Introduction to Film Studies
Film #10
The Godfather (1972).

"Look how they massacred my boy."

This film made almost $300 million dollars at the box-office and has been called one of the greatest films ever made. At the time when I first saw this, I never understood why. Years later on second viewing, I love it so much more this time around.

Marlon Brando and Al Pacino are the real scene stealers in this film. That being said, everyone played their part extraordinarily well. The music is chilling, and the cinematography has its own flavor (if that makes any sense). Next to Goodfellas, this truly feels like an accurate depiction of of Mafia.
I believe this was Francis Ford Coppola's second film. For it only being his second, it's a damn near masterpiece. It's just under 3 hours and not a single second is wasted.
The only nitpick I have with this is that one fight scene that everyone talks about between Sonny and Carlo. It's not only bad framing but you can easily tell that Sonny isn't landing a single much on Carlo. It's a really unconvincing fight scene that's really overacted whenever Carlo is hit. Out of all the takes they had, it's hard to believe that was the one they went with. That is my only issue with the film.

At its core, the film is actually about family the commitment one has to a family. Taking all the interesting violence aside, it's something I think a lot of can relate to. Do we stay with the family or go form our own destiny? Are we bond to this life? Do we have a responsibility to our family when things get rough? Interesting conversation to have.
I believe that for Michael Corleone, even if he never decided to get back in the family business, he was always a part of it from birth. Maybe this was his destiny.
Either way, this is a damn great film that I'm glad I enjoy more this time around. One of the best films ever made...YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT!

I can't wait to watch The Godfather Part 2.

"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

9.9/10 (A+).