DONNIE BRASCO (1997) (****)

This is an intense emotional ride through the mob underworld from the perspective of a FBI spy. Based on the true-life story of FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone, who is still in the witness protection program, the film feels informed by the reality what a cop really goes through. But down deep the film isn't about cops and criminals, but about loyalty. If you're an undercover cop, who do you stay loyal to — the job that puts you in danger every moment and takes you away from your family, or the criminal who has become your friend?

Johnny Depp masterfully plays the title character, the FBI agent who infiltrates a mob organization through a low-level thug named Lefty (Al Pacino, HEAT). Pacino has played a lot of gangster-like characters, but this is his best since THE GODFATHER (I must admit I have not seen SCARFACE, yet). I love how the characters are developed and how Brasco takes on the personality of the gangsters. Lefty is the perfect in for Brasco, because he's the kind of guy who wants people to believe he's bigger than he is, so he says things that he shouldn't.

Like other films of this nature, Brasco has a suffering wife named Maggie (Anne Heche, SIX DAYS, SEVEN NIGHTS), who he leaves alone with the kids. However, the film handles the issue well, helping define Brasco's inter turmoil. Her response to her husband not coming home for weeks at a time, she pretends she is a widow so she won't hate him.

Lefty becomes a father figure to Brasco, who sees that Lefty has honor and works hard. If the mobster were in any other line of work, Brasco would take him home to meet the family. Like all people, Lefty wants to be recognized and respected, but is always looked over. It's heartbreaking when Sonny (Michael Madsen, KILL BILL: VOL. 2) is promoted over Lefty. Lefty receives a lion as consolation.

Another aspect of the mafia that this film sold better than any other gangster film I've seen was the uncertainty of being killed. It's a life on the edge. The threat of being whacked keeps people in line. But it's horrible on a guy's nerves. Why this film was only nominated for an Oscar for Paul Attanasio's screenplay, I will never know. Depp and Pacino do some of their best work here. I highly recommend this powerful film. Mike Newell, who directed FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, doesn't seem like the right director for this material, but he puts on a great gangster face for this one, which stands with the best of the genre.