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Donnie Brasco

In 1978, the US government waged a war against organized crime. One man was left behind the lines.

1997 · 122 min · Crime
8.4 Modest
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Crime Drama Thriller

An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and identifies more with the mafia life at the expense of his regular one.

Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Year
1997
Studio
Mark Johnson Productions · Baltimore Pictures · Mandalay Entertainment

Trivia & behind the scenes

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Origins

The film is based on Joseph D. Pistone's 1988 memoir 'Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia,' about his real-life work as an undercover FBI agent infiltrating the Bonanno crime family.

Origins

Louis DiGiaimo, a casting director and childhood acquaintance of Pistone, served as a consultant on the book and bought the film rights, later bringing the project to Barry Levinson's Baltimore Pictures.

Origins

Stephen Frears was originally hired to direct the film, but the project was delayed after the mob film Goodfellas was released in 1990, and Frears was eventually replaced by Mike Newell, with development only picking up again in 1995.

Casting

Stephen Frears, the original director, was adamant about casting Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero even before the project was delayed and later handed to Mike Newell.

Casting

Joseph D. Pistone, the real-life agent the story is based on, was hired as a consultant to help Al Pacino and Johnny Depp develop their characters.

Reception

The film earned $124.9 million worldwide against a $35 million budget and received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at the 70th Academy Awards.

Reception

Critics gave special praise to Johnny Depp's performance, with Salon.com calling it 'sensational' and New York magazine describing him as 'graceful' and highly believable.

Trivia

A 2007 Blu-ray release of the film included an extended cut, following an earlier 2000 Special Edition DVD with bonus commentary tracks.

Memorable quotes

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Who the fuck am I? Who am I? I'm a, a spoke on a wheel. And so was he, and so are you.

Lefty reflecting on his place in the mob hierarchy

In our thing, you get sent for, you go in alive, you come out dead, and it's your best friend that does it.

Lefty explaining the rules of 'this thing of ours'

All my life I've tried to be the good guy, the guy in the white fucking hat. And for what? For nothing. I'm not becoming like them; I am them.

Donnie Brasco realizing he has become what he was fighting against

[talking to Donnie] When I introduce you, I'm gonna say, "This is a friend of mine." That means you're a connected guy. Now if I said instead, "This is a friend of ours," that would mean you're a made guy. A Capisce?

Lefty teaching Donnie mob etiquette and status distinctions

If I come out alive, this guy, Lefty, ends up dead. That's the same thing as me putting the bullet in his head myself.

Donnie Brasco weighing the fatal consequences of his undercover mission

I'd die with you, Donnie.

Lefty expressing loyalty to Donnie

And listen to me, if Donnie calls... , tell him... if it was gonna be anyone, I'm glad it was him. All right?

Lefty final message to Donnie before his fate is sealed

I got cancer of the prick.

Lefty joking bitterly about his illness

In all the five boroughs, I'm known, forget about it. I'm known all over the fuckin' world. Anybody, ask anybody about Lefty from Mulberry Street, eh? You pissin' up the wrong fuckin' tree, my friend.

Lefty boasting about his reputation on the street

A wise guy's always right. Even when he's wrong, he's right.

Lefty describing the twisted logic of wiseguy pride

I wish I had that boat again, that Bertram. I'd get in my car with Annette, I'd drive down to the pier... I'd get on that boat, and I'd go. East, west, north, south, nobody ever finding me.

Lefty dreaming of escaping his mob life

I never hear from my boss until he dies, then my whole life gets turned upside down!

Lefty lamenting how his boss's death upended his life

How much money did you give that guy? A wiseguy never pays for his drinks.

Lefty scolding Donnie over mob money etiquette

The good news is, my dick is now a popsicle!

Nicky joking after being out in the cold

C'mon Donnie. Help me fillet this fat fuck. [Lefty kills him]

Nicky unaware he's about to be killed

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