Donnie Brasco: “If it was going to be anyone, I’m glad it was him."

He was an agent, and during his undercover work, his strong charisma seemed to influence others. As his target came to trust him, he brought him into the mafia and vouched for him. It was only at the end that it was revealed that the most trusted person was a government agent, and the mafia paid a huge price. He, too, paid with his life. Even in death, he didn't blame his colleague, saying, "If it had to be anyone, I’m glad it was him." It all stemmed from one man's appreciation for another.

"Donnie Brasco," based on a true story, tells the tale of a federal agent's undercover career in the mafia. Speaking of undercover work, it's easy to think of the "Infernal Affairs" series of movies. The conflict between the police and the criminals is the main theme throughout "Infernal Affairs," and all the plotlines revolve around this. It's a complete battle of survival where only one side can win. In "Donnie Brasco," the director dedicates a lot of screen time to depicting the mafia. Apart from the protagonist Donnie, the FBI is in a supporting role throughout the film.

The standout element of "Donnie Brasco" for me was the charisma of its lead actors: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, and Michael Madsen. Depp portrays Donnie, an undercover agent in the mafia, with remarkable depth. He grapples with the dual pressures of his job and the strains in his family life, where his wife and children often seem distant. The risks of his undercover work add to his constant tension, exacerbated by increasingly dangerous tasks assigned by his bosses. Despite the dangers, Donnie lacks support, leading to his emotional turmoil. Within the mafia, his superior Lefty trusts him deeply, treating him like family, while the higher-up Sonny also holds him in high regard. Donnie carries a burden of guilt for Lefty's tragic fate, and in a poignant gesture, he leaves behind stolen money to fulfil Lefty's dream of owning a boat. Throughout the film, Donnie navigates three major conflicts, and the collision of these struggles pushes him to the edge of a mental breakdown.

Michael Madsen is a man who looks and acts just like the mafia gangster, Sonny Black. He is a ruthless, cunning, and daring character who, as Lefty puts it, is like a hidden snake in the grass. He can plan to kill his boss and take over himself. He can kill for minor reasons, but he is also extremely conceited. When evidence proving that Donnie is an undercover federal agent is presented to him, he stubbornly insists that Donnie couldn't be an undercover agent. This scene is probably the most exciting and ironic in the movie. Sonny's voice is deep and hoarse, which fits perfectly with his vicious and treacherous personality. You would think that no matter what tragic end he meets, he deserves it.

Unlike the strong and domineering characters he has portrayed before, Al Pacino's Lefty is a small-time mafia member. This character is full of tragedy. He has worked for the mafia for 30 years but has never had a chance to rise to power. He talks non-stop, always repeating his "achievements". He is not ruthless enough or heartless enough, which determines that he will always be a small character. On the other hand, he owes money to the organization because his son is addicted to drugs and he had to borrow money. He is already tired of the mafia, but the reason he stays is because of his debts. He hates his son for being so weak, and the feeling of love and hate is vividly portrayed by Al Pacino in two scenes.

In the first scene, it was on Christmas Eve when Donnie came to his house as a guest. At this time, his son wanted to go out and take drugs. He raised his head and looked at his son, and this action gave me a great shock while watching the movie. In real life, this action appears in many scenes where parents watch their wayward sons go out and cause trouble. Al Pacino's performance is like a reflection of real life.

The second scene was when Lefty's son was taken to the operating room because of drug abuse, and his life was unknown. Lefty cried out loud to Donnie in the corridor seat, saying that he was born in this hospital, but now he had to watch him enter the operating room and wait for news of his life or death. Al Pacino naturally and sincerely expressed the love of a parent for their child. Lefty's attitude towards Donnie was more like an elder's sustenance. He could be said to treat Donnie as his own son, protecting him in all aspects. At the same time, he also regarded Donnie as his hope. He saw something that he hoped for but could no longer realize in Donnie. The importance placed on Donnie embodied his sustenance for an ideal.

As the movie unfolds, it becomes apparent that the central theme is not just the cat-and-mouse game between the mafia and the police, but rather the bond of friendship and loyalty among men within a specific context. Al Pacino's character, the lower-ranking mafia member, is portrayed not as a typical villain but as someone forced by circumstances to lead a double life. He cares deeply for his family, yet he is compelled to take risks to provide for them. While he dreams of achieving wealth and status within the mafia, his ultimate desire is simply to have enough money to retire. His character reflects the struggles of many ordinary people who, faced with financial hardships, may resort to illegal activities or violence. In this light, the film explores the complex motivations behind individuals who find themselves caught up in such environments.

Al Pacino's character reveals his more human side in several poignant moments throughout the film. For instance, he invites Donnie and his family to celebrate Christmas together, expresses his hopes of opening a bar with Donnie, and shows his deep disappointment and helplessness when his dreams are shattered. There's a scene where he calmly puts on his coat and removes all his valuables, seemingly resigned to his fate and waiting for death. His final words, "Tell Donnie if there really is an undercover agent, I hope it's you," reveal his true feelings. Despite knowing that Donnie is the undercover agent, he chooses not to expose him. This act demonstrates his loyalty and friendship towards Donnie, willing to sacrifice himself to protect him and bring an end to the mafia's wrongdoing.