Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

3

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.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.