Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this film contains scenes of bloody violence and gunplay. Aside from "purely" criminal acts, there are depictions of physical abuse within families and a racially motivated attack. The characters use strong language throughout the film, smoke, drink, and deal drugs. One suffers an overdose off-screen.
Families who see this movie will want to discuss Donnie's divided loyalty. Ostensibly, it is between the mob and the FBI, but is it that simple? Who else is he answerable to, and in the end, which group does he really side with? Have you ever been in a situation where your loyalty to a friend has been tested, particularly when a friend has done something very wrong?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Will Fertman
DONNIE BRASCO is based on the true story of Joe Pistone (Johhny Depp), the first FBI agent to successfully infiltrate the inner circle of the Mafia. Pistone (code-named Donnie Brasco), poses as a small-time jewel thief who befriends low-level mobster "Lefty" Ruggeriero (Al Pacino). Broke, over the hill, and desperately eager to please, Lefty struggles daily to score enough cash to satisfy the made men at the top. Lefty quickly takes Donnie under his wing, coaching him on wiseguy rhetoric and deportment. Donnie, meanwhile, is very busy with his double life. Driven as an agent, and ambitious as a hoodlum, he barely has energy left for his wife and two kids. His superiors at the FBI appear unsympathetic as well. Pistone's life becomes even more complicated when events unexpectedly pull Lefty (and therefore Donnie) up the power structure.
DONNIE BRASCO is a fine film, a supposedly true story that covers many of the usual mafia movie bases -- family, loyalty, trust and betrayal. The film proves note-worthy, however, by providing the audience with an in-depth view of characters who are typically portrayed as one-dimensional corrupt law enforcers. Families who enjoyed this film might want to check out mob classics like, The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II, and Goodfellas.
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ViolenceBloody violence and gunplay. |
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LanguageVery strong language. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSmoking, drinking, drugs. |
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