Harockerce What a beautiful movie!

Cunninghamolga This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

muons This is an exceptionally good thriller on organized crime because it is based on a true story and actual Pistone acted as an advisor in the production. That leaves virtually zero plot hole in the whole movie which makes the events and characters very realistic, which is further helped by the superb performance by Pacino and Depp. The cast, directing, story telling, acting, character development, pretty much everything about this movie is of top notch, hence 10/10 without any reservation.

Parker Lewis Donnie Brasco kicked off the Donnie series in 1997, with Donnie Darko following four years later. One morbid scene was the much-discussed Japanese restaurant where Donnie and his cronies beat up the maitre'd because he insisted Donnie remove his shoes. I wonder what the casting call was for this, an actor of Asian appearance, preferably nerdy and flabby looking, willing to take a few blows for verisimilitude. I mean really, thankfully Donnie and his cronies didn't take their anger to a McDonald's lest Ronald be beaten up in the presence of Mayor McCheese and the rest of the McDonald's gang. Really, can you imagine if this incident had taken place in a German beerhouse? I don't think so...I imagine the beefy ultra-nationalists in the beerhouse wouldn't take any crap from Brasco et al.

matija-lozancic I went into this movie being a tad sceptical- primarily about Depp and Pacino's chemistry. It was already Pacino's post-prime era and I've always had some concern about Depp's performances in serious movies. However, i was gladly surprised because, let's be straightforward, this movie had me absolutely on the edge of my seat. One of the best mafia movies of the 90's (and there many of them), and one that is based on a true story. A really amazing story, one that deserved to be retold on the big screen. To begin with, cinematography is quite good and enjoying to watch. Mike Newell shows he deserves much more respect in Hollywood. The movie never gets boring. 70's atmosphere is recreated perfectly, cars, dressing, music, setup, it launches you back to that era with ease.Being based on a true story, the movie portrays mob life very precisely, unlike some other flicks we've seen over the years. The entire hierarchy, gangster life, their behaviour, simplicity of their conversations, the "being made" thing, it's both interesting and serious at the same time. One of the best things is that the movie shows how dangerous Joseph Pistone's task was. The movie had to be realistic in every aspect, and you will see, near the end, (no spoiler) how much gore and violence there is. Nothing is avoided, chopped heads, rivers of blood, everything is there. That goes to show how serious the movie is, despite being easy and comedic at moments (especially the Florida part). The performances are outstanding. Pacino- lovable gangster. You can identify with his character very much. He plays him in a very specific way, and brings out just the right emotions in the viewer. But, nothing less is expected from the legend. Depp- awesome. I don't know much about the real Joseph Pistone, but i'm sure i don't need to because this is one of Johnny's best performances. Michael Madsen is perfectly cast, too. However, i have a complaint about Anne Heche- while i have nothing against her acting skills in particular, i think she is wrongfully cast. Her chemistry with Depp could have been better. Another little thing that bothers me is the ending, which somewhat deviates from the real story and has left me a bit confused. However, that is nothing to harm this amazing movie which i will definitely be watching again. A real gem that deserves more recognition. 8/10.

Python Hyena Donnie Brasco (1997): Dir: Mike Newell / Cast: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Anne Heche, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby: Containing not a shred of originality and looks like every other gangster film. Johnny Depp plays Donnie Brasco, an undercover cop getting caught up in the crime. Graphic scene includes bodies being sawn up. Conclusion is pretty obvious. Director Mike Newell is aided by good locations. Depp is in fine form as Brasco drawn into crime without regret or acknowledgement. Al Pacino is in his right element as a mob boss who takes in Brasco like a son until certain facts eventually surface. Anne Heche plays Brasco's wife who struggles to maintain his true identity but unfortunately the role is pretty predictable and one note . Michael Madsen is typecast as a mobster. He was great in this sort of role in Reservoir Dogs but here he is doing nothing new. In fact nothing about the supporting roles uphold any belief that this is anything other than a routine gangster film. It is a who's who in gangster casting and it is a weak element in the film. Formula and cliché with superb climax. It is well crafted but contains all the elements seen in countless other films of its kind. It is the performances by Depp and Pacino that make this outing better than it might have been in lesser hands. This is what you call a glorious familiarity, or perhaps everybody shares the same story in the mob. Score: 7 / 10