Fogetaboudit

Rating: Null/10 (3 March 2003)

A mafia movie either makes for a stud or a dud. To make a classic mafia film work, there has to be a great chemistry between the cast. There is no doubt about the chemistry when Al Pacino and Jonney Depp are involved in the film `Donnie Brasco.' Al Pacino plays the character Benjamin `Lefty' Ruggerio. Lefty has been in the business for quite sometime, but still hasn't been recognized for the respect that he feels he deserves. Depp plays Donnie Brasco, a young eager man trying to make his way into the mob. The twist comes as Brasco is a FBI agent named Joseph Pistone, who is collecting evidence to take down a New York mob organization.
The main story line for this movie is a student/teacher relationship. Pacino's character takes `Brasco' in under his wing. When a new person is introduced in the mafia, the person who brought him in has to take full responsibility for all the actions committed by the new gangsta. So, Lefty takes a chance on Brasco, and introduces him to his boys. I found it interesting and funny when Lefty explains to Brasco, `When I introduce you, I'll say this is a friend of mine that means your good. If I say this is a friend of ours that means your dead.' From day one, Lefty plays as a mentor towards Brasco. He watches his every move to make sure his new boy on the job acts real gansta. Lefty even tells him to shave his mustache off and start wearing suits, because that's what `real Mafioso men' wear. Everything is going as planned for Brasco. He is gathering all the information needed to bring this mob down, and on top of all of that, he is the new hit man whom everyone can't stop talking about. Then the unexpected happened. Brasco character was starting to grow attached to his new life, and he was leaving his wife and children behind. He knew that if he blew his cover, Lefty would have to take the heat for it, and the other mobstas would kill him for bringing a rat into the group. Brasco couldn't betray someone who he looked to as a father figure. His marriage was falling apart, and he was growing accustomed to the Mafioso ways. The only thing that could set him on the right tract is his family and other co-workers. Does he do it? Does he betray the only man he has known to be anywhere close to a father? This movie is based on a true story. It is filled with suspense and drama that keep my eyes peeled to the TV set. This movie is a good example of life, respect, and honor. Some critics have mentioned that Donnie Brasco didn't get the attention it deserved as a film. This film is Oscar material, but didn't get the acclaim for it. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is an Al Pacino fan, and knows what a good mob movie is all about. If viewers don't like the blood and gore of a mafia hit, FOGETABOUDIT!