The Godfather- Movie Review

 " I will make him an offer he cannot refuse."-- Don Vito Corleone         

The majestic masterpiece directed by the immensely talented Francis Ford Coppola has gained classic recognition over the years. This trilogy is not just a set of three films about mafia and murder. It is more than that. When you start watching this incredible film series, it makes you an offer , you can’t just refuse. The Godfather is based on a book published in 1969 written by Mario Puzo. This book was the inspiration for the renowned film director to make the three films released subsequently in 1972,1974,1990. My absolute favourite is the first instalment of this magnanimous stellar trilogy.

The first film ‘The Godfather’ was released in 1972 under the banner of Paramount Pictures with the screenplay of Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. This film had a stellar cast of Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, James Caan & Talia Shire among many other great performers. It was a box office success and garnered a success of  $430.9–512.4 million.

The first film sets the tone for all the coming films in the crime-thriller-mafia industry. Whether it is the astounding background score in the first scene or the first scene of the film which hooks you to the end, this film is by far one of the best films in the history of cinema. Marlon Brando leaves you on the edge of your seat beaming with satisfaction and in expectance of his next dialogue. He plays the inimitable role of “Don Corleone” who is the head of the Corleone mafia family. Every dialogue uttered by him is sheer brilliance.

 Every mafia movie buff will know by heart the famous dialogues of Vito Corleone. When you are about to think “Gosh! This guy is the best! No one else can top this acting” that is when Al Pacino makes his entry as Michael Corleone, Don Vito Corleone’s son. At first appearance, he seems to be a handsome war hero with a very pretty girlfriend (Diane Keaton) , who doesn’t want to get mixed up in the family business and is all about principles. Halfway in the film, tables turn.

Don Vito Corleone is vulnerable and the person who steps in to protect the dignity of his father, who damns all the principles he once wished to follow is none other than Michael Corleone. Al Pacino is caught between the moral dilemma of being his father’s son and having his own aspirations separate from the family. The superb acting portrayed in this film is just beyond any words.

The second half of the film shows Vito Corleone retired and has placed the business of his family in Michael’s hands. Michael is now adjusting to his newly given responsibilities and facing the consequences. What the film also showcases is the fact the consequences which have to be dealt with by people in the line of the mafia are heavily burdening. Throughout the film, Michael is trying to legitimize the underworld share his family has in the mafia. The struggle, the tragedies and the difficulties he faces is all that makes this film so special. You can just lose yourself and get into the skin of Michael Corleone during the entirety of the film. All his battles, his losses and his successes hit close to the heart as if you are living them. This is the magic of Francis Ford Coppola. This is simply brilliant in all of its sections. The acting, the direction, the background score, the transition of each and every scene, the cinematography, every object and every centrepiece kept in the middle of every room, the background details and everything about this film. This is THE film. I have never seen a film better than The Godfather.