The Godfather Review

“The Godfather” directed by Francis Ford Coppola may be the all time greatest gangster movies of all time. What gives me a right to say such a bold statement? I have something known as the freedom of speech. “The Godfather” is the platform of which nearly all gangster/mafia movies build from; this movie alone set the standards for this genre. This is of course my opinion but I am sure you will agree if you decide to listen to my praises and watch this movie.

To begin, “The Godfather” has won three academy awards including best picture of 1972. With an all-star cast how couldn’t this movie receive all the attention it did? The movie stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Anne Keaton. The acting is superb, the emotions and the dialogue are so rich and full of life that you come out of the movie feeling as if you are part of the family. Marlon Brando is amazing he sells his character to you and you believe him when he makes promises, you listen to every word he says because you almost find yourself respecting him as a character.

“The Godfather” is the story of a Sicilian family that is one of the five most powerful mafia families in New York. It’s 1946 and at this time the mafia has it’s hands in the casino, and liquor industries, A young narcotics dealer comes into the picture and starts to shake things up, he tries to get narcotics into organized crime. This does not go over well with Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) who feels that the introduction of the narcotics industry will only bring trouble and confrontation. Don Corleone is right in thinking this because this is exactly what happens. Rivalries and the event of the Don’s assassination attempt really gets the ball rolling and forces the family business to be placed in the hands of Sonny, Don Vito’s hot headed son. While Don Corleone’s wounds heal, Sonny has turned the situation into a full on war between the five mafia families of New York. After many retaliations and twists and turns Michael, the Don’s youngest son is handed the control of the family business and learns that the family business isn’t all about killing and crime, but it is about respect for one’s friends and enemies, and family is a huge part of the business.

“The Godfather” is directed by the great Francis Ford Coppola a man who knows that the power of music can dramatically affect the mood of the film. The music throughout the film is scored by Nino Rota, she created the moving music throughout the film that is upbeat during the weddings and downbeat during funerals and deaths. The music in itself tells a story of victory and defeat, the way this film is put together is amazing because it has so much to offer: action, drama, suspense, weddings, funerals, shootouts, and assassinations. Everything that a good gangster film should be The Godfather has it all. I would highly recommend this film to the seven people on earth who haven’t seen this film, and to those who have already seen this masterpiece so they can take a closer look at the genius behind Coppola’s “The Godfather”.