The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola's epic masterpiece features Marlon Brando in his Oscar-winning role as the patriarch of the Corleone family. Director Coppola paints a chilling portrait of the Sicilian clan's rise and near fall from power in America, masterfully balancing the story between the Corleone's family life and the ugly crime business in which they are engaged. Based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel and featuring career-making performances by Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall, this searing and brilliant film garnered ten Academy Award nominations, and won three including Best Picture of 1972.
Member Reviews
Among the Best - MrMoviePicker
This compulsively watchable tale about a family snared in a web of organized crime is, quite simply, one of the greatest films ever made.
At almost three hours, one might expect this evenly paced film to drag; but the incredible story pulls you in and rivets you to your seat. As Vito and his sons are gripped by a violent world of political machinations, so we go with them.
For me, THE GODFATHER (and THE GODFATHER PART 2) always feels fresh; on every viewing I seem to learn something new. And I can think of no higher praise.A Great Film that Remains Incredibly Powerful and Evocative - Gregg
The story of a Mafia family, it’s about honor and loyalty but it’s also a story of crime, it espouses and perverts the American dream. The film has so many iconic scenes that stand out in my memory even when years pass between viewings. The film was based upon the best selling novel by Mario Puzo.
The film has an amazing cast who bring to life memorable and well rounded characters that earn our sympathy despite some of the deeds they perpetrate. While Marlon Brando would receive the accolades and the Oscer we also have Oscar nominated performances from James Caan, Robert Duvall and Al Pacino. Also of note are John Cazale (he appeared in only 6 films before his untimely death, all of them were nominated for Best Picture), Sterling Hayden, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda and Talia Shire. The cast between them have thus far won 5 Oscars and been nominated for another 22.
We have the incredible score of Nino Rota which remains one of the most evocative scores in film, and it is a tribute to the composer and the film that just a few notes can conjure such images almost 40 years later.
We also have the wonderful cinematography of Gordon Willis who created such powerful visual images, at times very warm while at other times so very dark.
There’s no doubt that the film does paint a somewhat romanticized portrait of a mafia family but it’s not just a film about crime it’s about family. The film was followed up shortly by a very good sequel (Godfather II) that maintained the high standards of its predecessor even to the extent of achieving the Academy Award for Best Picture, but for me it wasn’t quite as compelling. These films were followed by a less memorable sequel (Godfather III) 16 years later that while earning 7 Oscar nominations itself, mostly served as a reminder of how much less powerful it was than its predecessors.
The film appears near the top of the AFI list as well as almost every other lists and stands currently at #2 on IMDB.WOW - thecroshow
I cannot believe the amazing transfer to Blu Ray! I haven't seen this film in years and it definitely brought back great memories of watching with my family.
Brando is outstanding and I'm amazed at the poise and composure in which Pacino carries himself the entire film. I didn't realize how calm "Mikey" remained the entire film.
The best gangster film of all time!
Member Reviews
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Among the Best - MrMoviePicker
This compulsively watchable tale about a family snared in a web of organized crime is, quite simply, one of the greatest films ever made.
At almost three hours, one might expect this evenly paced film to drag; but the incredible story pulls you in and ...A Great Film that Remains Incredibly Powerful and Evocative - Gregg
The story of a Mafia family, it’s about honor and loyalty but it’s also a story of crime, it espouses and perverts the American dream. The film has so many iconic scenes that stand out in my memory even when years pass between viewings. The film was based ...WOW - thecroshow
I cannot believe the amazing transfer to Blu Ray! I haven't seen this film in years and it definitely brought back great memories of watching with my family.
Brando is outstanding and I'm amazed at the poise and composure in which Pacino carries himself ...