The Godfather (1972)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Alexander D

  
  THE GODFATHER is the perfect example of a well-made crime film. If I saw anything similar to this on the news, Iâ(TM)d panic and tense up with fear. The fashion in which director Francis Ford Coppola showcases those same situations is stellar. The film truly sticks out among many… More
  THE GODFATHER is the perfect example of a well-made crime film. If I saw anything similar to this on the news, Iâ(TM)d panic and tense up with fear. The fashion in which director Francis Ford Coppola showcases those same situations is stellar. The film truly sticks out among many other crime films when itâ(TM)s judged by its cinematography. Itâ(TM)s a film where black and white is not necessary to make a nod to film-noir, that comes across noticeable to aficionados who are familiar with the genre. Without the color shots, not many of the scenes would be very effective, especially those iconic first thirty minutes covering the wedding of Connie Corleone (Talia Shire, Francis Fordâ(TM)s own sister) and the introduction of Vito Corleone into the story. At the same time, we are met with low-key shots and silhouetted figures, as in a film-noir. This tactic does not appear in every sequence, but rather in the most significant, most suspenseful sequences that drive the story forward in unexpected ways. Itâ(TM)s appropriate that this is widely considered the greatest film ever made. When all else fails in a film, it comes down to the characters to save it. Ironically, I didnâ(TM)t pick up on a single flaw here, and the characters were by far the best point. THE GODFATHER structures itself on Mario Puzioâ(TM)s pulp novel of the same title, which was released just three years before. I canâ(TM)t compare it to the original work, nor can I judge the charactersâ(TM) onscreen appearances by their origins in the book, but itâ(TM)s hard not to enjoy watching them in this film version. The Corleones are presented as an interesting family, not just because the majority of them has affiliations with crime, but because of who they are beyond that. Connie, for example, is beaten by her husband (Gianni Russo) twice within the course of the film. Yet when something happens to him, she suddenly finds love for him. Another great instance of this is Vito. He is the storyâ(TM)s pivotal character, without a doubt, and he provides the film with its own title, but beyond that, he is a soft-spoken character who commands far more often than he takes action. Those are just of those great characters in the story. Many films can go not too far beyond that many characters to develop with great depth, but itâ(TM)s different when we see the entire family (or what we see of it) as intriguing personalities. http://themoviefreakblog.com/2012/05/26/review-the-godfather

• Jack H

  
  It's hard to judge a film like 'The Godfather', especially for someone of my generation. Since its release in 1972, The Godfather has accrued a legendary status; it's difficult to watch a film that is often touted as the best of all time with an open mind and no… More
  It's hard to judge a film like 'The Godfather', especially for someone of my generation. Since its release in 1972, The Godfather has accrued a legendary status; it's difficult to watch a film that is often touted as the best of all time with an open mind and no preconceptions. However, after watching The Godfather many times and reading the novel on which it was based upon, it's clearly something very special. The film is a sprawling epic that rewards the viewer with a savagely twisting, multi-faceted plot. It's a mobsters' coming of age tale that's laced with marriage, favours, family, betrayal, tragedy, violence and death. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is introduced on the day of his daughter's wedding, a very special day in Sicilian tradition where the father of the bride is to deny no man a special favour. The beneficiaries' utmost respect for the Don is illustrated in the opening stanza, their displays of courtesy coming in the form of personal address and greeting rituals. The Don is a man of respect and principle, a man who puts emphasis on what's fair, denying to avenge, for example, a father's anguish over the rape of his daughter by means of murder - 'That is not justice; your daughter's still alive'. In other circles however; the Don is not so respected. Vito Corleone is an old fashioned Don, what is referred to as a 'Moustache Pete'; he is reluctant to delve into the business of drugs, unlike the contemporaries from the rival New York crime families. The Don's refusal turns the relationship between the Corleones and many of the other families sour. It is how the ensuing violence is regarded as just 'business' that is the cold, harsh danger of the film. Its depiction of violence is visceral and often occurs when not expected. Rather quickly, the Corleone criminal empire falls apart; the next generation having to revitalise the family and reclaim their place at the top of the five families. The film is perfectly cast; the primary characters of Vito (Marlon Brando), Sonny (James Caan), Michael (Al Pacino), Fredo (John Cazale), Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Clemenza (Richard S. Castellano) and Kay Adams (Diane Keaton) are all expertly interpreted from Mario Puzo's magnum opus. The scores of supporting actors are also without fault; it's a true acting showcase. After reading the novel, it's remarkable how faithfully envisioned the characters are in the film, which is thanks to a combination of physicality and astute interpretation. The Godfather is a brilliant adaptation of Mario Puzo's masterfully told story; the 1969 novel was written with such an authenticity that it almost seems like non-fiction in certain passages. I think it's true that when one thinks of a gangster, they picture the omnipotent Vito Corleone sitting back in his chair, his glum face contemplating with that infinite sagacity and authority. The Godfather is a true spectacle in both mediums; deciding which is best is a difficult task. The only aspect that I felt was stronger in the book was character development. The character of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is given greater depth in the novel; Michael's transcendence seeming comparatively abrupt in the celluloid interpretation. The character of Luca Brasi is abundantly more powerful in the book, whom whilst is an ally of the Corleone family, is penned as an ominous nemesis with a dark, brutal secret. The film, meanwhile, essentially depicts Brasi as an oaf; he is a far less intimidating figure. Additionally, many of the supporting characters are also given interesting back stories by Puzo, notably Captain McCluskey. Of course, that level of intricacy is possible in a novel, while a film could easily become bloated with such detailing. Ultimately, 'The Godfather' is a film made by a highly talented crew who combined the seminal prose of a skilled author with brilliant direction, perfect performances, effective cinematography and the utterly beautiful, distinctive music of Nino Rota and Carlo Savina to produce one of the best, well rounded and moving films ever made. It is a film that is wholly deserving of the term 'required viewing'.

• Tim S

  
  Rarely in a film has a collaboration yielded such rewarding results. In 1970, author Mario Puzo teamed with director Francis Ford Coppola to create one of the most brilliant pieces of cinema ever created. It took a while for the studio to embrace it, but eventually it became one of… More
  Rarely in a film has a collaboration yielded such rewarding results. In 1970, author Mario Puzo teamed with director Francis Ford Coppola to create one of the most brilliant pieces of cinema ever created. It took a while for the studio to embrace it, but eventually it became one of the best films of all time. Based on Puzo's original bestselling novel (and also co-authoring the screenplay), The Godfather tells the story of the Corleones, a mob family whose lives are put on display. A predecessor to all crime dramas that came after it, The Godfather has stood the test of time and is as fresh and entertaining as it was in 1972 because it's not so much about the crime, but rather it's about family. Willis Gordon wastes no energy in creating a color palette that's realistic, yet cinematic in scope. Marlon Brando's brilliant portrayal of Vito Corleone and Al Pacino's more subtle performance as Michael are undoubtedly performances of a lifetime. James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Abe Vigoda and Diane Keaton are also here to round out the stellar cast So many films come and go, especially during this area, and very few times there are what are considered to be perfect films. This is one of them. If you haven't seen this, you should... right away.

• Graham J

  
  What can I say, perfect in every way. It's not often you watch a three hour film and think to yourself "That could've been longer".

• KJ P

  
  Not honouring this film as one of the greatest cinematic achievements in film history, would be an insult to the Coppola family, and everyone involved in making such a triumphant masterpiece. As Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is in the stages of his life, where his title can be… More
  Not honouring this film as one of the greatest cinematic achievements in film history, would be an insult to the Coppola family, and everyone involved in making such a triumphant masterpiece. As Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is in the stages of his life, where his title can be swept away at ay moment, we are taken deep into the mafia wars between the Corleone family and the families (just like any mafia war) who want them dead. This film is a transition, as Mike Corleone (Al Pacino) is to take the place of his father (as "the Godfather") in the family business. Everything about this film screams brilliance. The writing is magnificent, the acting is tremendously impressive, the story is one of the best ever told, and the directing, along with the editing and cinematography is fantastic, even though it may seem basic. "The Godfather" is a film that I will always remember, and be able to watch over and over again until my dying day.

• Sanjay R

  
  This film had a cultural impact that I may never understand, and my expectations going in (after hearing it was the perfect movie) may have been too high. What I saw was a good movie with great acting, great directing, okay writing and mediocre editing. Good? Yes. Best movie ever? Not… More
  This film had a cultural impact that I may never understand, and my expectations going in (after hearing it was the perfect movie) may have been too high. What I saw was a good movie with great acting, great directing, okay writing and mediocre editing. Good? Yes. Best movie ever? Not in my opinion.

• Joel K

  
  One of the most iconic films ever made, and an important part of modern culture. How it left such an impact can be seen in the film itself, such is the quality of it. The acting is top class. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino are of course the strongest actors in this film, but even actors… More
  One of the most iconic films ever made, and an important part of modern culture. How it left such an impact can be seen in the film itself, such is the quality of it. The acting is top class. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino are of course the strongest actors in this film, but even actors with smaller roles play it so well everyone comes off as a 3 dimensional character, even if they aren't a big a part of the movie. That's a triumph in my eyes. But Actors are only as good as the screenplay their acting out, and this film got an excellent one of those. Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola craft a detailed and engrossing epic of a story, with more memorable characters and line of dialogue than your brain can handle. But ultimately the thing that impressed me the most was the beautiful cinematography, the presence of which can be felt in every shot, to the extent where it begins to feel like its own character. Ultimately I could recommend this film, but it would be pointless. The film fan populace is split into those who've seen it, and those he are going to see it.

• moon r

  
  The stunning implication that raises this justifiably acclaimed milestone work head and shoulders above the typical testosterone fueled gangster shoot-'em-ups is the shocker suggestion that these killers actually perform a sort of necessary social service. As a work of art every… More
  The stunning implication that raises this justifiably acclaimed milestone work head and shoulders above the typical testosterone fueled gangster shoot-'em-ups is the shocker suggestion that these killers actually perform a sort of necessary social service. As a work of art every nuance is note perfect ... but the acting: sublime. An astounding film.

• Unknown H

  
  One of the most boring films ever made, I wonder how it has stayed so popular with wannabe gangsters for so many years. Now this is not just the "girl" speaking in me, because I know plenty of women who genuinely love this movie, but how much testosterone can you fit on one… More
  One of the most boring films ever made, I wonder how it has stayed so popular with wannabe gangsters for so many years. Now this is not just the "girl" speaking in me, because I know plenty of women who genuinely love this movie, but how much testosterone can you fit on one screen? The only reason this film has one star is because the acting in it is good, but what would you expect from such a cast? One of the most overrated movies in the history of cinema.

• Adam K

  
  To review something seems at first a simple job. You are offered something up, in the form of a dish, a painting or a film, any art form. Next you use two skills which most Human beings posses, thinking and writing. You then just write about what you think of it. Unfortunately it is… More
  To review something seems at first a simple job. You are offered something up, in the form of a dish, a painting or a film, any art form. Next you use two skills which most Human beings posses, thinking and writing. You then just write about what you think of it. Unfortunately it is not as easy as it seems, not quite paid to eat, it is a hard difficult intellectual process. Comparing and analysing every last detail you see before writing another art form. This is topped off by the fact that no reviewer is allowed to like something and then next week not like something there must be a clear pattern. But there is hope. The Godfather. It is a film that cannot be explained in beautiful shakespearian language but just can be said one of the best films in history. This is where the reviewer may take a break and just say with a sense of knowing and fact that everyone agrees on. Everyone has a feeling that this is the best film in the world. And if everyone has the same sure feeling then it must be right. ***** 5 Star

• Zach B

  
  In cinema, there are few films that can, at all, be considered either great, and fewer that can be considered perfect. Mario Puzoâ(TM)s The Godfather is one of those films that is perfect. Being based of off the best seller by Mario Puzo, director Francis Ford Coppola creates one of… More
  In cinema, there are few films that can, at all, be considered either great, and fewer that can be considered perfect. Mario Puzoâ(TM)s The Godfather is one of those films that is perfect. Being based of off the best seller by Mario Puzo, director Francis Ford Coppola creates one of the most accurate portrayals of an Italian crime family. When most people think about films that deal with the Mafia, Italian gangsters, what they think about is people that ship drugs, deal with prostitution, and above all else, just fight others for the hell of it. But, what makes The Godfather so different is that, contrary to the rather dark, violent nature of the film, this movie destroys all stereo types as it becomes a film that is not, at all, about running a crime family. This film is REALLY about a father trying to pass his legacy and empire to one of his sons and that one son having to come to terms with his own legacy and the choices he makes. When Mario Puzo decided to originally write the novel that this film is based on, he did it only for the money and nothing else. But what he did not expect was to have his entire creation take a complete life of itâ(TM)s own in a way that only few people can imagine. Even more so was the shock of how well this film did. Want a little taste of how well this film did? Before the film was even released, The Godfather Part II was already in development. But, more on that later. Now, my complete reaction to watching this film. To say that this is one of my personal favorite films of all time would be something of a drastic understatement. With me, there are some films that you like and some that change your life. This is one of those films that changes your life with each and every viewing. When I first sat down and watched this film, I remember feeling complete once the credits started to role. I know that sounds cheap, but it is true. Everything from the story to they way â~Donâ(TM) Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is in this film, it just spoke to me in a way that very few films can ever do. And I am not the only one that felt this way. There is a magic in this movie that can never be paralleled and the closes that we get (and one that is pretty damn close at that) is the sequel that is said to be equal to better then this film. But more on that later. Letâ(TM)s get down to the details. With direction, Coppola does wonders. He keeps the story moving, never dragging behind, and keeps making you interested with the look of the film. While some have complained about the lighting used as being too dark of a film or too gold, I say that the use of that is, quite fantastic. The reason why is because it always sets the mood for the scene and the tone that you will end up feeling. Plus, little added in items like the use of oranges in some scenes give this film a little kick by letting the audience know that something is about to go down. For the direction, Coppola, you do wonders. And the Academy Award for Best Direction was well won and deserved. Now the acting. Oh, my God. What can I say? Well, letâ(TM)s think. Marlon Brando won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Need I say more? Okay, I will talk about the supporting cast. With huge names like Richard Dreyfus, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, and Diane Keaton, this film is filled with some of the greatest talent that money can buy. But what shocks me the most is that they treat this film with such a tone of seriousness that they literally stop becoming themselves and become these incredible people. Next the score. Like so many classic films, this filmâ(TM)s score is something of a staple in film history. Mostly due to the famous â~The Godfather Waltzâ(TM), Nina Rota became a household name in the music world due to the simplicity of that piece. It was simple, yet set the tone perfectly. The only crime that has ever been done on this film was the score not being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Oh well. Later on, this film saga will get itâ(TM)s award. Finally the script. Being adapted from the novel by Mario Puzo, and being written by him and Coppola, this film mirrors the novel so closely that you would only have to read the novel to know more about the extra characters that are not THAT huge. The dialogue is authentic, honest, and bold as this well written script is presented. The Academy Award for Best adapted Screen play was also well deserved. Overall, this entire film is worthy of the magnitude that it has gotten, the awards it has won (including Best Film), and the hearts and souls it has touched. Easily one of the greatest films ever made.

• Eric A

  
  The ultimate family film. Holy shit!

• Jay H

  
  "The Godfather" isn't just great because of its plot, its scripting, its acting, or its directing (all of which are top-notch), but it takes film a step further. There's a bounty of underlying themes to be unexpectedly found in the film. The story is interesting.… More
  "The Godfather" isn't just great because of its plot, its scripting, its acting, or its directing (all of which are top-notch), but it takes film a step further. There's a bounty of underlying themes to be unexpectedly found in the film. The story is interesting. The acting is good. The film is captivating. But there's more to it. There's a compelling element that's so difficult to achieve and so rare to see in modern film. Yes, it's a classic.

• Brad W

  
  The Godfather is considered the greatest film of all time, and it definently lives up to the title, from people, to critics, and to me. The stopry of The Godfather is the world of organized crime, the don Vito Corleone if the head of the Corleone crime family, and is respected and… More
  The Godfather is considered the greatest film of all time, and it definently lives up to the title, from people, to critics, and to me. The stopry of The Godfather is the world of organized crime, the don Vito Corleone if the head of the Corleone crime family, and is respected and honest don. His youngest son Micheal Corleone is the youngest boy of the family and is a returning war hero with a beautiful woman who never entered the family business. Once his father is shot and lives but becomes very hurt, Micheal decides to protect him and is soon taken into the world of organized crime. The plot is a brilliant genius movie story with characters that you remember, dislike, like, and want dead. Marlon Brando won an Oscar for this role, and is probably the most rememebered actor in the whole series, and he truly lives up to that because his grief stricken and genius performance is great. Al Pacino is tremendous and truly was made a star with this film. James Caan was great too, I think a lot of people overlook his performance because he's a big part of the movie too. From an offer he couldn't refuse, to the horse head, to the shooting at a diner, and to the car bomb, ths is truly the worlds greatest organized crime film ever (next to Goodfellas), and even though its not my favorite film ever, its by far the only film ive ever seen that lives up to the title "Greatest Film Ever Made."

• Jens S

  
  Mafia themes in films never really catch my interest all that much. After all these years I had to give the most critically acclaimed of them a chance, of course. And while my expectations were high (because everyone loves this film) and low (because I don't care about the topic)… More
  Mafia themes in films never really catch my interest all that much. After all these years I had to give the most critically acclaimed of them a chance, of course. And while my expectations were high (because everyone loves this film) and low (because I don't care about the topic) at the same time, I ended up enjoying it, without putting it on my favorites list. The cast and acting are top notch of course. Brando is fantastic, and Pacino's turn from a decent soldier boy to the next Godfather is outstanding. The plot does move slowly at times but has several really exciting and violent scenes to offer. What surprised me is the fact that this movie makes you care for these characters even though they are criminals. By the end of the film you want them to have their bloody revenge. Sadly, their dealing with personal loss sometimes feels a but rushed, giving them a bit of an indifferent feel. That doesn't change the fact that by the end of the film you want to turn on the sequel right away, which is always a great thing to say about a movie. Not entirely my cup of tea, but deservedly a classic.

• Kristijonas F

  
  The Godfather is undoubtedly the magnum opus of Twentieth-Century cinema. An absolute masterpiece.

• Kevin K

  
  Grade: A+ (100%) The Godfather is one of America's classic movies can we can safely call a masterpiece. Everything is mostly perfect in this film about a King and his three sons in the mafia. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando in this fantastic performance) is celebrating his… More
  Grade: A+ (100%) The Godfather is one of America's classic movies can we can safely call a masterpiece. Everything is mostly perfect in this film about a King and his three sons in the mafia. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando in this fantastic performance) is celebrating his daughter's wedding. Hundreds of people, including the F.B.I., join the party in celebration. But behind closed doors, Vito is having meetings with people who need favors. "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" is the words that Vito (also known as The Godfather) says to his friend. We see the heads of the five families at this party along with Vito's sons. Fredo, the wimpy son, Sonny as the aggressive son, Tom Hagen the lawyer of the family who was taken in by Vito, and Michael as the WWII hero of the family. But when Vito denies partnership with Solanzo, a violent man who deals with narcotics, he is badly wounded in an assassination attempt. This is where Michael (Al Pacino in his great movie debut) comes in and shows how his life of heroic attempts turn into a dark descent into his father's business. The Godfather works in every way. Whether it is the violent scene of being strangled by a thin wire or hearing "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" throughout the film, The Godfather will keep you entertained. It is a 3 hour film but it never feels like a bore in any way. Each scene is there with a purpose and each one gives new detail into each main character. The film is backed up with fine performances all around. Marlon Brando is great as The Godfather (Vito Corleone) and won Best Actor for his role. Al Pacino is fantastic in this movie. He nails every scene as we see Michael switch between the light (War Hero) and dark side (Mafia). He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but did not win. The Godfather is a masterpiece. The movie works in every way. It was the Best Picture in 1972 and is considered the second best film of all time (should be #1 but we won't talk about Citizen's Kane). There is no excuse if you never see this film - watch it, enjoy it, and love it. But once done don't stop there. Part II is just as good or (in my opinion) better than the original.

• Keiko A

  
  Directed by Francis Ford Coppola Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton and Abe Vigoda. The Godfather is a brilliant film. It cannot be overemphasized enough, the inescapable fate of Michael Corleone to rule his… More
  Directed by Francis Ford Coppola Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton and Abe Vigoda. The Godfather is a brilliant film. It cannot be overemphasized enough, the inescapable fate of Michael Corleone to rule his father's empire, the dramatic fall of Vito Corleone from power and prominence, the conflict between brothers Michael and Sonny for this very power, the love of Michael and Kay Adams perhaps set apart by the film's chain of events, and countless other power struggles, fateful upbringings, and social hierarchy and order. But if only the presentation, forged by director Francis Ford Coppola, could meet the the requirements of presenting such cumbersome content. At the end of the day, any film has to entertain us to carry it's contents to shore. This is not seen in The Godfather. Coppola takes his time, panning out events as though they were part of a grand dramatic saga, or more that is what we are supposed to think. Ultimately, this is a 3 hour film containing all filler, with it's storyline and plot-line stretched out thin like only silly putty can be. The fact that the sensible viewer will be ready to tap out twenty minutes into the long dreary conversation scenes, and poor attempt at something akin to European Realism, may be a testimony to the film's ultimate quality, and how it insults film's long held hallmark of great entertainment. The content is surely there for a legend in film-making. And that content has indeed gotten this film and it's sequel places. But from a more critical viewer's perspective, the presentation of the film is fairly small. What can be ultimately taken away from this film, is that presentation in a film must always be able to equal the content, or the film is a disaster. Of course millions of the Godfather's male fans will not agree with me on such an issue. But what do they know about understanding this film. For the most part, their testosterone and manly egos fuel their understanding of film. There is no subject among university courses called Philosophy of Film. But as far as this subject would be concerned, the presentation must always measure up to the content in a film, and this one has very well established just that. Of course as mentioned earlier, The Godfather has legions of male fans who devote their very lives to this film. To these men this film is an orgy of pleasure and sensation, that is even better than sex at times. But from the quality, and I mean quality, viewer's perspective: this film is nothing more than an ambitious presentation of cumbersome content gone all wrong. You can present all sorts of facets of human interaction and chemistry in a film, and make that film have deep cerebral meaning. But it is how these matters are tied into, explained and exposed in the film. Everywhere in our world today, there is fate, power, human interaction. It is then the job of the motion picture to present these matters in cinema's own entertaining and intuitive way. This or else film would be pointless as a whole. Portraying Con-men as humans, families struggling through hard times, is not invigorating at all, rather these matters are simply gentle and heartfelt, nothing more. Such basic human struggles can be portrayed by any hard-nosed director, no matter how much talent he has. Coppola, a Hollywood Household name, has really just assembled a complex mush-mash of who-knows-what, that at most can be made out to be a long and dreary film depiction of crime syndicates and con-men mooning around, carrying out their daily lives. As though this would ever mean anything at all to audiences who watch it. Keiko's score 72-100

• Jameson W

  
  So great! Gotta love this film!

• Matt G

  
  One of the greatest films ever made. Some could even argue that it's the greatest. This is a must see for any movie lover. Grade: A

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