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Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall ... see more see more... , Diane Keaton , Sterling Hayden , Richard Conte , Talia Shire , Al Lettieri , Al Martino , Lenny Montana , Rudy Bond , Richard Bright , Richard S. Castellano , Franco Citti , Corrado Gaipa , Tony Giorgio , Julie Gregg , Angelo Infanti , Morgana King , Jeannie Linero , John Marley , John Martino , Victor Rendina , Alex Rocco , Gianni Russo , Vito Scotti , Joe Spinell , Simonetta Stefanelli , Saro Urzì , Abe Vigoda , Carmine Coppola , Sofia Coppola , Tere Livrano , Salvatore Corsitto , Ardell Sheridan

Popularly viewed as one of the best American films ever made, the multi-generational crime saga The Godfather is a touchstone of cinema: one of the most widely imitated, quoted, and lampooned movies o... read more read more...f all time. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino star as Vito Corleone and his youngest son, Michael, respectively. It is the late 1940s in New York and Corleone is, in the parlance of organized crime, a "godfather" or "don," the head of a Mafia family. Michael, a free thinker who defied his father by enlisting in the Marines to fight in World War II, has returned a captain and a war hero. Having long ago rejected the family business, Michael shows up at the wedding of his sister, Connie (Talia Shire), with his non-Italian girlfriend, Kay (Diane Keaton), who learns for the first time about the family "business." A few months later at Christmas time, the don barely survives being shot by gunmen in the employ of a drug-trafficking rival whose request for aid from the Corleones' political connections was rejected. After saving his father from a second assassination attempt, Michael persuades his hotheaded eldest brother, Sonny (James Caan), and family advisors Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) and Sal Tessio (Abe Vigoda) that he should be the one to exact revenge on the men responsible. After murdering a corrupt police captain and the drug trafficker, Michael hides out in Sicily while a gang war erupts at home. Falling in love with a local girl, Michael marries her, but she is later slain by Corleone enemies in an attempt on Michael's life. Sonny is also butchered, having been betrayed by Connie's husband. As Michael returns home and convinces Kay to marry him, his father recovers and makes peace with his rivals, realizing that another powerful don was pulling the strings behind the narcotics endeavor that began the gang warfare. Once Michael has been groomed as the new don, he leads the family to a new era of prosperity, then launches a campaign of murderous revenge against those who once tried to wipe out the Corleones, consolidating his family's power and completing his own moral downfall. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning for Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay, The Godfather was followed by a pair of sequels. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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R, 2 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

Release Date: March 24, 1972

Keywords: mafia, mob, gangster, crime, epic, family, guy

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DVD Release Date: October 9, 2001

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Flixster Reviews (55,977)

  • aquateen2
    November 29, 2012
    aquateen2
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]

    Outstanding in every possible manner, the feature that would be first in the cinema dictionary to be classed underneath masterpiece. There are certain films that are adored by almost everyone, films that... read more have the honor of being called flawless, films named misunderstood cult classics, but then there's Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather". Arguably one of the greatest achievements in American filmmaking. A powerfully acted, grippingly written, utterly overwhelming gem crafted with such skill that it is categorically and unconditionally flawless. I cannot cast enough praise for this film. Aside from merely delivering what we expect when we wish for a big screen experience. Including that of good performances, great scriptwriting and artful direction this delivers so much more. At the time of it's release no person expected it to be as good as it was. But The Godfather gave us all of the above and in addition to that defined a genre. It was the birthplace and remains to this day the high water mark for gangster drama/crime noir filmmaking. It's highly open to debate what the message of the saga is. I see at it as a truthful insight into how the gangster genre is endlessly and carelessly glamourised. That there is actually a lot of pain and heartbreak in the criminal underworld. I also think the film is a lecture on what can be personal as opposed to that what is actual business in the line of organised crime. But also a tale of love, hatred, truth and death. In addition to that, as a companion piece to my favourites, a better cast has never been assembled on screen before. Marlon Brando's most engrossing performance is undeniably showstopping. Al Pacino who plays the role of one of his sons constructs the character inside out. Changes him from a vastly respectable man, to an even more reputable godfather. The way I view it is simple. If a film can grip you so much that you actually manage to sympathise for a universally feared mafia crime lord what your having the pleasure of viewing must be really something and then some. The Godfather is just that, it delivers in every single department. It is quite easily one of the best films that ever graced motion pictures.
  • fb1463751009
    November 28, 2012
    fb1463751009
    "The Godfather" is highly regarded as the greatest American movie of all-time. No other movie has garnered such praise as this movie has. Undoubtedly, everything has been meticulously put together to create an entertaining, captivating, and phenomenal masterpiece.

    BUT (and I put... read more a huge but), I do not believe it is the greatest movie of all time.

    WHAT?!?!
    Here come the FLAMERS! TAKE COVER!
    Yes, I said it. "The Godfather" is not the greatest movie of all time.

    I agree that "The Godfather" is crafted beautifully at an epic scale, but the pacing is much to be desired for and this is merely a Hollywood blockbuster, believe it or not -- albeit, one of the greatest Hollywood blockbusters. Everything, down to the script, narrative, cinematography, camerawork, direction, editing, and acting are all exquisitely done in an immaculate fashion, but that's what "The Godfather" merely is: a Hollywood blockbuster. I can't stress this enough. There are plenty of other movies, older and newer, that though genre wise may be different, exceed "The Godfather" emotionally, symbolically, and personally. In no way am I trying to stand out among a crowd of "The Godfather" lovers, nor am I trying to think that I'm smarter than everyone.

    Such high talks about such a film comes deserved for sure, but perhaps it may have been a bit over exaggerated in my opinion. Please, don't get me wrong: "The Godfather" is an impeccable masterpiece. Masterpiece, it is. Greatest movie of all time, it isn't. With that out of the way, I recommend all filmgoers, young, old, the film noob, the average joe, or the long-time film enthusiast to sulk themselves into this film -- just ignore what everyone says about this movie and watch it as it is.
  • garyX
    October 11, 2012
    garyX
    The son of a Mafia boss returns from the war and following an attempt on his father's life becomes more and more embroiled in the shadowy world of organised crime. Francis Ford Coppola's classic gangster saga is the story of a criminal dynasty headed by Marlon Brando in one of hi... read mores most iconic roles. Coppola's direction is deceptively simple in that he uses no gimmicks or stylistic tricks; he merely allows the story to unfold and lets the superb cast do their thing. Brando's mumbling family and loyalty obsessed don has since become part of popular culture folklore (along with the classic score) and all other accompanying performances are top notch, from James Caan's hot headed Santino to Robert Duval's purely business orientated adviser. But this film is really the story of Michael's transition from honest war hero to shadowy underworld figure, played by Al Pacino in his finest role. The pivotal scene in which his newborn godson is baptised while Michael himself, the newborn "Godfather", is baptised in blood is an all time great. This is the birth of the modern gangster film and with the possible exception of Goodfellas, it is still to be surpassed.
  • Callahan441
    June 21, 2012
    Callahan441
    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. H... read moreowever, 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'.
  • bathshebamonk
    June 13, 2012
    bathshebamonk
    I saw this for probably the third time last night, this time on DVD. I loved it. It's one of the most perfect movies ever made in that no scene was extraneous, every bit contributed to the forward momentum, and it's an American original. The first time I saw it, I was totally ... read moresympathetic towards Don Corleone, this time not so much: I saw him as a murdeous thug. Also, this time I was struck by how improbable it was that Michael go back to Kay, tall and plain, after being married to Italian bombshell Apollania. These are nit picks, no question. It might be one of those stories it's interesting to revisit at different times of your life--like Anna Karenena.
  • spielberg00
    May 26, 2012
    spielberg00
    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... read more 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
  • FilmFanatik
    March 5, 2012
    FilmFanatik
    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 ... read moreof 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.
  • fb1664868775
    March 5, 2012
    fb1664868775
    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".
  • fb733768972
    March 3, 2012
    fb733768972
    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 b... read moree 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.
  • fb1576983399
    January 13, 2012
    fb1576983399
    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... read more? Not in my opinion.

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Critic Reviews

Gene Siskel
January 18, 2013
Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

To permit us a glimpse at The Mob, with all of its ethnic insularity, is like giving a chronic gambler a chance to wander above the false mirrors that overlook every casino. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
September 24, 2012
Andrew Sarris, Village Voice

Brando's triumph and fascination is less that of an actor of parts than of a star galaxy of myths. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
February 23, 2011
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Brando made Don Vito something we rarely see in movies: a tragicomic villain-hero, a vulnerable hood. Full Review

Jay Cocks
February 23, 2011
Jay Cocks, TIME Magazine

In its blending of new depth with an old genre, it becomes that rarity, a mass entertainment that is also great movie art. Full Review

Ben Walters
September 25, 2009
Ben Walters, Time Out

As filmmaking and storytelling, 'The Godfather' remains a bravura piece of work, its set pieces, dialogue and performances entrenched cinematic icons. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 29, 2008
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

There are volumes that could be written -- and have been -- about the movie's uniformly powerful performances; its precedent-setting editing by William Reynolds and Peter Zinner; Nino Rota's haunting ... Full Review

A.D. Murphy
January 29, 2008
A.D. Murphy, Variety

The biggest achievement here is the establishment of mood and time. Full Review

Dave Kehr
December 13, 2006
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

The ultimate family film. Full Review

Geoff Andrew
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

An everyday story of Mafia folk, incorporating a severed horse's head in the bed and a number of heartwarming family occasions, as well as pointers on how not to behave in your local trattoria. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Francis Ford Coppola has made one of the most brutal and moving chronicles of American life ever designed within the limits of popular entertainment. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Michael Corleone: Well, when Johnny was first starting out, he was signed to a personal services contract with this big-band leader. And as his career got better and better, he wanted to get out of it. But the band leader wouldn't let him. Now, Johnny is my father's godson. So my father went to see this bandleader and offered him $10,000 to let Johnny go, but the bandleader said no. So the next day, my father went back, only this time with Luca Brasi. Within an hour, he had a signed release for a certified check of $1000.
    • Kay Adams: How did he do that?
    • Michael Corleone: My father made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
    • Kay Adams: What was that?
    • Michael Corleone: Luca Brasi held a gun to his head, and my father assured him that either his brains or his signature would be on the contract. Thats a true story.
    • Don Vito Corleone: I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse.
    • Sollozzo: I am sorry. What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But your father, his thinking is old-fashioned. You must understand why I had to do that. Now let's work through where we go from here.
    • Sonny Corleone: What are you gonna do? Nice college boy, didn't want to get mixed up in the family business. Now you want to gun down a police captain. Why? Because he slapped you in the face a little? What do you think this like the Army where you can shoot 'em from a mile away? No you gotta get up like this and badda-bing, you blow their brains all over your nice Ivy League suit. C'mere.
    • Michael Corleone: Well, when Johnny was first starting out, he was signed to a personal services contract with this big-band leader. And as his career got better and better, he wanted to get out of it. But the band leader wouldn't let him. Now, Johnny is my father's godson. So my father went to see this bandleader and offered him $10,000 to let Johnny go, but the bandleader said no. So the next day, my father went back, only this time with Luca Brasi. Within an hour, he had a signed release for a certified check of $1000.
    • Michael Corleone: I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. You see, Johnny, we feel that entertainment is going to be a big factor in drawing gamblers into the casinos. We're hoping that you'll sign a contract agreeing to appear 5 times a year. Perhaps convince some of your friends in the movies to do the same. We're counting on you, Johnny.
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The Godfather Trivia

  • This won an oscar in the 70's and the second part of that movie also won an oscar 2 years after. Which movie is it?  Answer »
  • Which movie has the most academy award nomination for supporting and leading roles ?   Answer »
  • What are the names of the children of Vito Corleone in the movie The Godfather? (Including the boy who was 'adopted' into the Corleone family and later became the family advisor)  Answer »
  • Which actor did NOT appear in the "Godfather 2"?  Answer »
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