Donnie Brasco

The 1997 American crime drama film directed by Mike Newell is based on true events and the 1988 book "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia" by Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley. The film narrates the story of FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp), who, under the alias Donnie Brasco, infiltrates the New York Bonanno crime family during the 1970s. Donnie earns the trust of seasoned mobster Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino), who becomes his mentor and friend, unaware of Donnie's true identity. As Donnie delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he faces moral dilemmas, torn between his duty to the FBI and his loyalty to Lefty. The film also portrays the impact of Donnie's double life on his family, particularly his relationship with his wife Maggie (Anne Heche). The cast also includes Michael Madsen as Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano, Bruno Kirby as Nicky, and James Russo as Paul. "Donnie Brasco" received critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and performances, particularly those of Pacino and Depp. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and grossed approximately $124.9 million worldwide against a budget of $35 million.