28 Years Ago, Al Pacino & Johnny Depp Made the Most Realistic Mafia Movie Ever
Based on a true story, this drama offers its viewers a uniquely authentic glimpse into the world of organized crime. Al Pacino and Johnny Depp deliver unbelievably touching performances once again.
If you're tired of sugar-coated and over-the-top mafia movies, this might be exactly what you're looking for.
This film is based on a real life story, and even Joseph D. Pistone, the real FBI agent whose story inspired the film, vouched for its accuracy, stating that the movie is approximately 85% truthful to his experience. That's no small praise from someone who lived undercover within the Mafia for six whole years.
And yes, we can't discuss mob movies and Pacino without mentioning his iconic role in The Godfather (I'm obligated to bring it up, I think). But while Pacino's Michael Corleone showed us the calculated rise of a criminal mastermind, his portrayal in this movie offers something entirely different yet equally compelling.
The Story of Donnie Brasco Won't Leave You Indifferent
The movie we're talking about is none other than Donnie Brasco (1997).
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Directed by Mike Newell, the film takes us deep into the gritty underbelly of the New York mob scene in the 1970s.
Johnny Depp plays Joseph D. Pistone (alias Donnie Brasco), an FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Pacino portrays Lefty Ruggiero, a mob hitman who becomes Donnie's mentor and friend.
It's a heavy, character-driven drama. And it masterfully shows us the gradual transformation of Pistone into Brasco. He later questions himself and this whole operation as he becomes too emotionally invested in the lives of the very criminals he's supposed to be taking down.
Donnie Brasco Is One of the Most Accurate Mob Movies Ever Made
The film's accuracy has been vouched for by those who would know best.
“Watched a podcast of a former inmate with Lefty and he said that Pacino accurately portrayed him. Lefty was apparently a narcissist who would like to make jokes but only at your expense,” Redditor Confident-Ant-3763 shared.
This just goes to show you how much thought has been put into the movie and how thoroughly Pacino researched and embodied his character's psychology.
Another Redditor Mst3Kgf perfectly summarized what makes this film special:
“Of all Mafia/crime movies, I'm not sure there's a more unglamorous depiction of the lifestyle than "Donnie Brasco", which is what I admire about it.”
We can’t even imagine how mentally draining it must be to work undercover like this. Everyday must have felt like an eternity and a total lie.
Fortunately, experiencing Donnie Brasco is easier than infiltrating the mob yourself. You can stream it right now on Fubo, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+.