The Godfather (1972)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda, Al Lettieri, Gianni Russo, Sterling Hayden, Lenny Montana, Richard Conte, Al Martino, John Marley, Alex Rocco, Morgana King, Salvatore Corsitto, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Angelo Infanti, Johnny Martino, Victor Rendina, Tony Giorgio, Simonetta Stefanelli, Louis Guss, Tom Rosqui, Joe Spinell, Richard Bright, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero

Plot

When the aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of a famous crime family decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns, a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families.

Opinion

I've been trying hard to find some flaw, but the truth is it's literally impossible since there isn't even a moment in the film that isn't great.

The Godfather is a superb, exciting, entertaining, captivating film filled with grand emotions and, as well as a magnificent portrayal of power, betrayal and family - or of organized crime, if you prefer. Maybe the greatest film of all time, it should be a synonymous of the word masterpiece.

Beautifully written by Mario Puzo, the long running time - almost three hours - flies by, without the need of explosions, magic tricks, 3D, car chases, or whatever else nowadays directors believe makes a great film.

Francis Ford Coppola doesn't miss a beat, and the result is a flawless direction. The cinematography by Gordon Willis is outstanding, and some of the scenes can be considered the best in history of cinema. The musical score is simply amazing and memorable.

The acting couldn't be nothing but superb, and there is nothing more pleasing than watching a film starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Marlon Brando delivers an extraordinary performance as Don Vito Corleone. Al Pacino is perfect as Michael Corleone. Top performances also from the rest of the cast.

Quotes

Don Corleone: I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.

Don Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.

Michael: Only don't tell me you're innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry.