Al Pacino’s Mob Thriller Rivals Goodfellas, Now Free to Stream
Al Pacino, an Oscar-winning actor, is often celebrated for his performance in the Godfather series. However, his role in the 1997 film Donnie Brasco has drawn attention for its parallels to the acclaimed mob movie Goodfellas. Now, fans can enjoy Donnie Brasco as it becomes available for free streaming on Tubi starting December 1, 2023.
Donnie Brasco: A Closer Look
Donnie Brasco recounts the true story of an FBI agent, Joseph Pistone, portrayed by Johnny Depp. Pistone goes undercover within a prominent New York mob family, adopting the alias Donnie Brasco. Throughout the film, Pistone befriends Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggerio, played by Al Pacino. This bond complicates Pistone’s mission as he grapples with the implications of his undercover work.
Key Facts and Figures
- Director: Mike Newell
- Release Date: February 28, 1997
- Runtime: 127 minutes
- Box Office Gross: Over $124 million
- Budget: $35 million
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 98%
- Screenplay Writer: Paul Attanasio
Acclaimed Comparisons
Critics have often likened Donnie Brasco to Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic Goodfellas. Ben Morganti from CBR emphasized the film’s unique exploration of organized crime. He noted it not only offers a biographical perspective but also presents a more nuanced take on morality and sin. This distinguishes it from typical 1990s gangster films.
Legacy and Continued Projects
Donnie Brasco is based on the 1988 nonfiction book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, written by Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley. As it prepares to stream for free, Pacino continues to be active in the industry. His upcoming projects include The Ritual and Billy Knight, set for release in 2025. Meanwhile, Johnny Depp is set to portray Ebenezer Scrooge in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which is expected in November 2026.
