Johnny Depp. Donnie Brasco. Johnny Brasco.
Released: 1997
Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Biopic
If there's one thing that mob movies have taught me over the years, it's that joining the Mafia is a horrible, horrible idea. While many of the quintessential crime movies released before "Donnie Brasco" focused more on the gritty, explosive violence of mob life, this particular entry centers more prominently on the emotional fallout caused by associating with the gangster lifestyle. Granted, "Donnie Brasco" doesn't shy away from tough guy talk and hot-headed hitmen pointing guns in people's faces - fans of "The Godfather" series and "Goodfellas" won't be disappointed by the action sequences involving people getting whacked - but the beatings and murders take a very obvious backseat to the story here. Johnny Depp plays his part well enough by himself, but the addition of Al Pacino's character causes an onscreen chemistry that comes damn close to genius - both men play off of each other, flawlessly and naturally reacting to subtle mannerisms and nuances without any indication that they're acting at all. It's truly enjoyable and quietly charming to watch Pacino somewhat outside his element, appearing as a desperate and vulnerable lost soul, completely opposite to the manic and deranged temperament he embodies in "Scarface." A supporting cast headed by Michael Madsen rounds out one of the best acting ensembles of the '90s, and the emotional weight this movie strikes with as its characters begin to self-destruct and implode hits hard due to this. If it was a purely fictional film, "Donnie Brasco" would already come as a highly-recommended and surprisingly powerful watch, but merely wrapping your head around the fact that it's based on a true story makes everything all the more entertaining and worthwhile.
Rating (out of 5): 4
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