Joe Pistone is an undercover FBI agent infiltrating a group of mobsters. He gains entry through striking up a friendship with long serving small time member - Lefty. As the operation progresses Lefty and Joe aka Donnie Brasco strike up a warm friendship - Lefty seeing the young man as his own protégé.

However, as the FBI closes in to nabbing the mob members it becomes apparent to Pistone that once his cover is blown it would mean immediate death for Lefty - the man who vouched for him. At the same time the mob become aware of the fact that an infiltrator has entered their group. The tension mounts as Pistone is torn between his two alter egos.

Donnie Brasco is not your usual gangster film. The pace is slower than would be expected and there is less violence and tension than one has become accustomed to. But it's a poignant account of the less glamorous side of the mob. Pacino plays Lefty - a small time mob member - always the henchman - unable to get ahead even after 30 years of service to the mob. Depp is the FBI agent facing an identity crisis as he struggles to separate his 'real' life with his assumed street identity.

Obviously this plays havoc with his family life and his marriage with the long-suffering Anne Heche (surprisingly tolerable in a small role). The film's heart and soul though is Pacino's performance. A wonderful return to form after a few less memorable outings in the recent past. In sharp contrast to his last few roles, here he turns in a restrained, sensitive performance.

Depp is also good and the film benefits enormously from the performances of these two fine actors. The cast is well supported by a strong cast including Michael Madsen and Bruno Kirby. An unusual and moving look at the human emotions involved in the mob world.