Donnie Brasco Is One of the Most Accurate Portrayals of Mob Life Ever Captured on Film

The 1997 film Donnie Brasco was praised by audiences and critics alike. Today, we separate fact from fiction

Depiction of Joe Pistone aka Donnie Brasco

The 1997 film Donnie Brasco received high praise from critics and audiences alike for its gritty and realistic portrayal of mafia life in New York during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The film, which stars Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay as well as acclaim from movie critics Siskel and Ebert, who gave the film two thumbs up and praised Pacino’s acting, calling it one of his finest performances.

Depp portrays the title character “Donnie Brasco” which was the alias used by undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone as he attempted to infiltrate and gain intelligence on the New York mafia.

The making of the film was aided by having Joe Pistone on hand as a consultant. He was on set for the duration of the filming and assisted Depp in rendering an accurate portrayal.