Donnie Brasco

Donnie Brasco

Year: 1997

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Newell

DramaThrillerCrime

Undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone assumes the identity of Donnie Brasco to infiltrate the Mafia. He develops a close, unexpected friendship with Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero, a low-level mob associate. As Donnie becomes increasingly embedded in Lefty's life, his loyalty is tested, and he must balance his duty to the FBI with the complicated bonds he's formed, facing serious repercussions for his double life.

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Timeline – Donnie Brasco (1997)

Trace every key event in Donnie Brasco (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Joseph Goes Undercover

In 1978, Joseph Pistone, a young and determined FBI agent, begins his perilous journey by infiltrating the mafia. He adopts the alias 'Don the Jeweler' as he seeks to gather intelligence on criminal operations from within.

1978
2

Meeting Lefty Ruggiero

Joseph encounters Lefty Ruggiero, a small-time mobster looking to sell a diamond. Joseph quickly identifies the diamond as fake, but, leveraging the situation, he offers to help Lefty with his debts, solidifying a bond of trust.

3

Earned Trust and Respect

Following their initial transaction, Joseph earns Lefty's respect when he takes over the car Lefty offered as a sign of trust. This act further embeds Joseph into the mafia circle, allowing him continual access to vital information.

4

Family Sacrifices

As Joseph ingrains himself deeper into the mafia life, he sacrifices his ties to his own family. He misses significant family events like his daughter's communion, highlighting the personal costs of his undercover operation.

5

Rising Influence

Joseph's increasing influence within the mafia helps improve the police's understanding of criminal activities. Lefty, struggling with family pressures and gambling debts, begins to see Joseph as the son he always wanted.

6

Sonny Black's Rise

Lefty gains favor with Sonny Black, a powerful figure in the Brooklyn mafia, who respects him for his efforts while being incarcerated. Unbeknownst to Sonny, Joseph maintains a facade that puts everyone at risk.

7

The Casino Venture

FBI agents advise Joseph to steer Sonny Black's attention toward Florida, a region ripe for mafia expansion. Sonny, seizing the opportunity, decides to invest in a lavish casino and nightclub, unaware of the impending consequences.

Florida
8

The Grand Opening Raid

During the grand opening of Sonny's new casino, law enforcement conducts a raid that shatters the mafia's plans. Following the raid, Lefty begins to suspect there may be an informant among them, heightening tensions within the group.

Casino, Florida
9

Betrayal by Sonny Red

Unbeknownst to them, rival mafia boss Sonny Red tipped off the authorities about the casino opening, leaving Sonny Black in a precarious position. This betrayal enables Sonny Black to eliminate his competition but increases pressure on Joseph.

10

Moral Quandary

As Sonny Black consolidates power following his rival's elimination, Joseph faces a moral crisis. He starts to realize that his friendship with Lefty may put both of them in danger as loyalties are tested.

11

Personal Life Crumbles

Joseph's double life leads to the deterioration of his marriage as the weight of his secrets becomes unbearable for his wife. Torn between his responsibilities and growing emotional conflicts, she ultimately seeks a divorce.

12

The Order to Kill

Sonny Black orders Joseph to commit a heinous act by executing Sonny Red's son, which nearly unravels Joseph's cover. Just in time, the FBI intervenes, pulling him back from making a life-altering mistake.

13

Identity Exposed

In a twist of fate, the FBI's operations ultimately expose Joseph's true identity to both Lefty and Sonny Black. This revelation sets off a chain reaction that seals the fates of those involved in his undercover plan.

14

A Price on His Head

With a $500,000 bounty placed on his head by the mafia, Joseph goes underground to avoid retribution. While he manages to reconnect with his family, the trauma of his undercover experience continues to haunt him profoundly.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:13

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Donnie Brasco Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Donnie Brasco

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