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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 (54,784)

  • 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
  • Callahan441
    May 18, 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'.
  • 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.
  • joelkelly319
    December 29, 2011
    joelkelly319
    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 ac... read moretors 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.
  • moonrivers
    November 24, 2011
    moonrivers
    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... read more nuance is note perfect ... but the acting: sublime. An astounding film.
  • theunknownhobo
    September 21, 2011
    theunknownhobo
    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 scree... read moren? 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.
  • fb100000212943704
    August 19, 2011
    fb100000212943704
    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... read more 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

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Critic Reviews

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

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

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

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

We come to The Godfather like Kay Adams -- outsiders uncertain in our expectations - but it doesn't take long for us to be captivated by this intricate, violent world. Full Review

Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

With The Godfather, Coppola got everything right, balancing art with commerce -- and turning a big-studio project into something deeply personal and resonant. Full Review

John Hartl
January 1, 2000
John Hartl, Film.com

The years have been kind to this timeless Mafia epic, which seems particularly rich now that studio blockbusters no longer demonstrate this kind of care with character, atmosphere and storytelling.

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The story by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola is a brilliant conjuring act, inviting us to consider the Mafia entirely on its own terms. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Clemenza: You know Mike? We all were proud of you. Your father too.
    • Don Vito Corleone: I knew that Santino was gonna have to go through all this. And Fredo... Fredo was, well... But I never wanted any of this for you! I worked my whole life. I don't apologize for taking care of my family. And I refused to be a fool, dancing on a string held by all those big shots. I don't apologize, that's my life, but I thought that... that when it was your time, you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone, Governor Corleone, something.
    • Michael Corleone: ...another pezzonovante.
    • Don Vito Corleone: I guess just wasn't enough time, Michael. Just wasn't enough time.
    • Tom Hagen: I always thought [the traitor] would be Clemenza, not Tessio.
    • Michael Corleone: It's the smart move. Tessio was always smarter.
    • Moe Greene: You know who I am? I'm Moe Greene! I made my bones working hard while you were going out with cheerleaders!
    • Tessio: [signaling dead fish] That's a Sicilian message. It means Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.
    • Don Vito Corleone: Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men.
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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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