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DONNIE BRASCO - REVIEW

DONNIE BRASCO ( English,1997)

Director : Mike Newell

Cast : Al Pacino , Johnny Depp,Michael Madsen

I have always wanted to watch this one for a long time , but never really had the opportunity to sit down and watch it , for some reason or the other. But last night I finally put an end to this procrastination , and decided to watch it.

Joseph Pistone ( Johnny Depp) , is an undercover FBI agent , who has to infiltrate the New York Mafia , posing as Donnie Brasco , a jewelery man. He then meets Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero , an experienced gangster , who works for one of New York's gangs. Lefty then decides to take Brasco under his wings , and help him out in his initial days in the Mob. How Brasco manages to lead a double life , and what happens when he gets too involved in the Mob , forms the rest of the story.

Set in New York in 1978 , the film gives an insight into the organized crime scene of that era. But this one is a bit different from the other gangster movies I have seen. It does not really have too many scenes portraying violence and shoot-outs , but instead focuses on the politics and ego-clashes within the mob. There are factions within the Mob , and Brasco is unsure if he has to stick with Lefty , or follow the orders of the bigger boss Sonny Black ( Madsen) .

The movie is very interesting and keeps you hooked for the most part , thanks to some brilliant performances by Pacino and Depp. Lefty tries to be a father-figure to Donnie , and keeps giving him advice all the time. Donnie , on the other hand has to lead a double life , and has to deal with a wife and 3 daughters when he gets home.

Depp has come up with a really fine performance , and plays a subdued character , as Brasco , and a family man with a bad temper , as Pistone. He does not get to spend time with his family and is away from home most of the time , leading to various problems with his wife.

Pacino is as reliable as ever , as "Lefty" Ruggiero , and his portrayal was a treat to watch. Not as overwhelming as his other gangster characters in movies like "Scarface" , " Carlito's way" , and the biggest one of' em all " The Godfather " , Lefty is a different character . He is a very experienced mobster , but has to put up with lesser deserving colleagues being "upped" , the term used when a member is promoted within the Mob.

Being a mafia based movie , it has its fair share of backstabbing , and ego-clashes , but without succumbing to cliches. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which Depp questions Pacino , about a suspected mole , and tries to prick his conscience , by making him utter the name of a gang member , whom Lefty had just shot dead.

If there is one thing about the movie which could have been altered , it has to be the Screenplay. The movie , like I said is not a typical gangster movie and focuses more on human feelings and emotions like ego-clashes and so on. So we don't really get to see a lot of "Action" as such , which is perfectly fine with me. But the Screenplay could have been a wee bit faster , I felt. No issues however. Its because of some fine acting by biggies like Pacino and Depp , that the slow pace does not really bother you much except in a few instances.

My verdict for this movie will be 3.5 out of 5 . Please do watch it for some superb acting , and its different portrayal of the 70's crime scene. However , if you are the type of person who expects a lot of foolish fights and mindless action from gangster movies , stay away cos there is nothing in it for you. This is for more patient and sensible viewers.

VERDICT : VERY GOOD . ( 3.5 / 5)