Should have been nominated

Rating: 9/10 (8 March 1999)

Donnie Brasco was simply one of the best films of 1997 and should have been nominated for best picture. Being released in February of that year didn't make it easy for the voters to remember it, but make no mistake, it was easily one of the five best movies of 1997. The relationship that is portrayed between Donnie and Lefty is one of the most beautiful friendships ever constructed on screen (perhaps because it was taken from a true story), and the inevitable action that is taken by Donnie in the end is painfully sad. Pacino and Depp have a chemistry that is magnificent and easily compares to some of the best pairings in cinematic history. I only hope we'll be fortunate enough to see them again sometime in another movie. Donnie Brasco shows the more tender side of the organized crime world (don't get me wrong, it shows plenty of the ruthlessness too), the concept of "honor among thieves" if you will. You realize that even though these mobsters might appear to be scum on the outside, they do have hearts and they do have feelings. The scene where Lefty is waiting outside the hospital room where his son is, and Donnie comes in is a very good example of this. After a little conversation between the two, Lefty simply looks at Brasco and says "I love you Donnie." It's scenes like this (as well as the scene at the end) that are so moving, you begin to realize just how powerful movies can be. This one reaches down inside and really makes you feel, and it really makes you think. It's simply one of the most unique, and beautifully crafted mob movies ever made, as well as one of the best films of 1997.