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Donnie Brasco (1997)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
28 February 1997 (USA)
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Tagline:
Donnie Brasco. Based On A True Story. more
Plot:
An FBI undercover agent infilitrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life to the expense of his regular one. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Mafia
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FBI
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Undercover
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New York City
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Marriage
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Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 2 wins
&
8 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(49 articles)
Alan Greenspan Joins Cork Media Panel
(From IFTN. 4 November 2009, 11:26 PM, PST)
International Trailer: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
(From HeyUGuys. 3 November 2009, 2:44 AM, PST)
(From IFTN. 4 November 2009, 11:26 PM, PST)
International Trailer: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
(From HeyUGuys. 3 November 2009, 2:44 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Superb mafia drama. Deeper, and rings truer than most.
more (179 total)
US TV Schedule:
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) more
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for some strong graphic violence, pervasive strong language and brief nudity and sexuality.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
127 min | 147 min (extended cut)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
USA:R (certificate #34334) |
Norway:15 (DVD rating) |
Iceland:16 |
Singapore:M18 |
South Korea:15 |
New Zealand:R16 |
Argentina:16 |
Australia:MA |
Belgium:KT |
Canada:18A (video rating) |
Chile:18 |
Finland:K-16 |
France:U |
Germany:16 (bw) |
Mexico:B |
Netherlands:16 |
Norway:18 |
Portugal:M/16 |
Spain:18 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:18
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In Joseph Pistone's report, he lists Lefty, Lefty Guns, Lefty Two Guns, Half Cocked, and Horse Cock as false names for Benjamin Ruggiero (Pacino)
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Goofs:
Anachronisms: Many '90s models cars and trinkets visible.
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Quotes:
Donnie Brasco:
[Joe's kids are giving him the silent treatment] I bet you can't get through breakfast without saying three words
Daughter: [beaming up at him] You lose!
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Daughter: [beaming up at him] You lose!
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Bottoms Up (2006) (V)
more
Soundtrack:
Return to Me
more
FAQ
What are the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Extended Cut?more
more (179 total)
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First rate mafia drama connects on a deeper level than most. Its cinematography may not have the moody, noirish atmosphere that makes The Godfather so appealing, but despite its slick Hollywood look, it seems to attain such penetrating truth (this, perhaps, has a little to do with its being based on a book by the real life main character). The central situation of the aging mafia man taking under his confidence and vouching for an undercover FBI agent, and that a bond forms between the two men is a great one. The performances are absolutely superb. Particularly the two men who the story centres on, Joe Pistone, a.k.a Donnie Brasco (Johnny Depp, going for realism in this role, is incredible. It begins and ends with a closeup of his eyes - this movie would be nothing without him) and mafia man "Lefty" (Pacino, who gives us one of his finest characterisations - best bit, his close-up after Donnie is asked to shake hands by a certain character on a certain boat). The vividness of the characters in this movie seems to owe a great deal to the superb screenplay (again, credit to the real-life source material). Recurring catch-phrases make it easy for us to get to know characters, and wonderful little touches give the story such a resonance, and make it ring true: like Lefty's smoking inside the car when driving with Brasco and accusing Brasco of trying to kill him with the draft when he opens a window to let some smoke out, and the portrait of Lefty, the opposite of how we imagine a mafia veteran, as a vulnerable, often emotional man.
Deserves at least four stars. Recommended to anyone (except, obviously kids, for a few scenes unsuitable to them).