Based on true events, Donnie Brasco is the story of FBI Agent Joseph Pistone (Johnny Depp) who poses deep undercover in the mafia underworld as jewel thief Donnie Brasco. Striking up a relationship with loser wise guy Robert "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino), Pistone manages to infiltrate the mob collecting evidence on Lefty and his gang headed by Sonny Black (Michael Madsen).

However when Pistone starts to become seduced with the Mafia life style, his job, marriage, and ultimately his life are all placed on the line.

Johnny Depp is in fine form proving that he does not have to be 'quirky' to be effective on screen. The viewer sympathizes with the struggle his character goes through as his duel identities begin to clash under the strain towards his commitment (or lack of) to his family at home, his job with the FBI and his loyalty to his new family and mentor Lefty, played by Al Pacino who portrays the low level gangster/mentor with equal doses of sympathy, quite intensity, and perfect comedic timing.

Playing the mentor (something of a specialty to Pacino) Lefty lays down the ground rules to Donnie/Joseph throughout the movie: A wise guy never pays for drinks; a wise guy is always right even if he's wrong; wise guy never carries a wallet-keep your money in a role, etc. Donnie/Joseph is very eager to learn as he begins to develop a close friendship with Lefty which leaves him with mixed feelings.

Both Depp and Pacino play off each other very well, trading mafia slang like they have done it a million times. Their chemistry is electric as they both bring out the best in each other with both actors giving superb performances thanks to Paul Attanasio's excellent and witty screenplay.

Anne Heche is very impressive as Donnie/Joseph's struggling wife making the most of her limited screen time, while Mike Newels - who although looking at his past resume may have seemed like an odd choice of director- proved to be the best choice for the job.

An extremely underrated movie, highly recommended.