Die hard enemies turned into friends ?

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2006)

This the other side of life, of an FBI Agent, who, in the process of getting closer to the gangsters, himself gets entangled , to such an extent, losing all the reason, and sensibility ! Though claimed as based on a true story, is it possible, that the cunning, ruthless Mafia gangsters, do not bother much, to find out about Donnie's background ? Agreed, they rely much on Lefty's judgment, and word of Honor, as per the ethical code of conduct, even of the gangsters, but still ? Later, it's hinted, that , some how, Lefty, the aging, but sensitive, and a seasoned gangster, had, in fact, suspected about Donnie's connection with the FBI, due to that boat, which is filmed, and clearly indicates the title ! It's interesting to note, how ,even the mafia sticks to their unwritten code of conduct ! Knowing fully well, that it's in his own interest, to detach from Sonny, Lefty doesn't succumb to the temptation of getting a bagful of money, and going away, with his family, to some goddamn far away place, when hinted by Donnie ! Or does he not have the courage to do so ? In almost all the shoot-outs, Lefty is a some what passive participant, so in order to perhaps, compensate for that, a very gory scene of Lefty cutting the slain victims, and Donnie assisting him, is shown ! That's some how, feels disgusting, and unbelievable ! Can a duty conscious, law protector, Public servant, stoop to such an extent ? Just to prove that he collaborates the gang's operations ? Though played well, Depp seems to be at a loss, to match Pacino's versatile acting !
The direction is subtle, and realistic, especially, the confrontations between Donnie and his wife ! when he slaps her, and then repents, or when she verbally lashes him ! she looks a little too young for the role, though ! I was touched immensely, specially by the scene , enacted by Pacino, when he removes all his identification articles, jewelry, keeps it in the drawer, and walks away, to his obvious end, the death, as a punishment for his folly, with a last look at his house ! And then the resounding, one single gun shot ! Donnie gets all the honors, for his exceptional performance, but the prick of conscience, that he duped Lefty, is evident on his face ! A movie with a different perspective altogether, is worth watching, both for acting, as well as the other side of Mafia !