Friday, July 16, 2010

Donnie Brasco (1997) - Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero

Donnie Brasco theatrical release poster
Donnie Brasco based on the late 1970s real event of FBI undercover agent, Joseph D. Pistone (under the alias name Donnie Brasco) who successfully infilitrates the New York City's Bonanno crime family. Pistone (Johnny Depp) posing as a jewel thief from Florida. He eventually becomes accepted as an associate by the other family members.

Donnie Brasco and LeftyPistone befriends Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino), a low level family member and hit man who having spent 30 years of his life in the Mafia and killing 26 people, but was hopeless about his own future. However, the longer Pistone infilitrates the family and plays role as Donnie Brasco, he finds himself identifying more with the mafia life. He also has come to regard Lefty as his close friend.

Donnie Brasco was directed by Mike Newell, starring Al Pacino (Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero), Johnny Depp (Joe "Donnie Brasco" Pistone), and Michael Madsen (Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano). The screenplay written by Paul Anastasio, adapted from FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone's book. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

In real life, Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero was arrested by the FBI and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder, extortion, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, and running an illegal gambling operation. He died of lung cancer in 1994, two years after received early parole in 1992.


Cast:

Al Pacino ... Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero
Johnny Depp ... Donnie Brasco / Joseph D. "Joe" Pistone
Bruno Kirby ... Nicky
Michael Madsen ... Sonny Black
James Russo ... Paulie
Anne Heche ... Maggie Pistone
Gerry Becker ... Agent Dean Blandford FBI
Rocco Sisto ... Richard "Richie" Gazzo
Zach Grenier ... Dr. Berger

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