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Donnie Brasco (film)

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 American biographical crime film directed by Mike Newell and starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Donnie Brasco is a 1997 American biographical crime film directed by Mike Newell and starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino. It is based on Joseph D. Pistone’s undercover work infiltrating the Bonanno crime family in New York City in the 1970s.

Plot and basis

The film follows an FBI undercover operation in which Joseph D. Pistone enters the Mafia under the name Donnie Brasco. It is adapted from Pistone’s memoir and portrays the risks of living a double life inside organized crime.

Cast

The principal cast includes Johnny Depp as Joseph D. Pistone/Donnie Brasco and Al Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero. Supporting performances include Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche.

Release

Donnie Brasco premiered in Century City on February 24, 1997, before its U.S. theatrical release on February 28, 1997. Sony Pictures Releasing handled distribution.

Reception and legacy

The film became widely known as a major 1990s crime drama and is frequently discussed for its performances and its true-crime source material. Its story is closely tied to the real-life FBI operation led by Joseph D. Pistone.

Key facts

  • The film dramatizes FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone’s undercover infiltration of the Bonanno crime family using the alias Donnie Brasco.
  • Johnny Depp plays Pistone, and Al Pacino plays Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero.
  • The screenplay was written by Paul Attanasio and is based on Pistone’s memoir.
  • The film premiered in Century City on February 24, 1997, and was released in the United States on February 28, 1997.
  • It also features Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche in supporting roles.
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Canadian context

The film is part of the North American crime-film canon and is widely available to Canadian viewers through standard film and streaming distribution channels.

Frequently asked questions

What is Donnie Brasco?
Donnie Brasco is a 1997 American biographical crime film about FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone’s undercover infiltration of the Bonanno crime family.
Who directed Donnie Brasco?
The film was directed by Mike Newell.
Who stars in Donnie Brasco?
The film stars Johnny Depp and Al Pacino, with Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, and Anne Heche in supporting roles.
What is the film based on?
It is based on Joseph D. Pistone’s memoir, Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia.
When was Donnie Brasco released?
It premiered on February 24, 1997, and was released in U.S. theatres on February 28, 1997.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Brasco_(film)
    Supports: Director, cast, basis on Pistone memoir, premiere date, release date, and plot premise.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119008/
    Supports: Plot premise and principal character identification.
  3. Google Play Movies — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Donnie_Brasco?id=Gy5DnvRxbJA&hl=en
    Supports: Plot premise and character roles.