Donnie Brasco Film Review

Donnie Brasco is a dynamic crime film that takes the viewer through an emotional journey. This film was shot in 1997 and takes place in the 1970s.The main character Donnie Brasco, played by Johnny Depp, is an undercover cop who is sent to infiltrate a New York City mob. He befriends Lefty, played by Al Pacino, to get inside the mob. Lefty, a member of the mob, vouches for Donnie and the rollercoaster begins
While watching this film, one will see the transition from acting, to becoming, like seen in the film The Departed. The stress of following orders from the outside (the FBI) and the inside (the mob) will eventually wain on Donnie and force him to a side. Also, having to transition from mobster to family man will give Donnie a newfound respect for the decreasingly artificial friendship with Lefty. The realism that the film is shot with allows the viewer to connect with what the characters are feeling throughout the journey. You could go as far as to say that you are there in the moment with Donnie when he is beating down a waiter at a restaurant, for getting his order wrong, or when he is heading home to fight with his wife about why he is home late without an explanation because “It is for your own safety that you don’t know”. This film gives one an insight on what both sides of the law face, and brings forth not just their differences, but their similarities as well.
Overall Donnie Brasco will be a reflective experience for the viewer. Viewers will find themselves asking “Could I be turned that cold?”. Donnie’s dynamic journey shows that he or she becomes what he or she surrounds their self with, whether they like it or not. So for this film the recommendation should be made that the viewer should connect with Donnie and see what he or she can learn as oppose to judge.

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