This movie is epic, the score, the actors, the plot, there is nothing else like it. A must see and buy.

I did indeed sit through all 57 hours of the Godfather and not only is it one of the most boring movies ever made it's completely pointless garbage. I have no clue why it's considered the greatest film ever made but then again most people are dumb so yea no suprise. The only good thing about this film is the music, if you haven't seen it don't buy into the hype that's all it is hype... BUT if you have insomnia put this movie in you should be asleep within the first 30 minutes.

A great film that I'm glad I finally got around to seeing after years of saying I would!

There is the wonderfully menacing presence of Brando, the complex character of Michael, played by Pacino and the epic ups and downs of the family, played out under the inspired direction of Ford Coppola.

One of the strongest parts of the film is the gradual and irreversable change in Pacino's character; from the respected war veteran at the beginning to a less subtle version of his violent, all powerful father by the end.

2 scenes stuck out for me in showing this beautfully. Firstly a scene in which he is trying to muster up the conviction to shoot the person who has made an attempt on his father's life, the suspense echoed by the sound of an impending train. Secondly, near the end, the scene jumps between the christening of his own godson (and his own baptism) and the planned killing of all his foes by his design - showing the true extremes of his character and the depths of cold-hearted evil he has now reached.

Great film, worth much of it's hype

There are very very few films in this world that are of such high quality in so many categories as this one. The cast is fantastic, the acting is great, the story draws you right in, cinematography and directing are top notch. And let's not forget the music, which stays with you long after the film is over. Truly a masterpiece, The Godfather is also a solid piece of entertainment. It will grip you from start to finish. It touches on so many themes in such a deep way, you're left with a million threads to explore. I've seen this film many many times and am always up to see it again. There's always some new nuance I notice, some little detail that slipped by or I didn't fully appreciate the first time. Scene after memorable scene flows by, leaving you in a perpetual state of amazement. Get this film and you will see the heights the filmic medium can reach.

The movie is a classic. The charictors were well done and well played by the actors who were chosen. It is a movie men would like (a bit on the bloody side for women unless you are into that). The historic costuming is right on and the sceanery is breathtaking. Marlon Brando is wonderful as the Godfather and Al Pachino followed the legasy. A must see for the fans of both.

Quite frankly, `The Godfather' truly is technically perfect. In fact, it is so perfect that writing this review has been an Achilles-Heel for me. I have wanted to write this review for a while now but have been deathly afraid of failing to do it justice. It's a rarity to have a film this universally lauded; this universally respected and honestly there really is no other film that comes close to being as well loved and adored as `The Godfather'. So with that, where do you go? What do you say? How can you begin to review a film of this magnitude?

I'll start by saying that everything (good) that has been said about this film is true.

I'll work from there.

It has been said that `The Godfather' is that rare film that just feels right from beginning to end. Every facet seems to fit just perfect, seems to flow evenly and brilliantly. Every actor is perfect (and I do truly mean perfect) for their roles. They melt into character and never break, always elevating the scenes they embody. The script is tightly woven, intricate and engrossing. The direction by Francis Ford Coppola may very well be the single greatest directive execution in the history of film making. His delivery of this marvelous film is really what helps create its sheer presence and undeniable commanding power. Coppola cemented himself here as one of the great directors of all time.

The film tells the story of the Corleone family. The family is run by the `Don' Vito Corleone. He's an aging man, yet very respected and admired. Known as `Godfather', Vito has much power within the organized crime families and thus is looked to often for aid and support. When he is looked to for that support in the aid of heroin distribution on the part of the Tattaglia family, Vito finds that his higher standard of morality clashes with the direction the `underworld' is taking. His refusal to lend aid to the Tattaglia family places the Corleone family in danger.

This forms the catalyst for the films major plot and thus unfolds in a marvelous manor, allowing the audience to become completely and utterly absorbed in the events taking place on the screen. As Vito's life is placed in danger and his youngest son Michael crosses over into the life he swore he'd never embrace, `The Godfather' quickly becomes the most interesting and highly entertaining film one could possible imagine.

The performances by the entire cast are flawless, utterly flawless. Marlon Brando effortlessly embodies Vito with such memorable charisma and temperance. His performance is truly one of the greatest of all time. Al Pacino delivers his finest performance ever as Michael Corleone. This performance is of course one that he hones and perfects (his delivery in `The Godfather Part II' is truly the finest of his career) and becomes one with. Pacino is one of those actors that I feel has suffered in recent years from lack of good source material. Anyone new to the works of Pacino may write him off as a no talent veteran actor who stars in one worthless film after another; and judging by his recent films they would be justified in their feelings; but when you take a look at where this actor came from you will see that when he was in his prime he was truly brilliant. James Caan is also amazing here as the hotheaded Santino (or `Sonny' as he is referred). His performace is electric to say the least. Robert Duval is also on the top of his game and delivers yet another flawless performance (now here is an actor who has never lost his touch) and John Cazale delivers nicely as Fredo, the `Dons' other son. His performance in `The Godfather Part II' is much more effective and defined, but he sets a nice foundation for himself here. Another performance that is fleshed out nicely in the sequel is that of Kay Adams, who is played by Diane Keaton. Her performance here is subtle and short, but her character is one of the most memorable in the films that follow.

`The Godfather' truly stands the test of time as one of the most recognizable and highly lauded films ever released. Many critics consider this the finest movie ever filmed, and technically I feel they are correct. There isn't a single flaw to be seen here for everything and everyone is a perfect compliment to one another.

I don't know what more I can say without either spoiling too much of the films plot (there is a lot to be seen here, yet it never feels rushed or over-stuffed which is yet another marvelous accomplishment) or rambling on to the point of exhaustion so I'll stop here; ending by quite simply saying that `The Godfather' will leave the viewing with absolutely no regrets. It is quite simply perfect in every way shape and form and is the pure definition of `cinema'. This is what the movies are all about; great storytelling; and no greater story has ever been told.

Perhaps Brando didn't show up at the Oscars because he didn't deserve to win it. Pacino is the true star of the film and it's more the story of Michael than of "The Don". Brando seems to be acting in a different movie from the rest of the cast and not in a way that's positive. His method acting approach, so beloved by the critics, often puts him seemingly out of touch w/ his fellow actors. Brando's overacting is ridiculous when he gets shot just as it is in his death scene w/ his grandson in the garden. The famous baptism/murder sequence is brilliant as is a sequence earlier in the movie when various members of the Corleone family meet w/ unfortunate fates: murder, kidnapping, attempted murder.

When i first experienced the godfather it was the book the i watched the movies for a month straight. Al Pacino is a a mean sob and marlen brando(srry if i spell the names wrong) is the ideal character of any mafia movie. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is never a dull moment in this movie. I suggest buyin the box set cuz the end will leave you hanging and thats all im sayin about that.

do not buy just the single DVD of Godfather 1. it comes with no extra features. if you're interested at all in any extra features, just suck it up and buy the three pack of the whole trilogy.

The GODFATHER DVD

The God father is based upon Mario Puzo's novel of a Sicilian Family moved to the United States circa 1920's. Don Corleone goes into the olive oil business, what else would you expect? He soon learns that it is easier to make money on the wrong side of the law and recruits a small gang of fellow Sicilians.

A host of factors make this one of the greatest American films. First, the directing is impeccable. Coppola allows the story to unfold simply, employing for the most part a static, immobile camera, allowing each scene to unfold like a series of tableaux. Second, the cinematography. Most of the craft of the cinematography went into the lighting, which generates some of the greatest use of light and shadows since the demise of black and white film noir. Coppola also intensifies each scene by using surprisingly little music in the film. Although the film is famous for its outstanding score by Nina Rota (later discovered to have been partially reused from an obscure film he scored in the late 1950s in Italy, which led to his nomination for an Oscar to be withdrawn, an award he certainly would have won), the fact is that the music is used selectively and comparatively rarely. Silence engulfs most of the scenes. And although there are many famous lines in the film, it is driven as much by the silence between the characters as by what they say. Also accounting for the brilliance of the film is the script, which is brilliant for its simplicity. Coppola distills the tale down to only the most essential elements, with nearly every shot moving the story along or imparting a crucial piece of information to the viewer, allowing the crucial tensions of the story to unfold early on. The enormous simplicity in the telling of the tale makes the more complex moments for instance, the crosscutting during the baptismal scene all that much more effective. And any listing of all the reasons for the brilliance of the film leaving out the extraordinary art design would be woefully incomplete. This was one of the first films made that made historical accuracy a high art form, and has exerted a profound influence on any historical film since then.
Of course, one of the main reasons this is a great, great film is the acting. Few films have ever featured so many memorable performances, and no film had featured so many performances by so many actors who were explicitly Italian. In fact, the film was a coming out for one aspect of Italian culture in the United States. Even in films that were fairly transparently about the Mafia and crime families in New York and Chicago, ethnicity was completely left out of the picture. After THE GODFATHER, everything changed. The film was Marlon Brando s triumphant return to star status after a series of failures, garnering a well-served Oscar that he turned down. The quality of the acting is shown by the fact that no less than three of the other actors Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and James Caan received nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey won for CABERET, in what might have been the greatest group of performances in the history of Oscar for the award).
There are a million stories that whirl around THE GODFATHER. My favorite, and one of the happier accidents in casting history, was that originally Robert De Niro was cast in a small part in THE GODFATHER. Al Pacino, on the other hand, was wanted for the part of Michael Corleone, but was already obligated for the film BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY. Francis Ford Coppola worked out a deal whereby De Niro would replace Pacino in the one picture. Unfortunately/fortunately this meant that De Niro was unable to be in THE GODFATHER, which meant that he was free to appear in THE GODFATHER II as the young Vito Corleone. THE GODFATHER was a film where just about everything seemed to work out best for all involved, and this illustrates this perfectly.

Highly recommended for fans of Al Pacino, Marlan Brando et. al.and fans of organized crime in America

Gunner January 2008

As the title says. A masterpiece and well directed by Francis Ford Coppola. I read the novel just after I saw the movie and both are enjoyable. PIcture quality though was poor in some places though which is my only complaint.

There are sections of this DVD where the sound of the actor's voices are not synchronized with the movement of their lips.

This is one for the time capsule.
It seems to look better every year. The performances are stunningly good (Brando, Pacino, Duvall, and Caan were all Oscar-worthy here), the script a genius retelling of the epic novel, and Coppola knocks it out of the park with his flawless eye for framing emotions.
Inspired in every sense of the word, The Godfather is peerless, except for Godfather 2, which is somehow almost as good (and where Pacino enters the Pantheon).
The music, the colors, the darkness and chiaroscuro, the overall feeling of being in the midst of greatness on every level...this is what moviemaking can be. The bar was raised with this one, and in some ways only Apocalypse Now has topped it since.
Coming on the heels of Coppola's incredibly dull The Conversation, this film seems even more miraculous. G 1, G 2, and Apocalypse, all in less than eight years; how many directors have had a hat trick like that?

This is a great story, though its romanticization and glorification of organized crime gets a little ridiculous. It's a well made movie but it's excellent sequel is better in every way. Much better than the third film though.

Ivan Rorick

The Godfather is the best mob movie ever made! Followed closely by The Godfather part 2. This is heads above the rest because it is not just a bunch of mindless killing, but a character study into the family. Being Italian American myself, I can tell you this is the most accurate portrayal of an Italian American family I have ever seen on screen! First rate performances throughout and every attention to detail is impeccable. One of the most amazing performances is Marlon Brando's Don. He isn't on screen very long, but leaves us with one of the most unforgettable and powerful characters in the history of films. The DVD transfer is excellent and the Godfather box set is an essential purchase!

Art direction is impeccable, camera work is a wonder. The film itself is not bad, although what impressed me was Pacino, Abe Vigoda, John Cazale, Lenny Montana, Richard Castellano, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Alex Rocco (Moe Green)...

Most moviegoers wouldn't even know who most of these actors are--and they might not even care to find out. Well, to me, character actors very often meant more than the leads.

It's not a bad flick about mobsters, even though Mario Puzo has written far better novels (The Fortunate Pilgrim and The Dark Arena--that went nowhere, until he hit the big time with The Godafather.)

But to say that this is one of the greatest films ever made? I don't think so.

This is the one that started it all as far as I'm concerned. Marlon Brando, James Cann, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and Talia Shire give outstanding performances in each of their roles. This is the story of Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his place as the 'head' of all the families. The alternate plot is how his son Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) came into power. 'I never wanted this for my son Michael', Vito expresses with disappointment. This is a movie you have to watch - for if you don't - Vito Corleone will 'make you an offer you can't refuse'.

Long before "The Sopranos," a young Coppola transformed our understanding of the relationship between organized crime and corporate American profiteering with this operatic ode based on Mario Puzo's acclaimed novel. Moody and violent, with Gordon Willis's Technicolor photography adding a sepia-toned period look, "Godfather" combines a bullets-blazing mobster film with a gripping family saga. And what a cast: Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, and Diane Keaton are all superlative. Brando, of course, achieved yet another level of cinematic fame with his iconic portrayal of the title character. Coppola fought with Paramount to achieve his personal vision, but ultimately triumphed, winning the 1972 Oscar for Best Picture.

The greatest movie ever. It can teach you all you need to know about life in 180 minutes. There you go, life in 3 hours

What can I say, this is a fantastic epic! In my opinion, it is one of the best movies of all time. A+++

It's sad to see the mafia or cosa nostra portrayed as a couple hundred thugs in New York hustling up money. The mafia is a worldwide organization and in the overall evaluation performs many good deeds and must benefit others more than it harms (Aquinas - "The greatest good for the greatest number"). The governmental systems in all countries always leave people behind and there must be some underground that picks up these people and helps them survive. Also, it seems to prove useful to have an underground which is at least somewhat prepared to fuel revolutions. Frequently, the mafia within a given country can prove a great asset to its government since they are usually privy to intelligence that escapes the ears of the government's agencies.

Everyone knows this movie, I would point out that I really liked the development of the expansion of the Cosa Nostra and in the sequels the international expansion.

The Godfather set the American Mafia movie genera. A good plot line with a tight scrip, superb direction and well acted. There are many murders, after all this is about gangsters but why it's rated "R" is beyond me. It's way less gruesome with less disturbing violence than Casino and many modern MA films are much more violent.

The power plays, honour and business scheming between the Mafia families give the framework of the film with personal trial and tribulations providing more depth for the character development that echo throughout the genera ever since and make The Godfather repeatedly watchable.

I wanted a copy for a present and after spending months looking for a copy in the retail shops without success, I found this widescreen version at a great price on Amazon within seconds and, I ended up keeping it.

If I could rate this movie with ten stars, I wouldn't. it deserves 100 stars! This is one movie that should forever be rated as one of the top ten movies of all time!

It is about loyalty. it is about power. it is about honor. It is about how power is aquired in the dark world of the Underworld and how that power is transferred to the next generation, and how the next generation must secure and keep that power.

Santino Corleone is the obvious choice for the Don to give that power to. But he is a hot tempered loose cannon, and his temper is the thing that his enemies prey on to eliminate him. Fredo Corleone has no spine for that world, although he covets the power. Constanza Corleone is brought up in that world and obeys it's eddict to be the obediant wife, even to her creepy violent husband. but Michael... he is the idealist who wants nothing to do with that world.

Yet when the Don is shot, Michael accepts the mortal threat to his beloved family. He chooses to enter their world to protect them all. We see him "make his bones" to protect his father. We see his first wife take the bomb intended for him in Sicily. We see him transformed by these incidents to a creature barely recognizable to the happy idealist he once was.

Mike is groomed by his father to take over the Family "Business." When the Don dies, Michael is prepared and he orders a bloodbath to eliminate all enemies and consolidate his power. His ultimate betrayal is when he lies to his wife in the end.

[...]

If ya ain't seen it....watch it.....if ya have seen it...wooo! you and 10 zillion others. Classic.

You can't help but come to watch the Godfather with a lot of preconceptions. It was always a film I just never got around to watching, but when I saw it was Number 1 in the Internet Movie Database Chart of greatest ever films I just had to watch it. Now I've seen it, I don't know if I'd call it the greatest ever, but it is certainly a dazzling film that stands up to repeated viewings and has quality stamped all over it from beginning to end. I never realised how big an impact the film had, for example, I didn't realise that 'swim with the fishes' and 'I'll make him an offer he can't refuse' came from the Godfather.

All of the acting performances are great. Al Pacino really surprised me with his charismatic performance as Michael Corleone, the man who changes from a war hero not involved in the family business to a man at the very heart of his crime family. By the end of the film I literally could not drag my eyes away from him, he has such a strong and powerful presence, which is amazing considering that I didn't think he was the most imposing of men at first glance. There is something inevitable about Michael's transformation, and to me it was his own decision - what he does, he does willingly, with his eyes wide open to the consequences. Perhaps that is the most chilling - and tragic - thing of all about this film.

Marlon Brando was also great as Don Vito Corleone. He gives truly a unique performance and somehow manages to make his whole face, body, voice and general demeanour take on the persona of his character - something that, unfortunately, few actors achieve. As I said, all the performances were great, but I just have to mention Robert Duvall, who plays Tom Hagen, the Don's adopted son and right hand man, with a seriousness and depth that was very impressive. James Caan was also great at the short-tempered son who was never going to be suitable to become Don. Finally, it was great to see Talia Shire, who was so good in Rocky, play a completely different character with the same level of competence.

One of my only criticisms of the film is that after the wonderful intense love story between Michael and Apollonia ends so sadly, the movie seems to speed up and the years go by too quickly. I would have liked more explanation about why Michael goes back to Kay and what he was feeling at the time. I kind of felt that was left unresolved to some extent.

The 'Godfather' also highlights the utter futility of a life of murder and crime. If someone kills a member of your family, you must kill one of theirs, and then they kill someone else and so on...The 'family' must be protected at all costs, but this protection takes the form of violence, vengeance and control, and is ultimately - and ironically - what pulls the family apart. One of the most interesting ideas about the film for me is what the notion of 'respect' and 'honour' actually mean - and whether these things can ever be gained through murder and fear.

The role of women in the film is also fascinating. Kay and Michael are in love at the beginning, but he still leaves her and ends up marrying Appollina, with whom he falls in love with in a very different way. Kay is the wrong woman for Michael as she is too outspoken and doesn't want the Corleone family to continue with a life of crime. She should have said no to his proposal, but she was still 'in love' with the Michael she used to know before he decided to take over from his father. The ideal wife for Michael was Apollonia, who would have been exactly like his own mother - quietly raising children and never asking about the business. Michael's power, magnetic presence and protectiveness are undoutedbly very attractive, and I found myself in the weird situation of being repelled by his actions and yet drawn towards these qualities. In the long run, though, being married to that type of man means a woman has to remain childlike - never discussing important matters or asking questions. In addition, the women are complicit to the violence, they know it goes on even if they say nothing - crucially they all know they are raising their own children for more of the same.

Overall, I'd say the Godfather stands up to the hype surrounding it, which is an amazing achievement in itself! It's a serious, entertaining and compelling film that makes you think. Like everybody else, I'm sure, I just wish there were more films made that manage to reach these heights.

It is difficult to pen a review for a film as magnificent as THE GODFATHER. A reviewer captured the feeling well in saying that one gets the sense that everyone in this film was born to make it. It is as if Destiny herself brought together this gripping story, capable director, and legendary actors to inspire one of the greatest cinematic works of all time. Very few films allow for multiple viewings among non-fanatics. But though I have seen THE GODFATHER over half-a-dozen times, I never fail to thoroughly enjoy the experience. It never fails to pull me into the dark and intriguing web it weaves. And, though it is three hours in length, I never pause it to attend to the rest of life. This film demands your attention and holds you captive from start to finish.

Let us begin with the plot. THE GODFATHER breaks free from all stereo-types. It is not a traditional "mob" movie in the sense that it does not rely on violence to energize an otherwise predictable and pedestrian plot. This film, while quite violent at times, does not dwell on violence. Instead, we see the true life of the mafia: a world run largely by businessmen in closed meetings. Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is an aging Don of the Corleone family. He has spent his entire life building up the family from the humblest of beginnings. Now, in his old age, the Don is failing to keep up with the tides of change and his life is threatened for it. As the Don's control begins to fade, someone from the family must step forward and "take over the family business." Two mean step forward: the eldest son, Sonny Corleone (James Caan) and the family consigliere, Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall). But for all his enthusiasm, Sonny is hot-headed and ill-fit to lead. He lacks the patience, understanding, and "reasonableness" of his father. And Tom, while close to the family, is not blood and is, perhaps, too much like the old Don to move the family forward in the twentieth-century.

As it turns out, the only member of the family capable of leadership is the youngest son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). Ironically, Michael is the favored son--someone the old Don had plans for and the son who could finally break free of the family business and lead a normal life. Michael is reluctant to have anything to do with his family's business affairs. At the outset of the film, he does not associate himself with the family, he is in love with a woman he hopes to spend his life with, and proclaims himself to be "nothing like his father." Of course, the tragedy of the series lies, in part, in watching how good men, like Vito and Michael Corleone, become evil men through a series of little compromises.

The acting in this film, as all reviewers agree, is superb. Brando's performance as Vito Corleone is often said to be the greatest of his career. Brando manages to breathe life and complexity into the old Don. Whereas many "mafia" films rely on stereotypes and cardboard characters, Vito is someone we would love to have as our grandfather. He is kind, sensible, patient, and wise. It just so happens that he is also, at times, ruthless in his business affairs. Hats off to Brando for being able to convey that complexity. I could go on about the excellence of the supporting cast, but Al Pacino really deserves our attention here. Pacino's performance of Michael Corleone is widely regarded as one of the greatest film performances of all time. What strikes me about this film every time I watch it is the degree of character movement and development that takes place during its run time. At the beginning, we see a Michael who is somewhat shy and reluctant. We see that same Michael become saddened and outraged when his father's life is threatened, and we see him coolly and confidently transition into his role as Don, effortlessly and ruthlessly establishing his position in one swift blow. Pacino manages to make his movement legitimate and believable. We feel that time is passing and the years are changing Michael--all within the confines of a three-hour film. That's incredible and Pacino deserves more credit for it than he was given at the time of the movie's release.

Finally, in addition to the great screenplay and terrific acting, Francis Ford Coppola shines in this film. The film has beautiful direction, beautiful cinematography, wonderful pacing, great lighting...the list goes on. THE GODFATHER gets everything right.

You cannot go wrong with THE GODFATHER, particularly at the ridiculously low price you can obtain it for. The new edition is beautifully done and will be an instant favorite in your film collection.

The first time I saw this movie, when it first came out 33 years ago, I left the theater after one hour or so, I was bored and confused, perhaps I was too young for this film. Today I consider the Godfather to be the best movie ever, I'm a fan of the film, I know every character and detail. Of course I seen it a hundreds times, in fact it's hard for me to stop watching it every time I start. In time people who didn't like the Godfather the first time, will probably understand that this move is a masterpiece jn accomplishment, every aspect is perfectly well portrayed. And of course you will also love de Godfather II. So wait a few years and play it again.

The USA have reached a point of no return in 1972 that is going to lead them to their final defeat in Vietnam and their tremendous decline in the world. At this moment too the consumer's society has produced a new need in western societies, the need for some artificial paradise that could compensate the materialistic narrowmindedness of modern life, the lack of spirituality in mass comsumption. This paper tiger of a paradise is brought by drugs. The drug market explodes, and first of all in the USA. The maffia is confronted to this problem in New York and elsewhere. The older generation of the Godfather refuses this evolution and that brings some kind of confrontation among the five families or clans and the police of course that tries to put their hands on the profit without soiling their fingers. At the same time the Godfather is brought to realising that he has to let a younger generation take over. First an agreement is reached about drugs : drug trafficking will be accepted but regulated. No drugs to minors and in schools, and drugs in priority to the dark ones, the blacks in an attempt to keep this « cancer » contained in the most hated community in the US. This though is not enough to pacify the streets of New York. The Godfather's death is the signal for one of his surviving sons, appointed guardian of the business by the godfather himself, to take over. It is done in the most typical method of the maffia : the five families are decimated at their heads, including the Corleone family. The new Godfather eliminates his brother in law who is responsible for the death of one of the brothers. Brutal, ruthless, pacifying for sure for a while but the promise that with time vengeance will bring strife again. The depicting of power in a feudal system like that of the Sicilian maffia based on the signoria, on the absolute autonomy of each family and their right to defend their territories and their interests by any means including killing, including children and women. Francis Ford Coppola takes a very visible pleasure in this depiction that he complacently shows in its very minute details of cruelty and viciousness.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Paris Dauphine & University of Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne

"The Godfather" is a huge piece of film entertaining, involving sentiment, nostalgia, filial affection, pride, integrity, loyalty, corruption, honor, betrayal and crime... Within weeks of its release, it was clearly a blockbuster, a cinematic phenomenon, an exquisite Mafia epic with outstanding performances... Coppola got everything right, creating a landmark in American cinema...

His film acutely details the inner workings of the criminal "families," and the ruthlessness of those in organized crime, but also examines their steadfast loyalty, love for blood relations, and code of ethics... Coppola and Puzo subtly weave a complex narrative with themes of hypocrisy, power, and corruption which stands as a pulsating reflection of our uncertain times...

With his raspy voice, deliberate movements, and penetrating stare, Brando creates a personage that will be remembered for ever... The line "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" has reached legendary statues... Brando's Don Corleone is the moral center of the film: a tough, wise, feared old Sicilian who has risen to become an all powerful leader in an empire of Italian-American organized crime...

While crime may be the first image that comes into one's mind in the film, violence plays a vital part in this complicated tale... Brando is the head of one of the five families who are said to control the Mafia in the area of New York... He is opposed to any involvement in drugs, and refuses to risk his political contacts and prestige for such putrefied money... He is behind the time but he understands that society is not alarmed by "liquor, gambling, and even women..." He is also a loving family man... His sons, relatives and friends are part of his operations... He despises displays of weakness... He understands the strength of power and his wordless sympathy for Michael when he is forced to assume the "sovereignty." In the outdoor garden, father and son are affectionate to each other, but cannot express their emotions openly...

The Corleones are a warm, close family and the motion picture (with l0 Oscar Nominations) shows the flavor of Italian-American home life... Don Corleone is an undisputed patriarch, and as played by Brando, he has almost the manner of a religious leader... His voice is quite and rasping, his chin stands as a symbol of his authority, and men kisses his hand as they ask for his favors... He is a charismatic leader and his eyes reflect his kind heart as his implacability...

Pacino's gradual and subtle transformation is the heart of the film... From a gentle man to one of the most cunning, ruthless, and cold-blooded man ever to come on the screen, he has learned from his father never to talk in front of outsiders and always keep his own counsel... His commandment "Never to take sides against the Family."

The opening shot of "The Godfather" sets the tone of the film as Don Corleone and some of his family listen to an undertaker, Amerigo Bonasera (Salvatore Cirsitto), pleading for justice for the near-rape and brutal beating suffered by his daughter...

Attending the wedding of his sister Connie to young bookmaker Carlo Rizzi, Michael, a highly decorated Marine captain from World War II, points out the other guests to Kate (Diane Keaton), his non-Italian girlfriend... In the same time Coppola introduces us to his large cast of characters:

Sonny (James Caan), the rough, hot-headed impulsive kid who never really grew up; Fredo (John Cazale), the troubled, shy, weak young man who can't seem to do anything right; Tom (Robert Duvall), the right-hand man, the legal adviser and adopted son to the Godfather-- steady, reliable, always thinking, always controlled; Connie (Talia Shire), the battered wife and rebellious sister, who achieves and promotes the movie's most horrific scene; Johnny Fontane (Al Martine), the idol star whose tears set up the shocking moment when a movie "big shot" named Jack Woltz (John Marley) finds himself in an horrifying pool of blood; Luca Brasi (Lenny Montana), the giant criminal thug, one of Corleone's most trusted enforcers; Tessio (Abbe Vigoda), the fearsome tall enforcer who implies the possibility of violent revenge guaranteeing Michael's safety; and Clemenza (Richard Castellano), the other faithful enforcer...

With a beautiful score by Nino Rota immensely memorable, Coppola's motion picture remains a triumph, nearly perfect in its execution, composition, and impact...

I'm not sure how one can improve on this movie. The Godfather is visually stunning, the acting is exceptional, and the plot is flawless. Its three hours flow like the Mississippi and I can't think of too many films that can be watched over and over again while still managing to entertain and excite. The Godfather made the reputations of De Niro, Caan, and Pacino, but it made Brando a god among men. Unbelievable! After my tenth time renting it, I finally bought it off Amazon. I encourage you to do the same.

I saw it for the first time. No, this is not a misprint. Brando was brilliant. Yep, my first time seeing him in a film. I don't feel I have to tell you what made this film so compelling. But, seeing as how I'm milking my "redneck in China" and "grits with chopsticks" bit for all it's worth right now, I'll mention juxtapositions. Like watching PURPLE RAIN and THE GODFATHER as a double feature. Who else does that? Both films are stylized, and understandably dated in a few spots. And I thought PURPLE RAIN was too violent? I stand corrected.

Juxtapositions of the American Dream, la cosa nostra, and Catholic old Italy. When Michael Corleone went into exile in Sicily, and learned all the men had been killed in vendettas, the first memorial he saw was to Alfredo LaRocca. When he courted Apollonia, I almost spit out my dentures. Prince courted Apollonia. Anyone who would marry Vito Corleone's daughter is insane. We should only watch the Corleones from a safe distance. Godfather-in-law? Yikes.

I have THE GODFATHER 2 and THE GODFATHER 3, but I won't get to them right away. I've heard 2 is better than 1, but I hope you understand why I'm skeptical. If you've seen 1, that is. They killed off Brando. Jeez. Great juxtaposition, dying while playing with his grandson.

That is one of my favorite lines in a movie.

Once in a great while, everything comes together in a film -- the story, the actors, the art direction, the costumes -- and when it does, it's magic. I love this movie. I recently saw an interview with Robert Duvall, and he was asked about "The Godfather." Duvall said, about halfway through production, they all realized that they were part of something special. I believe this is one of the great films of all time.

I immediatly loved the Godfather the first time I watched it.Marlon Brando stars as the Godfather,Don Vito Corleone.Anybody with problems relating to politics see the Godfather,and he takes care of it.It covers the old Italian Mafia in New York City,and the roots of the Corleone family.The best film of 1972.

i loved the ending every time i see this movie. when kay looks over it just so perfect. it was kinda long and a lot of people died in it but over all it was a good movie

i have never seen a movie with diane keaton so young but she has grown into a beautiful woman. she looks better now then she did in this movie. the movie is really long but it is well worth it. i loved the end of the movie when she looks over. and i can't wait to see the rest