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2

Paramilitary400May 17, 2015

This mob thriller is very average. A viewer familiar with Pacino and Depp's movies would expect great acting and constant action. However this movie is lacking in both acting and thrills. There are a few parts of action but barely any. For aThis mob thriller is very average. A viewer familiar with Pacino and Depp's movies would expect great acting and constant action. However this movie is lacking in both acting and thrills. There are a few parts of action but barely any. For a mob thriller the movie is very disappointing. The story drags and by the end of the movie you are relieved that it is over. This movie received high reviews from the critics and the public but it isn't on the level of mob thrillers like Casino, Goodfellas, Scarface, and The Untouchables. I wouldn't watch this movie again and for anyone who hasn't seen this skip it. Whoever misses the movie who hasn't seen it, you aren't missing anything vital. This movie adds nothing new or original to the crime genre.… Expand

73 of 79 users found this helpful736

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6

Cpal4554Dec 30, 2018

Rated M for Meh. The cast is fine, some great actors with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. But the story is rather dull and slow. The first half hour nothing happens, then a montage of like ten minutes a lot happens and back to slowness. GodfatherRated M for Meh. The cast is fine, some great actors with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. But the story is rather dull and slow. The first half hour nothing happens, then a montage of like ten minutes a lot happens and back to slowness. Godfather movies aren’t fast either but they mostly had bigger (?) and more well rounded casts. And a much better story. This story might have been okay if it wasn’t so difficult to pay attention because of the dullness.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

metaobServerDec 16, 2020

it was cliche and dull performance from j.depp.it was not enough satisfying.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

SpangleJul 29, 2014

This one took me a little bit to get into and I was unimpressed, but once it got me, it completely got me. Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen, are all fantastic in this one. Ultimately, this one is a gangster film that does a reallyThis one took me a little bit to get into and I was unimpressed, but once it got me, it completely got me. Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen, are all fantastic in this one. Ultimately, this one is a gangster film that does a really good job developing the characters and making them all very human. By the end, you can see why Depp's character is going through the things he is and the conflict he is facing. In addition, though you know Pacino and Madsen are bad men, you feel a ton of sympathy for them. That is a key to the success of many films and this one completely nails making us care and feel for the characters, no matter how bad of a person they may be. In addition, the development these characters go through in two hours is great and feels like a good representation of the true story behind this one. My only complaint here was the beginning, in which the development happened at the snap of a finger and seemed a little rapid and unlikely. I feel like they probably skipped over some information there, which is too bad. However, as a whole, this one is very good and a good depiction of what really happened minus some small inaccuracies. A great showcase for the talents of Depp, Pacino, and Madsen, for sure.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

MovieGuysFeb 20, 2014

One of the main themes of "Donnie Brasco" is the way people affect each other and relationships, and in that case it succeeds completely. But the place where this drama fails is excitement. It is very sophisticated with many different moodsOne of the main themes of "Donnie Brasco" is the way people affect each other and relationships, and in that case it succeeds completely. But the place where this drama fails is excitement. It is very sophisticated with many different moods (dark, satirical, etc.) and a superb script, but there's not that much suspense in the movie. This movie would've been an almost perfect blend of these elements had there been some of said suspense in its climax and critical moments.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

TokyochuchuNov 28, 2012

Donnie Brasco is an excellently acted true-story mafia flick. The only slight problem with the movie is a general lack of excitement. Donnie Brasco never feels dangerous. It totally succeeds through the power of it's relationships, however.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

KeithDowNov 12, 2017

I've probably watched 'Donnie Brasco' a dozen times, but it only occurred to me after yet another viewing how often director Mike Newell features shots of Donnie and Lefty in a car crossing one of New York City's numerous bridges.I've probably watched 'Donnie Brasco' a dozen times, but it only occurred to me after yet another viewing how often director Mike Newell features shots of Donnie and Lefty in a car crossing one of New York City's numerous bridges.

Stylistically, it makes sense. It's a perfect way to capture the ruggedness of the steel girders, the grandeur of the East River, and the magnificence of the city's world-renowned skyline off in the distance, all in a single sequence.

However, one must also consider that the bridges serve a more symbolic purpose. Donnie--an undercover FBI agent--successfully infiltrates the Bonanno crime family, and in doing so slowly transitions from an upstanding G-man into a gangster. Thus the bridges are also used as a metaphor--a way to physically manifest his crossing over from good to bad.

'Donnie Brasco' does so many of the big things right, not least of all Al Pacino's extraordinary performance. But it's the little things that make the film endlessly re-watchable, and I'm happy to have discovered another detail that can be added to the list.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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8

wololoooAug 1, 2012

Based on a true story, Donnie Brasco subverts the glamour and scope of other successful gangster films for a more focused narrative, and the result is a very personal and effective film. The film follows a young FBI agent (Johnny Depp), as heBased on a true story, Donnie Brasco subverts the glamour and scope of other successful gangster films for a more focused narrative, and the result is a very personal and effective film. The film follows a young FBI agent (Johnny Depp), as he manages to infiltrate a mafia faction through one of its veteran soldiers, Lefty (Al Pacino).
The growing bond between Pacino and Depp's characters plays out beautifully, with both leads giving subtle and low-key, but brilliant performances. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and delivered near-perfectly by the vast majority of the cast.
One element of the film that wasn't so effective was the subplot involving Depp's deteriorating relationship with his wife and family. These scenes seemed necessary, but in my opinion were a little clunky in their execution. While there were some scenes that could have been shortened or cut out entirely (the film coming in to a lengthy 150 minutes), overall Donnie Brasco is a fine gangster flick.… Expand

1 of 13 users found this helpful112

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9

ingie44Mar 28, 2014

Best mob movie I've seen. Brilliant cast, good plot, interesting and touching. Kept me hooked from start to finish. I would definitely would recommend watching this.

1 of 19 users found this helpful118

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9

alejandro970Sep 2, 2017

Absorbing real-life story of an undercover agent who swam among sharks. Johnny Depp and Al Pacino captivate at first sight by their chemistry, in a liaison nearby to father and son.

1 of 22 users found this helpful121

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10

gmnzJan 31, 2014

This is Johnny Depp's best film. And De Niro's too. Portrayal was on the spot. Their portrayal was very good that you forgot each actors' identity. You get lost into their character.

Also I would like to point the very accurate depiction.This is Johnny Depp's best film. And De Niro's too. Portrayal was on the spot. Their portrayal was very good that you forgot each actors' identity. You get lost into their character.

Also I would like to point the very accurate depiction. It's like I'm watching a documentary or I was part of the federal surveillance team.

Nice classic film.… Expand

1 of 60 users found this helpful159

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10

jessecJan 25, 2009

Great movie, very entertaining.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

7

ERG1008Sep 1, 2010

Forget about it!
Al Pacino in one of his better roles (less over the top & a caricature like most of his later work), Johnny Depp great as usual & a very strong supporting cast with Michael Madsen, Anne Heche & Bruno Kirby.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

sinadoomApr 13, 2014

An al-round solid film. Although there isn't much action and the typical gangster movie stuff, the story and characters were developed so well. You could really see things from their point of view. Although there's no excitement orAn al-round solid film. Although there isn't much action and the typical gangster movie stuff, the story and characters were developed so well. You could really see things from their point of view. Although there's no excitement or note-worthy scenes, there aren't any boring or unnecessary parts either.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

mohamad91hkAug 2, 2019

Amazing true story film made by the star of mafia movies Al Pacino, besides Johnny Depp & Michael Madsen who made a great role in the movie. "Donnie Brasco" is completely enjoyable, but I was hoping to see more breathtaking moments.

Finally,Amazing true story film made by the star of mafia movies Al Pacino, besides Johnny Depp & Michael Madsen who made a great role in the movie. "Donnie Brasco" is completely enjoyable, but I was hoping to see more breathtaking moments.

Finally, "Donnie Brasco" doesn't reach to the perfection of "The Godfather", but it worth to watch.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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8

timoneApr 2, 2019

Well I have looked up on some of the documentaries on Joseph Pistone aka. Donnie Brasco to see if it's interesting to know what happened in real life in the book of Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia. The actual film itself isWell I have looked up on some of the documentaries on Joseph Pistone aka. Donnie Brasco to see if it's interesting to know what happened in real life in the book of Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia. The actual film itself is loosely based on the true story of Joseph D. Pistone aka. Donnie Brasco played by the famous Johnny Depp himself. Donnie Brasco revealed to be Joseph D. Pistone who is an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the Mafia Bonanno crime family in New York City during the 1970s. He befriends with Lefty Ruggiero played by Al Pacino who vouches for him. He gave him his trust and loved him like a son but he doesn't know his real identity. Al Pacino and Johnny Depp have good chemistry together and they both played good characters along with the other casts like Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche. The line "Forget about it" is a line that has been said multiple times and I don't know how many times they're been saying that. If I don't know how many times they said "Forget about it" just "Forget about it". So out of all the gangster films out there, this one is one of the deeper ones (if not the most deeper film). Some people say that this is best crime film, however it's not a perfect film by all means but it is a good film with a good story that stays true to the real life adaptation of the book. With strong performances by Al Pacino and Johnny Depp, this is a movie for you.… Expand

0 of 18 users found this helpful018

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7

MovieMasterEddyApr 7, 2016

Mob life receives one of its least glamorous screen portraits in "Donnie Brasco," which concentrates on the human toll of an enormously successful real-life FBI infiltration of the New York Mafia. The psychological dimensions of the storyMob life receives one of its least glamorous screen portraits in "Donnie Brasco," which concentrates on the human toll of an enormously successful real-life FBI infiltration of the New York Mafia. The psychological dimensions of the story remain underrealized, but the loaded central premise and intimate focus the film sustains combine for a very involving and dramatic piece of crime lore that should generate solid late winter biz.

In a substantial step down in the gangland pecking order from his roles in the “Godfather” films and “Scarface,” Al Pacino here plays Lefty Ruggiero, a two-bit wiseguy who, as of the tale’s start in 1978, has worked as a loyal foot soldier for 30 years, has done 26 hits by his count but is basically broke and destined not to ascend any higher in the ranks. Brash as he can be, Lefty is intimidated by his boss, Sonny Red (Robert Miano), and lives such an unrewarding home life with his obedient wife and junkie son that it’s no wonder he prefers to spend most of his time with the boys.

At his barroom hangout, Lefty meets a young man, Donnie Brasco (Johnny Depp), who quickly impresses him with his knowledge of jewels and his tough-guy prowess. Smart and unafraid to stand his ground, Donnie inspires nothing but confidence as the older man shows him the ropes, giving him, as well as the audience, an irresistibly intriguing guided tour of mob life from the inside. Donnie meets Lefty’s guardedly accepting cohorts, who most importantly include the hulking, explosively temperamental Sonny Black (Michael Madsen), the suspicious Paulie (James Russo) and the more voluble Nicky (Bruno Kirby), and is told that, under Lefty’s sponsorship, he could be on the road to one day becoming a Made Guy in the family.

What Lefty never knows, however, is that his streetwise willing student is actually FBI agent Joseph Pistone, who is taping hours of revealing talk and, as he is welcomed further into the mob hierarchy, accumulates mountains of evidence on their illegal activities. The question becomes, how long can Pistone’s successful impersonation last before some slip puts him and the entire operation in jeopardy?

The answer is, far too long for Pistone’s wife Maggie, who is forced to endure long months without seeing her husband and is not even able to ask him what he’s doing on the rare occasions he does return to see her and their three daughters. The strain on the marriage becomes almost unendurable, and one can only conclude that such a job is not one for a family man.

But Donnie’s ties to his new family are, by contrast, growing stronger, as his proposal for an expansion into Miami is met with approval by the quickly rising Sonny Black. But when the New York group’s new club is raided by Miami police, the boys smell a rat. A subsequent struggle between Sonny Black and Sonny Red for dominance in Gotham inevitably leads to a bloodbath, whereupon it’s only a matter of time until the FBI pulls Donnie out and puts the hammer down on the mob.

All this would provide more than enough narrative incident for any movie, but screenwriter Paul Attanasio and director Mike Newell to resist wallowing in the alluring trappings of the gangster genre. Downplaying, although not ignoring, the standard violence, suspense and excitement, the filmmakers keep their attention trained on the growing bond between Lefty and Donnie and the looming betrayal that Donnie knows will doom the man who has taken him under his wing.

So Donnie remains an opaque creation. The film does not give him an interior voice, a door into his feelings, so one cannot engage his point of view or even connect with this intriguing and brave man as much as one would like, despite the outward appeal of Depp’s performance.

By contrast, Pacino unlooses an unchecked stream of visible thought and emotion, beautifully delineating the need his small-time neighborhood thug has for a best friend and surrogate son. Although perhaps familiar in its outer trappings, Pacino’s fine work is the key to the film succeeding to the extent that it does.

Although the supporting actors get across the right attitudes, none of them have roles of sufficient depth to permit more than superficial readings. As Pistone’s wife, Anne Heche gets to do little other than suffer and hurl accusations of neglect.

Very proficient in the many scenes with the two main actors, Mike Newell’s direction is a tad soft around the edges and lacks the intense atmospherics normally associated with such fare. Sharp production values accentuate the tacky disco-era look.… Expand

0 of 21 users found this helpful021

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8

ThreeboxIndoorsDec 22, 2016

Donnie Brasco has great acting, great characters, and a heartfelt teacher-student-like relationship between Donnie and Benjamin, who actually come to love each other as if they're father and son. This is what makes Donnie Brasco more sweetDonnie Brasco has great acting, great characters, and a heartfelt teacher-student-like relationship between Donnie and Benjamin, who actually come to love each other as if they're father and son. This is what makes Donnie Brasco more sweet and heartfelt than almost any other mobster movie. Donnie is such a great protagonist for the same reason other protagonists in other gangster films are. He is a lovable badass played by Johnny Depp, but he didn't feel like an actor here, and i didn't even know it was him until the end credits told me. He just felt real, and it's the same with the rest of the cast. It does tend to drag at times and it lacks any suspense or excitement, but it doesn't disengage you at all because it focuses more on the characters, and the characters are fantastic. It doesn't have any memorable scenes, but neither does it have any boring or unnecessary scenes that pull you out of the film. I wouldn't say it's a must-see but it is a great film, and very underrated. I'm going to give it an 8/10.… Expand

0 of 19 users found this helpful019

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8

FalaaxMay 24, 2018

This film is well done and especially well acted. It's based on facts and it really does a great job showing the strugles an undercover agent can face. Sometimes it may feel like there's a lack of action but the plot is interesting enough toThis film is well done and especially well acted. It's based on facts and it really does a great job showing the strugles an undercover agent can face. Sometimes it may feel like there's a lack of action but the plot is interesting enough to keep the viewer in it.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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8

xXClutchDutchXxJan 20, 2020

Good movie. Wondering why everyone rated it so low. I haven't seen Goodfellas yet or Godfather and I just watched this in 2020, (not when it came out) so maybe this various the viewing experience.

0 of 22 users found this helpful022

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10

EkeyJan 16, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ахуенно.Жалко левшу а так фильм пиздатый Мне понравилось. Рекомендую к просмотру!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand

0 of 27 users found this helpful027

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8

BalliarnoOct 11, 2020

Donnie Brasco is a film that while it only came in 1997 I feel watching it in 2020 has me thinking maybe just maybe its already a classic in my eyes. The story is a mafia story that sells itself to the audience as a true story and after theDonnie Brasco is a film that while it only came in 1997 I feel watching it in 2020 has me thinking maybe just maybe its already a classic in my eyes. The story is a mafia story that sells itself to the audience as a true story and after the credits rolled I jumped on Google to know more and found that some details were left out or changed slightly, I didn’t think it made the film any less enjoyable though but I did think it was worth mentioning to you. Mafia stories in cinema are plenty and to be blunt most are rubbish but Donnie Brasco is one of the special ones that keep the viewer watching right to the end. Like all of my reviews I wont be giving away any spoilers about any film even older ones so you can read this one with confidence that you also can enjoy it. Mafia life, mafia death is a solid front for this film and I really liked that it showed more of everything in the “life” during the runtime than the downfall since that part of these gangster films really bring the tone down. The two major leads are Al Pacino and Johnny Depp and yes we all know Al Pacino is a fantastic actor and this film doesn’t change that but the true wonder is Johnny Depp. Depp shows us before he was Capt Jack Sparrow from Pirates Of The Caribbean he really was a solid actor and I for one would love him to fill the realistic role of an actor again. Donnie Brasco shows us what its like to be pulled into organised crime and go from being a nothing jewel thief to roaming the big city of New York with some of the most feared men that walk its streets. The film clearly doesn’t start exactly back far enough in my opinion but does give you enough back story to understand everything that is happening when the film kicks off. None of the areas of the film felt rushed or unfinished but I did wish the writers/director expanded of a few scenes and maybe cut down on others. This is the kind of film that if you had to guess what was going to happen next I think that 8 out of 10 times you’d be right on the money, this isn’t a bad thing because though you may know where its going you want to see how the screenwriter is going to show it.
For a film based on organised crime I was expecting more violence but I put that down to the fact that almost every other gangster film over uses the violent factor. Since I mention violence don’t go in watching thinking that its minimal because when it does show that side of the world it doesn’t shy away. Some films and tv shows glorify violence to shock the viewer but I have always thought that type comes across as lazy writing whereas here its used just right. During the film the story progresses quite quickly and of course that makes sense because of the time constraint of film but I think at least putting some time scale on the film from time to time would have given a better understanding of how many days/months or even years have passed during each major situation. It might sound like a minor gripe but it was really odd to follow a story only to be shuffled from one major situation to the other and have to guess how much time has passed.
I like most movie lovers know the big hitters in this genre of film and I would put Donnie Brasco into that group. Holding off on some films or just forgetting them for whatever reason isn’t always a bad thing as I don’t think I would have appreciated DB the same way if I was younger. This film is one of the easiest films for me to write about and rate… Expand

0 of 34 users found this helpful034

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9

HabibiehakimJun 26, 2021

It's just Al Pacino and Johnny Depp doing an amazing performance, Donnie Brasco is different, while it's not a banger, the movie is still getting better with Michael Madsen terrific performance, Donnie Brasco is like a B almost A class of aIt's just Al Pacino and Johnny Depp doing an amazing performance, Donnie Brasco is different, while it's not a banger, the movie is still getting better with Michael Madsen terrific performance, Donnie Brasco is like a B almost A class of a Mob movie, Donnie Brasco is still 100% worth watching.… Expand

0 of 13 users found this helpful013

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9

StevenSOct 19, 2006

This movie was great, loved the suspense bits... like when he's a hair away from being caught, it's got a lot of style, great movie!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

TyranianApr 7, 2019

Pretty good mob film, very much a slow burn but good acting and story. Similar to Goodfellas.