DONNIE BRASCO (Donnie Brasco (DVD))

Member Name: tuttgarm

Product:	Donnie Brasco (DVD)
Date:	02/07/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Chemistry between Depp abd Pacino

Disadvantages: stereotypical view of gangs

Mike Newell directs Donnie Brasco, a film based on a true story.

The film centres around Johhny Depp's character Joseph D. Pistone an FBI agent working undercover to expose an Italien/American mob. Joseph is accepted by the ageing Lefty Ruggerio the head of the gang played by Al Pacino. However, Joseph starts to respect and admire Lefty and starts questioning his morals. As Joseph tries to undercover the mob's secrets and leaders his personal life unravels with his marriage and job put at risk as well as his life.

As you would expect Depp and Pacino are terrific in their roles. They have a great chemistry on screen and Depp is particularly excellent as Joseph in playing the confused good guy.

The support cast is excellent especially Michael Madsen as part of the gang and Anne Heche.

Nonetheless, the movie does feel like it's trying to be like the Godfather at times and is not even on the same league. The stereotypical view of Italien/American gangs is too cliched. You can't help but feel that even though the movie is based on a true story some of the plot has been exaggerated.

The DVD extras include a director's commentary, a featurette, deleted scenes and a weblink.

Donnie Brasco is a good film though at times tries too hard.

Summary: Donnie Brasco good entertainment.