A worthwhile gangster flick but ultimately second rate

Rating: 7/10 (15 November 2008)

"Donnie Brasco" tells the true story of how FBI agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) infiltrated the Bonanno crime family in an operation that lasted six years. He is tutored in the ways of mafia life by long-time thug 'Lefty' Ruggiero (Al Pacino) and soon finds that his professional life is putting great strains on his personal life.
As you might expect, several liberties are taken with the actual events. In some cases these tweaks give the film a manufactured feel but for the most part a sense of realism is retained.
The cast is pretty good with Al Pacino giving the best performance as a world-weary mobster. Johnny Depp is solid as always and Anne Heche holds her own in the scenes they share. The various mobsters seem mostly authentic but the only real standout is Bruno Kirby.
On a technical basis, the film is well constructed. Mike Newell's direction is workmanlike and suits the picture well. The score and soundtrack also uphold the atmosphere without being obtrusive.
I recommend this movie to those who like gangster films and/or crime dramas. It may be second-rate when compared to the likes of "GoodFellas" & "The Godfather" but it's still worth watching.