Humanising the Mafia.

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 1999)

After the hip, razzle dazzle glamorising of the Mafia that was 'Goodfellas', Donnie Brasco is a breath of fresh air. While watching Donnie Brasco I was so appreciative of the realism that the characters have to them, this is what stood out to me most in comparison with other mob films.
This feeling is summed up beautifully early on in the film when we see Lefty (Pacino) sitting in front of the TV, watching a nature program, in an ill-fitting red tracksuit, in a 'lived in' looking chair. This simple and brief moment has the effect of humanising Lefty. He isn't the larger than life figure that 'wiseguys' are usually depicted as in film, but a real person, who does the normal banal things that all people do in their lives.
The believable characters are not the only fine thing about this film however. Donnie Brasco is as close to perfectly executed as any film you will see from 1997. Not a minute is wasted in the slowly unraveling story. Every scene is worthy and important. The performances are rock solid. With this Depp has graduated to the top grade of leading men, which is quite an achievement for one still so young. Pacino too is superb, offering his best performance in years as the tragic Lefty. The overlooked Anne Heche and Michael Madsen are both fine in support.
I have little hesitation saying that this is the best mafia film since 'The Godfather Part II'. Its realism and moving characters place it a notch above the tragically hip 'Goodfellas'.
10/10 - The best film of 1997.