Opened: February 28, 1997

Directed by: Mike Newell

Starring: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche, Željko Ivanek, Gerry Becker, Robert Miano, Brian Tarantina, Rocco Sisto, Zach Grenier, Walt MacPherson, Ronnie Farer, Terry Serpico, Gretchen Mol, Tony Lip, George Angelica, Val Avery, Madison Arnold, Tim Blake Nelson & Paul Giamatti

There’s something about mobster films where you know the lead is an undercover policeman that make them more thrilling, and Donnie Brasco doesn’t disappoint in that manner.

Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) is an undercover FBI agent who falls into the Mafia under the wing of Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino). As Donnie rises amongst his crew, Joseph’s wife Maggie (Anne Heche) is increasingly irritated by his secrecy.

Pacino and Depp are a great pairing that create a father and son bond between Lefty and Donnie. You can feel the care the characters have for each other even though you know Donnie’s true motives.

The portrayal of gangster life here flows between subtle and outright gruesome with some highly intense moments that’ll keep you on edge if you don’t know Joseph’s story.

Final say: Great performances make an already great story better. ★★★★★