Redfox on Donnie Brasco
The character Donnie Brasco is based on a real life FBI agent Joe Pistone, who went through a long and often on the edge undercover operation to get a mafia grouping on hook. Donnie is the actual undercover name he went by.
He befriends a mafia guy named Lefty, played by Al Pacino. Donnies relationship ith Lefty is difficult to grasp. Some reviews you´ve probably read say he finds in Lefty a father figure, a claim which I cant support 100%. At least JD does not act that relationship convincingly enough for me. But there is something about Donnie... he is a figure you often meet in all the dramas and series of policework and agents - a brave fellow dedicated to his mission with messed up family life. But there is something more. Donnie goes over the edge in many ways. He is on the verge of blowing his cover several times, and then there are times when he goes too deep in his undercover role. He is terrified sometimes, but he doesn´t stop half way in some of the things mafia gets him involved with - and those are things you cant watch without disgust. You sometimes have to suspect Donnie is starting to enjoy his mafia life. But then you see him finally get back home, and you are confused. He comes with passion, but leaves in a hurry. That is also very much influenced by him not wanting to cause trouble for Lefty, the guy who´s put his trust in "Donnie". He doesn´t want to be revealed as a "rat". In the end we don´t know, how much the mafia suspected or found out. But the fact is - "Donnie Brasco" got away.
© Redfox
Summary