlike the two aforementioned actors, had previously played several other roles. You didn't. Pacino and Depp created such a strong duo, built such a powerful connection that now it is impossible - and do not want - to imagine in their places someone else.
And yet I can't help but highlight Al Pacino separately. How. Je. Come on. His facial expressions, his way of speaking, his pauses between words, amplifying the effect. And how he plays with the body (sorry for the strange words). Remember only the episode on the yacht, when his usually fussy and mobile character freezes in a posture of humility and despair, realizing that luck again turned to him on the wrong side.
And, of course, a wonderfully shown transition from wariness and distrust to the true friendship of an FBI agent and an Italian mobster. The same friendship that leads to a heartbreaking end: when there are no violent scenes on the screen, no sobs, no complex dialogues, no accusations of each other - and you still look at a very calm and measured scene and choke on tears, realizing that waiting for the character behind the closed door. This is how a really good drama should work with the emotions of the viewer: not through frank and shocking scenes, not through sharp turns, but carefully and gradually immersing it in the atmosphere and characters.
Now, this is one of my favorite films in the genre. In the genre, where the advantage is given to acting, and not typical for gangster films fights, shootouts, etc. The whole picture is built on masterful dialogues that immerse in the story from the very beginning and does not become a little boring until the very end.
Depp, of course, is still young, so I did not make a strong impression. But now he feels his charisma. Al Pacino is great. As for me, an actor who was created for such a shot.
At the beginning of the film, you laugh at the comics of Lefty (the main character of Pacino), but in the end, you get so imbued that you begin to sympathize and even understand something: Benjamin becomes the personification of the life of the most ordinary person - a constant desire for the pinnacle of fame, success and with the same constancy of failure, humility and loss.
And even closer to the end of the film, when monotonous landscapes are beginning to bite, as a splashed patch of paint on a white canvas introduces a detailed scene of the bloody massacre, which does not fit into the overall plan and invigorates the lost ' vigilance' viewer.
P.S. This picture is another indicator that the price of a small person’s life in a large state is $ 500 and a piece of iron.
When I first saw Michael Newell’s film back in 1997, he didn’t really impress me. Then in my head revolved stunning films of Martin Scorsese, F. F. Coppola, Michael Mann, Brian DePalma and other directors on this gangster theme.
But here, after 15 years, I felt this picture from the inside, I liked it with its originality, its truthfulness, its vitality. It shows not just the criminal world, but how an FBI employee under the code name “Donnie Brasco” penetrates this mafia structure to inflict a deadly blow on it from the inside.
How subtly shown is the gradual entry of Donnie into this clan and his formation in this “society”, his “snack” by criminal authorities, and what to say about the personality of “Left” (Al Pacino), in fact, a loser, an aged pawn, but dreaming of a bright, carefree future of a real thief in law, about the “friendly” relationship between Donnie Brasco and “Left”. After all, “Left” was his protector, “guarantor for Donnie”, at any moment the life of Donnie Brasco could end and hung in the balance every day. Donnie Brasco gradually imbued with his soul to this thief-loser, “Lion” became Donnie’s second father, and “Lion” also “half” Donnie, replacing their blood son, loser and drug addict.
I liked the scene of life as the whole criminal environment in the cold rubs at the entrance to the bar to meet the boss, how many times such scenes have been noticed in life. If the boss smokes, then his associates smoke, if the boss is a hunter, all the deputies become hunters. It’s funny how it works.
Of course, such embedded agents suffer primarily family, and they themselves change not for the better. The same thing happened to Donnie. His transformation is noticeable in the cinema.
Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, as well as other actors played their roles perfectly. Everything looked realistic.
With a similar theme, M. Scorsese’s film The Departed (2006) was later shot, no less interesting and exciting.
10 out of 10
Do you know of films that seem terribly long in their timekeeping, but look in one breath? So, this movie "Mike Newell" is from such a kahorta of film classics, where 127 minutes fly simply imperceptibly, being involved in the criminal atmosphere of steam "New York" of the 70s, and then the sunny "Miami".
No longer young Al Pacino with cancer of masculine dignity, still young Johnny Depp with mustaches a la Mercury (Ah, Mordecai, Mordecai...) and not yet aware of Russian cinematography Michael Madsen in one of his best roles (not counting of course "Reservoir Dogs"), will appear in all the glory of acting skills on Criminogina and real Cuba. The drama is more about an unsuccessful mafia than about an undercover FBI super agent, because it is on the left (Pacino) that the director focuses his attention, and it is his self-confidence and strict adherence to the omerte that played a cruel joke with him, starting from the career ladder, ending with a fateful guarantee for Donnie (Depp). Donnie Brasco or Joseph Pistone, in his turn, he remains as a fan of his own life in the public service. Even 6 years side by side with Lefty and his frank confessions (and, I think, he probably considered him his second son, instead of that junkie): not enough to prevent him from finishing his job and becoming an antihero in my eyes.
Verdicting the film "Donnie Brasco", first of all I want to say about outstanding acting work, appropriate urine, which is so appropriate in crime films and surprisingly powerful story, both in terms of psychology and in terms of more mundane.
I thought it was better, but it turned out to be worse.
You can write endlessly about this masterpiece. A masterpiece that Michael Newell gave us. In my opinion, Donnie Brasco is one of the most successful Mafia films. Donnie Brasco is one of those movies you can't get enough of in three hours, and you want more after watching. A film that will leave almost no one indifferent. The film takes place in New York in the 1970s-1980s. In that stunningly mysterious New York City, where there were no strict rules, where the mafia reigned on the streets, where people smoked everywhere, without losing their hands. The film is shot in inexpressive and dull tones, which makes it even more possible to feel the atmosphere of that time.
Donnie Brasco tells us the story of how thanks to one agent, the FBI was able to expose a lot of members of the mafia. To the surprise of many Mafia movies, there will be no cat-and-mouse game, but rather the story of a rat in a big, incomprehensible world. In a world of morals, where there are presidents, concepts, rules and laws, where you have to answer for your words. In the center of the film is an FBI agent (Donnie) and one of the mobsters (Left). Accidentally or deliberately, but fate fell on the Left, he was the one who vouched for Doni. To vouch for someone in the mafia is very dangerous, because you never know who you can bring to the family and who this or that person may be. According to the left-hander, the mafia was more than his family. 'Even if you had a family. This family would still be closer.' That's how he explained to Donnie what the mafia was. Throughout the film, Donnie and the Lefty become best friends. To Donnie, Lefty was like a second father. His father taught him to live in a normal world, and his left-hander taught him the rules and the gangster world. The scene when Donny comes home to pick up a bag of money lets us know that Donnie is very attached to Lefty. He realizes that if they find out about him, the Mafia will kill Lefty. The phrase at the end of the dialogue with his wife is very catchy - 'I do not become like them, I am one of them'. Clings that once in the circle of the mafia, Donnie began to look at them differently, to some extent he even flattered to be one of them. It is also understandable that Left-handed has become attached to Donnie when he repeats the phrase throughout the film, -' I'll die for you, Donnie' You wouldn't say that to an ordinary acquaintance, Donnie wasn't just a friend. Whatever the case, the inevitable had to happen, the film ends on a sad note. Looking at the final scene where Donnie is screaming, 'Don't give me away' you know that's the end. The end of a great story, where the hero will be awarded a check of 500 dollars.
The role and play of actors: Just an amazing performance of actors, I can’t even find words to describe the play of two geniuses in their field. Al Pacino in his role as Left-handed is flawless. Views, dialogue and the game itself were performed at the highest level. Hardly anyone else could have played that role. He did his part so well that at the end of the film, I think everyone started crying, forgetting that the same left-hander killed 23 people! A game that led us to believe that although Lefty killed 23 people, he was still a bad person. Johnny Depp's play is also mesmerizing - a brutal and brash guy who turns out to be an FBI agent. He performed his role very well, all the emotions he showed were real. The scene when he comes to his wife’s house to pick up a bag of money shows the actor from different sides. In the end, I will say that the actors played 10+ out of 10.
The film itself evokes a lot of emotions and thoughts. Think about what friendship is, what love is, and what life is. As it turns out, you never know who your friend might be. I believe the friendship was real, because Donnie even wanted to give money to Left-hander to disappear. Donnie was with Lefty when he was ill, for example, when the son of Lefty was in a coma, Donnie was there even though it was not part of his duties, he was there when Lefty was called. At the end of the film, the left-hander didn’t want to believe it was Donnie. Naive, loyal and honest Left-handed.
'They gave it to us.
So we thought Donnie was a rat.
Yeah, they almost fucked us.
But if we didn't know Donnie... Yes, if we didn't know Donnie... '
After watching, the question arises, '. ' Donnie had a dream to make the world a better place, to get rid of bad people like Lefty. The goal was to do the best, but it turned out to be the worst. I don't think Donnie was happy with the measly $500 check, but rather he blames himself to this day for not fixing it, for not taking it into his own hands. You can never value poorly what you do not know, and even more so to climb into a world that was not created for you - this is once again proved to us by the film. Donnie was never in the mafia, did not know its laws, once he got into it, he realized that murders happen for a reason. There is an explanation for everything, people who join the mafia understand what they are going for. Don't think about it, I don't think it's right to kill, but that's probably one of the reasons I don't want to be a mafia. But the thing is, murder is one of the inevitable things that finds a place in the mafia. This is their world, a world where the strongest survive.
“When called, you come alive, you leave dead, and the performer is your best friend.”
Having escaped the tentacles of the Italian-American octopus, the FBI mole Joseph Pistone subsequently revealed the details of Operation Donnie Brasco, an unplanned six-year operation. Almost a decade later, the posh Pacino-Depp-Madsen trio gave a cinematic coloring to the story of the life of the fed in the “family”. Reimagined by Hollywood, the hero was drawn into the criminal clan quite quickly: it turned out that there is life on the other side of the law. The dexterous false criminal Joe/Donnie/Johnny was bailed out by the second-rate gangster Benny/Left-handed/Pacino, and once he said in front of everyone, "This is my friend," he tied their lives together: "Donnie screws up" - both will answer. And dizzy: cool acquaintances, big money, spectacular jargon, easy life (not counting a couple of shitty bosses). But gradually the gangster deluges were replaced by a strong male friendship, which eventually broke the identification "friend or foe" of the undercover agent.
Although the dilemma of Mike Newell’s gangster drama is typical of the undercover genre: being a lawyer or being a person, the dramaturgy of Donnie Brasco’s story contrasts sharply with other films of the 90s of similar subjects [On the Crest of the Wave (1991), Undercover (1992), Beyond the Law (1993) etc.] A powerful literary basis and a serious approach to the production allowed the picture to even compete for prestigious awards. The film does not suffer from the discrete biopic, which contributes to the smooth perception of the story and fixation of changes in the main character. The real Pistone was something to tell, so even a 150-minute cutting of scenes from the life of the mafia looks at the rarity vivid and fascinating, and the style of the episodes changes from a comedy farce to minced frames of dismemberment. A gangster line that spans several mafia clans is divided into a squabble over New York's rotten apple and a hunt for the treasures of sunny Miami. Against this background, the hero of Depp, constantly resting on the criminal vertical, goes from “newcomer” to “cool”. Replacing traditional saber-rattling with clever play and baring the nerve with each scene more and more, the director shifts the polarity of the atmosphere in the gang from neutral and trusting to suspicious and finally complete distrust. The final chord succeeds Neal best: Donnie painfully decides whether he is a cop in the shoes of a criminal or a bandit in the guise of a cop, while the equally important and certainly more tragic character Pacino must choose between faith in his friend (and successor) and an iron mafia code. Viewers are left to wonder how this hostile criminal world, where the value of his mind is leveled by the order of the boss and every second can “call”, managed to absorb the “right” protagonist. But somehow it seems that Donnie would answer this question simply: “Forget about it!”
P.S.<<700.
The process of introducing the agent was very strange, and it turned out not even thanks to a happy accident, it was something completely indistinct. After all, this stage is one of the most difficult - implementation, but it is not paid due attention. Then, according to all laws, the time of formation and universal recognition should come, but instead, the viewer sees a sudden flared up, unfounded love of Lefty for Donnie: his boundless trust, recognition of eternal love, readiness to give his life for him, all sorts of help in moving up the “career ladder”... What is all this about? - It remains a big secret. Therefore, the film is very lame in terms of psychology and elementary logic. One would think that Donnie seemed to take the role of his sick son for Lefty, which would somehow justify such love for him. But not even that.
Also unconvincing is the agent's dual identity. On his part, oddly enough, is also filial love for the Left. But from where? Are you grateful that you have been “noticed” and “promoted”? After all, a left-hander is an ordinary soldier from the ranks of the mafia, a murderer who is ready to slam at the first whistle even a long-term “best friend”. But there is such trust, such dedication and dedication! From where? - remained a mystery. His job is to hand over such packs, or kill at worst, cleanse society of infection.
In short, everything about “to decide” and about “real friend” is completely unrealistic. In the Western world, it is customary for everyone to knock on everyone and set up, especially in gangster circles, where, although they kill for it, they knock like woodpeckers.
There are absolutely insane episodes, for example, when one day the boss, after a fairly frank setup and clear evidence, for some reason confidently said that Donnie is clearly not an agent. Why would he think that? The same goes for the FBI’s apparent disclosure of an agent – why did they do it? There are no “dividends” in the film. Then why? So that the bandits hide or kill each other in a fit of suspicion?
A dark story with a significant debt lefty to one of the bosses, including even the so-called counter. Apparently, the left-hander was supposed to run like a scalded man, collecting money for payback, but instead he was constantly relaxing in front of the TV. A dark history...
My relationship with my wife is very strange. Despite the fact that his wife still knew where and who Donnie worked, she did not cease to beat his nerves. And although she is shown as an innocent cutie, alone raising 3 daughters, but it must be admitted that she acted very unwisely towards her husband, who needed only one thing - a sense of home. Instead, he received only tantrums and scandals. At the same time, there were serious mistakes in his relationship, there was clearly a lack of tenderness and attention to his wife, simple and understandable kind words of human participation. Truly unlimited reserves of love for each other were in this couple, since they endured such a relationship for so long!
Conclusion. The plot is quite simple and straightforward, and the implementation is almost primitive. I'm not at all impressed with the film. Old, not interesting, not relevant. There are incorruptible creations about the mafia and so on, and this is actually junk. Weak three.
The film is based on real events and describes the life of an FBI agent embedded in a mafia gang.
The movie is about the mafia, and that says a lot. In such films, everything is always more or less predictable and standard, whether they are completely fictional or based on real events, but, nevertheless, this does not make them uninteresting or unpopular.
But this movie came out pretty dry. Like a job report. Robotic and gray, and to be honest, not quite clear.
First of all, the mafia gang was kind of unconvincing, more like ordinary hooliganism. What exactly and to what extent this organization did not tell us. Mafia, mafia. Bandits. What's wrong, huh? No authority, respect for each other, well-coordinated work, and other things that are observed, for example, in “The Godfather” or “The Departed” are observed here, and perhaps not even implied. “Boss” does not know what to do and how to organize activities, constantly wobbles, and around him everyone sits and scratches their turnips, unable to offer or do something. Is this a real, genuine mafia? . .
Heroes are not fully disclosed, emotions are shown on the screen as if for a tick, and I personally did not cause any emotions. Yeah, undercover life is complicated. Yes, the life of the “six” in the mafia gang is complicated. Yeah, the life of an undercover agent's wife is complicated. Who cares now? The drama came out very flat, although certainly in real life it was very deep. But in the film, it wasn't conveyed properly. The main character, having begun to hide from his real life, as if he began to hide from the viewer, although his motivation and progress of feelings and attitude to the mafia can be seen very well. But overall, why was the agent's family forgotten? What exactly did Pacino’s hero feel and how did he become what he became? These and many other questions remained unsolved for me.
Overall, the film is boring, unintriguing, undynamic... none. Maybe there’s something to it: it’s unlikely that the life of an undercover agent is like a thrilling Hollywood movie.
5 out of 10
There are many stories like this. In such stories, it is customary, first of all, to show not so much drama as the story itself. And this picture is no exception. There was a guy like that, working undercover, it's not a bad story. Why not make a movie about it? The drama will come if necessary.
Of course, it is sad to see how a person, once in a certain society, not only behaves as is customary in this society, but also becomes one of its members. Especially if he is fighting against them. It is likely that the personal drama of the characters here is for psychological pressure, in order to make the film more alive. However, in "Apostates" Scorsese did it much better.
This case is just a story told, which would be too boring without drama. And actors.
The actors are well chosen. Al Pacino, who had already tried himself in criminal dramas, by that time had already made his name in the history of cinema, and was forming himself as an actor Depp, who had no experience in filming such films. The film is simple and doesn’t require them to play hard, so they’re easy.
This picture does not require anything other than an optional viewing.
This is a story about what is more important: friendship or duty, emotional impulse or commitment?
What if you’re an FBI agent and your best friend is a criminal? What happens when friendship is built on deception? Is it worth telling the truth if you ruin it?
True friendship is something that happens infrequently or doesn’t happen at all. This is the ability to find the right words, listen carefully, support in everything, forgive offenses and agree to compromise. True friendship changes people, makes them different, similar internally.
You are no longer who you were. I am not becoming like them. I am them.
Agent Joseph Pistone is a man who properly did his job, was faithful to his duty, becomes a part of a criminal gang, becomes Donnie Brasco. His work is complex and dangerous, he does it brilliantly. In addition, Joe tries to be an exemplary husband, as far as the work allows. But at one point, the orderliness of his life collapses. Getting to know a family member and being friends with him changes him. Warm friendly feelings for Lefty, the suspect he is following, prevent him from doing his job as properly as before. The need to lead the life of a criminal, to see around violence and to participate in it is not an easy test. He's getting tougher, darker, hotter. He's having trouble controlling himself. He really is one of them.
Left-handed is an old, tired of rebellious life criminal who in his field so could not achieve anything. He was tired of his way of life and his place in it: Who am I? Who am I? I'm the spoke in the wheel! Just like him, just like you. A left-hander who likes to remember that he killed 26 people tries to look intimidating and serious: I'm always right. A wise man is always right, even when he is wrong, he is right. But his attempts, whether due to fatigue or old age, become a little ridiculous and ridiculous: You will not leave me. In fact, the limit of his dreams is to abandon everything, buy a boat and sail off into the sunset with his beloved woman.
Johnny Depp as Donnie Brasco is incredible. Those who are not too familiar with his work and perceive as the ever-grimmed Jack Sparrow will be interested to see how good he is in the role of a simple man. He plays with glances, fleeting movements and expressions.
Al Pacino, aka Lefty, is convincing from the first minutes of screen time. It seems that fatigue and sadness, which embodies his character, pours through the screen, you penetrate and feel it on yourself. His duet with Johnny Depp, memorable and well played, makes the film even better.
Everyone has a movie that they have watched more than once. One of the best, favorites. He is always so impressive, makes you think and make some new conclusions. You don’t watch it, you live a small life with your favorite characters.
Somehow, everyone is used to the fact that the cinema of criminally deep foundations about the mafia is filmed by Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola. Nice Guys, Casino and The Godfather entered the annals of world cinema as one of the best films in this genre and even more. Also, everyone is used to the fact that Americans of Italian origin play in such films, for example, Robert De Niro or Al Pacino. But suddenly the Englishman Mike Newell puts a similar genre film, hitherto recognizable thanks to the melancholy melodrama "Four Weddings and One Funeral", and in the title role Johnny Depp, which, with all his talent, is difficult to attribute to actors, which are easily embodied in the images of purely deep, arrogant and eccentric criminal elements. In theory, all the prerequisites for the fact that "Donnie Brasco" will be on the outskirts of the genre: an English director, an actor has little in common with the genre and image, but what do we really have?
In fact, Donnie Brasco turned out to be such a strong, tough, strong film that there is reason to be surprised. It does not look like a gangster movie based on “Italian origin”, but, nevertheless, has become a very serious and classic film for its genre.
Mike Newell did not depart from his school - "Donnie Brasco" was shot in gray-rainy colors, even scenes when the film is transferred to hot and sunny Miami do not become blinding from the light, still gray-dust shades reign. Also, in a purely English manner, the film cannot be called dynamic, the development is gradual, but this does not mean that it is slow. Newell puts emphasis on the turning points of the action, because the film is based on real events, and these events stretched for several long painful years for the main character.
In addition, the filmmakers did the right thing, calling for the shooting of Al Pacino. He's a consummate professional. In this film, his role is worthy of his work in the most similar genre paintings "Carlito's Way" and "Scarface". But he clearly understood that he is not the only one who rules the ball here, there is also a hero performed by Johnny Depp. It would seem that such two actors may not share the time in the frame, but it turned out not to be so, both actors seemed to give each other in a particular scene to fully play the character so that the viewer could understand his character. So, in pieces, everyone can realize all the inner saturation of personalities Al Pacino and Johnny Depp .
But from the background of the excellent performance above these actors, the head of Michael Madsen looks out. Here, perhaps only for me personally, appears the most important disadvantage of the film. Madsen This is not the first time playing the bad guys. In Donnie Brasco, he was given the opportunity to show himself from the highest point of the criminal ladder (this is only in the film!), but he caused so much denial in his image that you will never believe him. And besides, at the very end, if his image was so significant, so he generally fell below nowhere (this is how his hero did not believe in the “rat” behind his back). With his constant mat and the expression "I am a thief in law," he evoked little more than a chuckle. As for me, a very incorrectly chosen actor or actor chose an image for himself, which, in general, does not change the essence, I do not believe him, as Stanislavsky said.
The rest of the movie looks like it. When watching, you watch how the characters change, how complex their small world is, where you think about how not to die. Throughout the film, you clench your fists for the main character.
To me, Donnie Brasco is the benchmark of the Mafia genre, even above The Godfather. A great combination of humor, good plot, intrigue and, of course, it is impossible not to mention the main characters: Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.
Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) is an agent in the service of the FBI who is assigned to join the criminal groups of the local mafia. From now on, he's Donnie Brasco.
This is the name the gangsters will know.
In a Brooklyn bar, he meets Lefty (Al Pacino). Lefty asks to pick him up the next day, and they form a friendly relationship. Soon Lefty introduces family members to his friend Donnie Brasco. They meet every day, Lefty tells Don business routines, in "You never carry money in your wallet, they roll it up like this, big bill up." In general, the task progresses nowhere better, but Donnie, without realizing it, begins to get into taste. He is less likely to see his family, less likely to contact the FBI, he begins to like this life.
Thanks to Lefty, he learns about almost all the crimes in the district, the old man slowly begins to trust Donnie with more and more responsible cases and soon they become best friends. He begins to trust the gangsters, he begins to become a big player, everything goes just perfect. But it turns out there's a snitch in the gang. What will happen to Donnie Brasco and what will Joseph Pistone choose? You better watch it yourself.
As I said, the main characters in the film are amazing. I think that in the Godfather no one doubted, and Depp, who was not yet considered a star actor, after this role is proclaimed one of the best actors of his generation. About the actors of the 2nd plan: well, what can you say here, nothing special, and what could be special to show? Played as it was supposed to. The big picture certainly did not fall out, although Bruno Kirby's face is too kind. He doesn't look like a gangster. But can you call that a minus? I don't think so.
It's a great movie. As I said at the beginning, it’s excellent in every way. One of the best movies about the mafia.
The film adaptation of the book by former FBI agent Joseph Pistone “My Underground Life in the Mafia” takes the viewer to 1978. It was then, after a two-year conspiracy, the author under the false name Donnie Brasco manages to infiltrate one of the brigades of the Brooklyn mafia, and then for another four years to inform his superiors about what is happening inside the extensive criminal structure. All this time, Pistone not only lives under an assumed name, but also does not maintain any contacts with friends and acquaintances, and visits his wife and three daughters only on big holidays, that is, a couple of times a year.
Inviting Briton Mike Newell, who became famous after the comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, to a project about American organized crime at first seems strange. However, Hollywood bosses generously gave the Englishman $35 million, apparently hoping a priori to avoid the stereotypical approach in the film adaptation of the memoirs, which at one time became a national bestseller.
In order to localize the multi-figure memoirs that once aweed America, Brasco’s relationship with the petty gangster Benjamin Ruggiero was brought to the center of the story. Ruggiero, nicknamed Lefty, personally removed for his long service 26 people who were not acceptable to the mafia, by the time he met Brasco, did not particularly advance up the ranks, remaining an ordinary member of the “order”, with a lot of debts, a son-addict, and even penis cancer.
33-year-old Johnny Depp should be grateful that she gave him a role that for many could become the main role of life. Because of the need to betray someone who treated him like his best friend, Brasco experiences the greatest personal drama. As the inevitable denouement draws near, the confusion increasingly consumes the soul of the agent.
The need to bring the work started to the end forces you to put on the stake the main values of life, starting with personal life and ending with friendship. The conflict of the film is built on the confrontation of duty and sincere feelings. Thanks to the acting duo - Depp & Pacino – history is gradually gaining the scale of ancient tragedy.
The theme of the difficulty of a double life is already quite worn out in cinema, but nevertheless, the idea still disposes to something interesting. The idea of this film is interesting, but its implementation is significantly sagging.
What is the main problem of this film? It's boring, not bad, just boring. It seems that everything is in place: an interesting plot, a great cast, a visual series, but all this does not work, as it should. Action definitely lacks tension, it does not submerge, although it does not leave the feeling that it should. Psychological moments in the film are played poorly, you do not feel the moral torment of Joe Pistone, and you do not feel the hero somehow, even though he looks with claims to brightness and charisma, but you simply do not notice this in him.
The double life of Pistone looks gray, if episodes with the mafia are mostly boring, then the family dramas of the hero cause more irritation than sympathy. The friendship of the characters does not look natural, it is rather strangely played. The character of Al Pacino gives oddities, although well executed, but this is definitely not his best role.
The film looks long, although it is not, the timing is not too great, but perhaps if it was slightly shortened and made the story more dynamic, then it would look different.
History is very difficult to penetrate: the whole psychological load, as already mentioned, is not felt. The same applies to the heroes, the plot itself is served with inappropriate sluggishness. Because of this, the plot periodically seems dead, the narrative chronically lacks liveliness. And when there are bright emotional moments, they do not feel because you are in a half-sleep state caused by the general calm mood of the film.
The finale of the story is excellent, but it is also imprinted with a general lack of the picture, as if you understand that the hero suffered a lot, but it just does not feel. The result is a pretty average movie, which definitely could have been much better.
6 out of 10
After seeing a couple of excerpts of this film, in one of which Al Pacino in the image of a mafia, but not at all what you would expect from this native Corleone, funny joked, and in the second, near the end, unfolded a really heartbreaking drama, no doubt that the film is worth it. And the viewing left an exceptionally pleasant aftertaste after itself.
I absolutely disagree with those who see this film as a platform for the manifestation of their outstanding acting abilities for Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. This statement is not true, if only because they forgot to mention one of the most rabid Mad Dogs (Tarantin’s team of chosen ones, for reference). The same applies, for example, Carodyne (Bill) from clearly what dialog), Michael Madsen, and it very rarely happens that this outstanding charisma of lyceums starred in a worthy film. Even in the Russian thrash-movie he had to participate. It's such a bright part. In my opinion, he has eclipsed even Johnny Depp, yet a violent character gives talent more opportunities to shine than a suffering undercover agent who is responsible for most of the drama. But Al Pacino overshadows everyone. For some time, he plays a criminal, but not a typical mobster for him, but a slightly ridiculous aging gang member at the bottom of the family hierarchy, he is a “little bitch.” Not a six, but an eight somewhere.
"Donnie Brasco" doesn't try to rank with "The Godfather" or "Scarface." He's kind of a bandit tragicomedy. And very good, if you look at it through the prism of this genre, because jokes are very funny, the drama sometimes takes for real, the life of criminals is shown seriously, in detail: bosses are overthrown, colleagues are framed and balancing on the verge of a double life. And the ending brings a little moisture to your eyes. Just a little bit.
"Donnie Brasco" is a movie that is better just to watch and not try to compare it with the generally recognized standards of the genre. And if you compare, this film may not win, but the humor and relative reality of what is happening do not allow “Donnie” to drown in the seriousness of the scrupulous story about the hard part of an undercover agent. It's the end of the '70s - the beginning of the '80s, what a sad thing! Bright colors, beautiful women in the background, stately or sporty, but always cool cars and stylish, such native as others, since the days of GTA: Vice City in childhood, bandits. But the problem is that the evaluation of this film is not a masterpiece, but clearly more than a good film. And 8.5 when translated into stars equal ... well, it hurts to play well.
9 out of 10
Mike Newell is currently known as the director of the fourth Harry Potter and Prince of Persia. Back in 1997, he shot his best film, a crime drama based on real events about an FBI agent who was introduced into the ranks of the mafia with Johnny Depp and Al Pacino in the lead roles.
“Donnie Brasco” is a very powerful film, it tells a bit about the mafia, how much about people’s relationships, their emotional traits, problems and how to solve them. And most importantly, this is the main character Joe Pistone, who throughout the film begins to understand that not only does his job perfectly, he begins to like it. He likes a life where easy money, where respect reigns, and most importantly, the risk that makes you forget who you really are. He must find the line that separates an honest police officer from a dangerous gangster.
Another thing to note is the acting game. Johnny Depp, played one of his best roles, the image of Joe Pistone turned out bright and memorable, cold and calculating. Al Pacino, who played all the great gangsters from Tony Montana to Carlito Brigante, in this film showed himself as a tired, tortured bandit who was never taken into account.
10 out of 10
There are many films about undercover cops. About gangsters, snitches, betrayals and everything that is inherent in this topic. And what I like, almost all removed, I do not fear the word, with a soul! What the Casino, what the Fight, what the Godfather. There are no examples. This film is no exception.
I’m amazed at how this movie goes down to the details! Each character has a unique character, habits, principles. Every actor played great, you can never doubt it! Even laziness once again to write that Depp and Pacino, one of the best actors and that not a role, a unique image. At first, it may seem that Pacino is the same Carlito or Montana, but the further you go, the more you realize that this is not the tenacious gangster that goes to the end. This is a dwindling, often grumpy old man who gave up and quietly dreams of a boat. It is impossible to believe this game. Or take Depp. Gambling, throwing into a swirl with his head guy, frightened by the unprecedented massacre of an innocent person. But gradually changing. The image of a smug FBI man grows into the image of a brazen representative of the mafia. Here he is Brasco playing the role, no matter what he was found out, but he gets carried away and already beats his feet, bleeding, the director of a Japanese restaurant. Pure character, without falsehood - not for nothing Depp is called the best actor after Brando.
But there every person looks not just an actor with attitudes, but a person. Relationships, emotions, speech - everything looks to the limit natural.
Now for the story. Well, where can you find a film about male trust, about male friendship, without snot, but with sincere devotion? Well, apart from Combat... Brasco didn't just try to be his own, he became his own. So much so that everyone thought they knew him, so much so that they couldn't believe the FBI and the photos. So much so that Lifty continued to see him as someone close to him, not just a mob-hate cop. “Tell him that if it’s all true, it’s good that it was him and not someone else.”
A real movie, thought out to the maximum, without the pleasure of chastity (yes, I mean the scene in which Depp saws his leg), with feelings and real characters.
FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) is tasked with infiltrating the New York-based Bonanno Mafia Family. According to legend, he is Donnie Brasco, a merchant of stolen jewelry. Starting to communicate with the mafia Donnie behaves quite “by concepts” and criminals gradually begin to take him into their circle. In addition, Donnie liked the aging mafia Benjamin “Left” Rujiero (Al Pacino). The left-hander is not young, but he has not reached any heights in the mafia and has a serious debt to Sunny "Red" for the race. But thanks to the surety of Lefty Donnie learns about all the affairs going on in the Family and he provides the FBI with invaluable information, but he himself begins to have serious psychological problems.
The film is based on Joseph Pistone's book Donnie Brasco: My Underground Life in the Mafia. And unlike many other films “based on” “Donnie Brasco” looks quite plausible.
And first of all, this credibility is created due to the excellent performance of the actors.
Al Pacino was able to create a new image, different from Michael Corleone and Tony Montana. His left-hander is an elderly “six” bandit who has achieved nothing in life, but can tell a lot of useful Donnie about the mafia.
Johnny Depp perfectly portrayed an FBI agent who gradually begins to be sucked into the mob. This is clearly seen in the scenes with his wife: if at first, when Joe comes home to see her, she sees her loving Joe, then over time she notices with horror that it is not Joe who comes to her, but Donnie Brasco, for whom their house has turned into a shelter, into a lair.
In this film, the mafia is completely different. If in The Godfather the mafia is a powerful criminal corporation, in this film the mafia is a small criminal gang engaged in racketeering, blackmail and extortion. This group is only a link in the chain of organized crime, so even the leader of the district (he was well played by Michael Madsen) is concerned only with a large “knockout” of money, otherwise if he does not “send his share” to the top, he will simply be killed.
Another big plus of the film is its color. Perfectly composed dialogue, well-chosen soundtrack – all this is only for the benefit of the film.
To sum up: a great movie that is worth watching, if only for Al Pacino.
9 out of 10