An epilogue then reads, "The evidence collected by 'Donnie Brasco' led to over 200 indictments and 100 convictions. 1982)", "6 GET JAIL TERMS IN RACKETS CASE TIED TO MOBSTERS", UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. BENJAMIN RUGGIERO, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lefty_Ruggiero&oldid=1152492513, "Lefty", "Lefty Guns", "Mister Violence", "Hefty Lefty", "Horse Cock" and "Lefty Two Guns", Pistone, Joseph D.; & Woodley, Richard (1999). Deep Cover: The Real Donnie Brasco | Listen Free on Castbox. Donnie Brasco Review | Movie - Empire Here played Lefty Ruggiero, an aging mobster looking for a way back to prominence when he meets Donnie Brasco (who is really FBI Agent Joe Pistone). [1] In Florida, Pistone worked with another FBI agent working undercover as Tony Rossi. From Florida, he flew to Milwaukee where he testified against Milwaukee crime boss, Balistrieri, and his two sons. Donnie Brasco 1997 R 2h 7m IMDb RATING 7.7 /10 316K YOUR RATING Rate POPULARITY 2,272 166 Play trailer 0:37 1 Video 99+ Photos Biography Crime Drama An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one. For six long years, Joseph Pistone abandoned his personal life and worked his way up the rungs of the Bonanno crime family as Donnie Brasco. While it is never explained clearly if it was fake or not. The True Story Of "Donnie Brasco" And Joe Pistone's Mafia Infiltration An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one.An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one.An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one. Banks.' Madsen was previously well known for roles in 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Wyatt Earp' and the family film 'Free Willy. The Cast and Crew of the 1997 Hit Movie Donnie Brasco the murders he would have to be killed to prevent retribution for his father's death. Other than that, enjoy Villains Wiki!!! Lefty died of cancer in 1994. Daniel Rennie is a freelance writer residing in Melbourne, Australia. When Lefty was arrested he was in a car being driven to a meeting. Once I got to know Lefty pretty good and he got to the point where he trusted me and would talk around me and take me into his confidence regarding the Mafia business and who was who and what was going on, he got the impression that I had the ability to make a lot of money for him.. Donnie Brasco. In 2007, Sony released an DVD "Extended Cut" featuring an extra 20 minutes footage (taking the running time up to 147 minutes). Edit, Donnie and Lefty head down to the dock where Donnie has been ordered by Sonny Black (Michael Madsen) to kill Sonny Red's (Robert Miano) son Bruno (Brian Tarantina). [2][1] After about six months, Pistone shifted to the Bonanno family by developing a relationship with Anthony Mirra. He features prominently in episode 1 "Stayin' Alive in the '70s" and is the main focus of episode 2, "Operation Donnie Brasco". Befrriended by aging hit man Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero (Al Pacino), Pistone (using the alias "Donnie Brasco") begins to identify with the mafia life, to the expense of his own. Donnie Brasco - Donnie meets Lefty - that's a Fugazi - give it to He was bitter about Pistone infiltration. [33] A Secrets of the Dead episode, "Gangland Graveyard", features Pistone and his infiltration of the Mafia as part of the long-running investigation into the murder of three Mafia captains by Massino. Their responsibilities usually are to carry out small tasks, such as robbery and theft. [14] Mirra was also later killed on February 18, 1982. As Donnie moves deeper into the Mafia, he realizes that not only is he crossing the line between federal agent and criminal, but also leading his friend Lefty to an almost certain death. As a part-owner, Ruggiero was able to put himself on the company payroll with a $5,000-a-month "no-show" job. How much the movie actually profits from that, is something, that everybody has to know for themselves. [2] After the 1979 murder of Carmine Galante, Pistone reported to captain Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano. The two are later assigned to track down Sonny Red's surviving son, Bruno. [15] In his print review, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it three and a half stars out of four: the film had one of Pacino's best performances, and, according to Ebert, Donnie Brasco was rare in depicting "two men who grow to love each other, within the framework of a teacher-student relationship. Both Ruggiero and Pistone were summoned for a sit down with Bonanno bosses. "Anything happens, I'm responsible," Lefty warns Donnie. Sonny Black went to the meeting and as expected he was killed.It is debated whether or not Lefty was going to be killed. The film, written by Paul Attanasio, is based on the 1988 nonfiction book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia by Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley.[4]. In 1979, Bonanno boss Carmine Galante was murdered, creating a power vacuum in the family. A shot is heard, but it turns out to be Joe Pistone on the rifle range. Ivanek recently popped up in the films 'Argo' and 'Seven Psychopaths,' and had recurring guest spots on 'Revolution' and 'Banshee. Ronnie Farer - IMDb Donnie Brasco Reviews - Metacritic Now in his sixth year undercover in the Mob, Pistone had already gone deeper into the Mafia than any undercover agent. [15][16] About Napolitano's fate, Pistone had stated, "My intention in all of this was to put people in jail, not get them killed". Something had happened. [1] The original focus of the operation was to infiltrate big-time fences and truck hijackings that would in turn lead to the Mafia. Donnie Brasco: Yeah, it's like in the army. More recently, his film credits include roles in 'Piranhaconda' and 'I'm in Love with a Church Girl,' and he guest starred on 'Hawaii Five-0' and lent his voice to the animated series 'Axe Cop. [1][6], The operation was given the code name "Sun-Apple" after the locations of its two simultaneous operations: Miami ("Sunny Miami") and New York City ("The Big Apple"). Metacritic Reviews. An imposing mafia hit man, one Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero needs some advice on a jewel he as been given as collateral. Angered, Lefty accuses Donnie of siding with Sonny Black. [6] FBI agents visited Napolitano's apartment on top of The Motion Lounge and informed him of Brasco's true identity. Donnie Brasco: Yeah, it's like in the army. [6][1] For the undercover operation, the false identity of Donald "Donnie" Brasco was created, with a backstory that involved work as a low-level jewel thief. Lefty teaches Donnie the rules of the Mafia and introduces him to members of his crew, including Sonny Black, Nicky, Paulie, and rival crew leader Sonny Red. [nb 1], In the 1997 film Donnie Brasco, Benjamin Ruggiero was portrayed by Al Pacino. And, under him, there's the skipper. He's taken under the wing of aging, low-level soldier Lefty ( Al Pacino ). They seized thousands in cash and charged Black and undercover agent Robb with resisting arrest. He is well known for his friendship and mentorship of FBI undercover agent Joseph D. Pistone, who Ruggiero knew as Donnie Brasco. She is an actress, known for Donnie Brasco (1997), Law & Order (1990) and Safe (1995). While Pistone was in Florida, Bonanno boss Carmine Galante was murdered in the courtyard of a Brooklyn restaurant. The Bonanno family told Ruggiero that he would have to repay Marangello before he could become a made man. But Pistone couldnt go to Milwaukee. Pistone was not allowed to defend himself because he was not yet a full mob member. 10 and at the Office of Naval Intelligence for three years before being sworn into the FBI on July 7, 1969, and assigned to Jacksonville, Florida. [20] Pistone publicly testified for the first time on August 2, 1982. Giamatti had a handful of small, supporting roles prior, but 1997 was a big year for the actor, who also memorably starred in Howard Stern's 'Private Parts,' as well as 'My Best Friend's Wedding' and 'Deconstructing Harry. director of photography Film Editing by Jon Gregory Casting By He can scare the hell out of you with just one crazed look in his eye and he never gives a flat performance (well, except in Revolution). We provide you with exclusive access into the mind of the thought leaders covering inspirational content such as business, health, fitness, fashion, beauty, celebrity news, music, hot topics & more! Black, who was pleased with the business, offered Trafficante part of the operation. Pistone convinced Ruggiero to form a business arrangement with Frank Balistrieri, the head of the Mob in Milwaukee. The boss who led that resurgence, Joseph Massino, was convicted in 2004 of ordering Napolitano to be killed for allowing Pistone into the family. [6], Shortly thereafter, on August 17, 1981, Napolitano was murdered for having allowed an FBI agent to infiltrate the family; he was shot dead and his hands were cut off. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. [5] Pistone's original mission had been to infiltrate truck hijacking and fencing rings. [2] It went on to earn $41.9 million in North America and $83 million from other markets, for a total of $124.9 million. [10], The FBI then ordered the end of Pistone's operation. ', Now:Ivanek is one of those great "that guy" actors, whose name you might not know, but whose face you definitely recognize from films like 'Hannibal,' 'Black Hawk Down,' 'Live Free or Die Hard,' 'In Bruges' and 'The Bourne Legacy.' In November 1982, Ruggiero was sentenced to 15 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy; he was released in April 1993 before his death from cancer. Lefty and Sonny Black are later visited by several FBI agents, who reveal Donnie's true identity as FBI agent Joe Pistone to them to convince them to turn, but the mafia men at first refuse to believe Donnie was a traitor. Hobby Pistone and Ruggiero were inseparable almost immediately. From 2006 to 2008, she starred in the series 'Men in Trees,' and from 2009 to 2011, she co-starred with Thomas Jane in acclaimed HBO series 'Hung.' See production, box office & company info, (book "Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia"), Siskel & Ebert: The Empire Strikes Back: Special Edition/When We Were Kings/Blood & Wine/Lost Highway/Margaret's Museum. On Sunday, July 24, 1981, Pistone left the Kings Court for the final time. [2] In 2008, Italian artist Rossella Biscotti interviewed Pistone in her video The Undercover Man. Donnie Brasco (1997) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb In the late 1970's, FBI agent Joe Pistone poses as jewel expert Donnie Brasco to win the trust of ageing mob middleman Lefty Ruggiero. Donnie tries to offer Lefty a bag of money so he can leave the Mafia, but Lefty begins questioning his loyalty at gunpoint. In 1978 New York City, Lefty Ruggiero, an aging enforcer in the Bonanno crime family, meets Joe Pistone, a young undercover FBI agent posing as jewel thief "Donnie Brasco". Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) is an FBI agent who is given an assignment to. Donnie Brasco? His body was found with his trademark cigar still clenched between his teeth. The FBI gave Joseph Pistone a fake drivers license bearing Brascos name as well as access to cash and credit cards. Mobster. Lefty urges Donnie to make the kill just as the FBI show up and whisk away both Donnie and Lefty, while Lefty yells to Donnie, 'Don't tell them anything!' Brasco maneuvers his way into the confidence of an aging Mafia hitman, Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), who vouches for him. Get promoted to skipper in the Mafia. Ruggiero told his lawyer "He'll never go against us." However, after Pistone testified against him, he later said, "I'll get that motherfucker Donnie if it's the last thing I do. Pistone lives with his wife under an assumed name in an undisclosed location, with a $500,000 open contract on his head. What was the significance of the matchbook Sonny gives Lefty just before the boat scene? Ronnie Farer was born on 19 October 1951 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA. Pistone would later write a book titled Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia about his exploits, which was then turned into the film Donnie Brasco that starred Johnny Depp as the undercover agent. Occupation [24], While Pistone's infiltration decimated the Bonanno family, the family was consequently not a main target in the Mafia Commission Trial that saw the top leadership of the Five Families sent to prison, as the Bonannos had already been kicked off the Commission. Donnie Brasco (1997) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Mike Newell . The scene implies he is going to his death for letting Donnie aka (Joseph Pistone) an FBI agent into the mob.In real life Lefty was never killed. [7], Donnie Brasco premiered in Century City, California on February 24, 1997. Then:Michael Madsen played Dominick Napolitano, aka "Sonny Black," the captain of Lefty's crew. Depp also played Captain Jack Sparrow in all four 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films, and recently starred in 'The Lone Ranger' and 'Transcendence.' He has such a commanding presence on screen and nobody in cinematic history can scream as well as him (though Gene Hackman is damn good). As if to make Donnie feel inferior to him. Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia, Little Caesar Salvatore Maranzano created the American Mafia. (1997) / . Mafia soldier His testimony helped a federal grand jury return a seventeen-count indictment against Ruggiero, Black, and other members of the American Mafia. **We go live to tape as we had some technical difficulties**. Dog Places Her Puppies In Her Foster Moms Lap, Confessions of a Wall Street Insider: A Cautionary Tale of Rats, Feds, and Banksters Podcast, Stay at the Soprano House! "[14] The Playlist called it one of Pacino's best performances, writing "though Scent of A Woman, Two Bits and even (relatively) Heat showcased Pacino at his most exuberantly grandiose, Brasco brings him back to a performance of stealth and nuance".[21]. Now:Nelson caught his big break a few years later in the Coen brothers' 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?,' and he starred in 'The Good Girl,' 'Minority Report,' 'Wonderland' and 'The Incredible Hulk.' However, the friendships Pistone developed with Mirra and Ruggiero gave the FBI the chance to infiltrate the Mafia. Personality confrontational, proud, crude. Early life Mirra was born to Albert Mirra and Millie Embarrato in Manhattan. Ramona Rizzo, Karen Gravano, Micky Ward (The Fighter Inspiration) and me. Donnie Brasco and Her Current Life Ramona shares her experiences growing up in that life and how she now strives for normalcy as she is a mom to four beautiful children. Wikimedia commons Undercover agent Joseph Pistone as Donnie Brasco, with the lowlevel wiseguy who took him under his wing, Benjamin "Lefty Guns" Ruggiero. Goals [6] After the Bonanno leadership learned the truth, they immediately went after the men who brought Brasco into their midst. Donnie Brasco 1997 R 2h 7m IMDb RATING 7.7 /10 315K YOUR RATING Rate POPULARITY 1,916 658 Play trailer 0:37 1 Video 99+ Photos Biography Crime Drama An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one. He had a reputation as a killer but on a daily basis was not prone to violence. They get the ultimate protection, meaning no one can touch you or they will get killed. On May 5, 1981, Indelicato and two other rebel capos, Philip Giaccone and Dominick Trinchera, were lured to a meeting and murdered.[7]. Ruggiero mentored Brasco and eventually promised to sponsor him for membership in the family. On its opening day, Sonny's club is raided by corrupt Miami Police officers on Trafficante's payroll as a favor for Sonny Red. [5][1], Pistone worked his way into becoming an associate in Jilly Greca's crew from the Colombo family that was primarily involved in hijackings and robberies. He's barely more than a soldier. FBI agents reveal Donnie's true identity as an undercover FBI agent to Sonny Black. All the members of Sonny Black's crew aside from Donnie were Soldatos.Skipper is another term for a Caporegime "Capo" or Captain. Now:Russo reunited with Johnny Depp for the thriller 'The Ninth Gate,' and has appeared on the shows 'CSI,' 'CSI: Miami' and 'Dark Blue.' Heche was a a rising star at the time, and was previously known for roles on the TV series 'Another World' and in films like 'Milk Money. Born October 19, 1951 Add photos, demo reels Add to list More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Photos Known for Donnie Brasco 7.7 Annette 1997 Law & Order 7.8 TV Series Diane Wharsey We also had former Mafia captain Michael Franzese who was making between $5 million to $8 million a week (yes a week) back in the 80s. He played Governor James Devlin on the HBO series 'Oz,' and had recurring roles on '24,' 'Damages,' 'True Blood' and 'Big Love.' However, by 1978, Ruggiero was back in debt again to Marangello. Pistone, Joseph D.; & Brandt, Charles (2007). Pistone's marriage with his wife Maggie continues to worsen due to long absences while undercover, leaving her alone to look after their three daughters. He has such a commanding presence on screen and nobody in cinematic history can scream as well as him (though Gene Hackman is damn good). With that, Lefty and the others rise to the leadership of their mafia family. Lefty Ruggiero from Donnie Brasco | CharacTour The army is some guy you don't know telling you to go whack some other guy you don't know. A Capo leads a crew of Soldatos and occasionally some associates. In Florida, Joseph Pistone convinced Ruggiero (with Blacks approval) to purchase a nightclub called Knights Court. Ruggiero made Pistone an associate of the Bonanno family in early 1977. After the truth about Donnie is finally uncovered, Lefty realizes he will be killed for letting Donnie into the gang and leaves his valuables behind for his wife before going to face his death with dignity, with his fate not being shown. [18][1], The Mafia put out a $500,000 contract on Pistone and kicked the Bonanno family off the Commission. The FAQ items below may give away important plot points. In 2007, Sony released an DVD "Extended Cut" featuring an extra 20 minutes footage (taking the running time up to 147 minutes). At the time, Ivanek was known for roles in 'School Ties' and 'The Associate. The evidence collected by Pistone led to over 200 indictments and over 100 convictions of Mafia membersand some responsible for his infiltration were also killed by other mobsters. GREAT PERFORMANCES: Al Pacino in DONNIE BRASCO (1997) -340-66637-4. The True Story Of Donnie Brasco And Joseph Pistones Undercover Fight Against The Mafia. His next contact was Tony Mirra, who was considerably more important in the Mafia hierarchy. Origin They told him of Donnie Brascos true identity, showing him pictures of Pistone posing with his badge and other agents. He also starred in both 'Child of God' and 'As I Lay Dying,' indies directed by James Franco and adapted from works by Cormac McCarthy and William Faulkner, respectively. Mustache Pete refers to member of the Sicilian mafia who migrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century. Soon "Lefty" made Donnie Brasco his new business associate. He kept fifty-percent of his earnings, while Ruggiero took the rest. First of all, I want to add that I LOVE Pacino's work. Was the ring at the beginning really a fake, or was Donnie just playing Lefty to get in with him? Thus younger mobsters wanted to dissociate themselves from Mustache Petes (who had big mustaches), and did so by outlawing mustaches altogether. (directed by) Writing Credits ( WGA) Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Patrick Doyle . However, his character here (Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero) is a stark contrast from his earlier gangster roles. ', Now:Giamatti went on to appear in 'The Truman Show' and 'Saving Private Ryan,' but it was the 2003 indie film 'American Splendor,' in which he played underground comic book writer Harvey Pekar, that really got audiences taking him seriously as a leading man. [2] Ruggiero was arrested by the FBI on August 29, 1981. Was having a moustache really not allowed at the time? [4] Ruggiero joined the Bonanno family organization as a young man, serving as a street soldier under caporegime Michael Sabella. Yes, I am going to make the bold claim that this is his best work. Times were tough even for the Mob, which Pistone and the FBI exploited. March 05, 19973:30 AM. "[19] Entertainment Weekly reserved its highest praise for Pacino: "If Donnie Brasco belongs to any actor, though, it's Al Pacino. Product Information. Katz's Delicatessen - 205 East Houston Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. Now 78, Pistone is arguably the most influential law enforcement officer in American history, exceeding the likes of Wyatt Earp and Eliot Ness. Suspecting a setup, Sonny Black and his crew return to New York and gun down Sonny Red and two other mobsters in an ambush. Ruggiero earned his nickname "Lefty" from tossing dice left-handed while playing craps. They then go to the previous owner, who owns a nightclub. Depp was previously known for starring in the Tim Burton films 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'Ed Wood,' as well as films like 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' and 'Benny and Joon.'. Full Name Furthermore, he lied to the bosses when he said Pistone had made $250,000 in a heroin deal and had not shared the money with the family. Donnie Brasco: Directed by Mike Newell. He is well known for being the individual who introduced FBI Special Agent Joseph "Donnie Brasco" Pistone into the Bonanno family. Judging by Nicolas Cage's performance in Green's 'Joe,' we might be in for something pretty special. (Sony) Director: Mike Newell Genre (s): Drama, Thriller, Crime Rating: R Runtime: 127 min See All Details and Credits Watch Now Stream On Stream On Buy on Stream On Stream On Stream On Suspecting Sonny Red to be responsible, Lefty and the rest of Sonny Black's crew ambush Sonny Red and kill him and two other rival mafia leaders. He also starred on the miniseries 'The Capture of the Green River Killer' and 'Hatfields and McCoys,' and reunited with Depp again in 2009 for 'Public Enemies.' [36], "Donnie Brasco" redirects here. Donnie Brasco (film) - Wikipedia However, before they can "whack" Donnie they are caught by the FBI and Donnie is taken away. (Blacks body would be found almost a year later on Aug. 12, 1982). Despite all this, I'm still gonna use the fictionalized ending of this beautiful character. Lefty [1] By dodging this bullet, the family kept its leadership intact and was able to consolidate its power once again. He then called his girlfriend said goodbye and said "If you ever see Donnie again, tell him I loved him and if it was going to be anyone I'm glad it was him." An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one. After the crew travels down there, Lefty plans with Donnie to run Gazzo's club on their own in order to impress Florida mob boss Santo Trafficante Jr. Seventeen years later, we revisit the cast of this modern classic and see what they're up to now. This was a big mistake for Pistone, one that potentially carried the penalty of death. With the deal gone south, the Bonanno bosses were looking for someone to blame. "[14] Siskel and Ebert gave Donnie Brasco "two thumbs up" on their syndicated television series. He was betting and losing heavily on horse races. I didn't want it to, I genuinely wished the best to him because I felt for him, but I also knew it was inevitable, and when the moment came, he knew, and the scene was simply heartbreaking. Yes, yes, and let me explain myself. Brasco served as best man at Ruggiero's 1977 wedding and frequently advised Ruggiero on handling his son Tommy's heroin addiction. Donnie Brasco - Donnie meets Lefty - that's a Fugazi - give it to someone who don't know -Al PacinoDonnie Brasco 1997 Directed by Mike Newell starring Johnny. The contract was dropped by Paul Castellano, who headed the Commission, as he thought killing a federal agent would "attract too much attention". In the aughts, he appeared in 'The Recruit,' 'Ocean's Thirteen' and Christopher Nolan's 'Insomnia.' [1] Only after Pistone departed did FBI agents Doug Fencl, Jim Kinne, and Jerry Loar inform Napolitano that his longtime associate was an FBI agent. Pistone had hundreds of hours of wiretap recordings. Black was promoted to underboss, which put him second-in-command only to the Bonanno family boss, Rusty Restelli. His first Mafia mentor, Tony Mirra, had just been released from prison. Now in 1979, Pistone had entered his fourth-year undercover. To settle the debt this time, the family arranged to transfer the revenues from part of Ruggiero's criminal operations directly to Marangello. Around Donnie alone, Lefty played like a big shot, taught him everything he needed to know in order to enter in the family, mentored him, because he wanted to feel important, while he really wasn't. [12][13] Pistone received a $500 bonus at the end of the operation. Which some say was a set up to be killed, and was intercepted and arrested. With Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby. Ruggiero recognized the boat, the Left Hand, as the same boat Brasco provided several months before for a party. Made Famous in "Donnie Brasco" - American Mafia History Watching nature documentaries.Having Donnie over to his house for dinner. [8][9][10] On August 29, 1981, the FBI intercepted and arrested Ruggiero. Lefty begins fouling up the plan by welcoming and instructing Donnie as his surrogate son, since Lefty's real son is no good. [11] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale. Benjamin Ruggiero Why did Sonny Red sabotage the Florida operation? Ruggiero admitted to Pistone that he felt threatened while in the presence of Balistrieri. Around the time Ruggiero became a made member in the Bonanno family, Anthony Mirra introduced him to Joseph Pistone. In the film, some of the men in the mob are referred to as a skipper, connected guy or wiseguy. He is near the bottom of the pecking order. Donnie Brasco (1997) - IMDb It is an adaptation of the story of FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone and his work as an undercover agent infiltrating the Bonanno family, one of the five most important mafia families in New York. Fox Show.'. An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one.An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one.An FBI undercover agent infiltrates the mob and finds himself identifying more with the mafia life, at the expense of his regular one. He was described by the real Joseph Pistone as a 24/7 gangster. The FBI had purchased the building months earlier, and it now became the perfect location to engineer a meeting between the Bonanno and Trafficante families. | Physical Strength It's often confusing to know what terms mean why they all have different names.Connected Guy is an Associate to a mafia family. In memory of Felicia La Vecchia (19322014). By 1978, New York City was close to declaring bankruptcy. Joseph Dominick Pistone (born September 17, 1939) is an American former FBI agent who worked undercover as Donnie Brasco between September 1976 and July 1981,[nb 1] as part of an infiltration primarily into the Bonanno crime family, and to a lesser extent the Colombo crime family, two of the Five Families of the Mafia in New York City.