Movies

Lauded by critics as one of the best and most memorable films that showcase the life of organized crime, it blends Drama, Action, Serious Humor and Suspense in a masterpiece that does not fail to disappoint, even for those who are not fans of the genre. Critics in IMDB (The Internet Movie Database (various)) branded it as flawless and perfect, praising its magnificent cinematography as well as its interesting plot.

Adapted from a novel and screenplay by Mario Puzo of the same name, the film was launched in 1972 and was directed by Francis Ford Copolla. The film stars veteran such as Marlon Brando as the titular main character, Don Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as his son and decorated WWII hero Michael Corleone, Robert Duvall as the Corleones right hand man Tom Hagen, and others.

The story focuses on the life and times of the Corleone family, one of the main Italian mobs that control most of New Yorks criminal operations, as well as the influence of various politicians and judges within the city. Headed by the highly charismatic and highly influential Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), their family keeps its power and dominance through gambling rings, women and doing favors for various friends of the family. The Corleone family, however, is put to the test when a member of a rival family wants to start a business selling drugs within the city. As the old ways of the Corleone family clash with the modernist ideas of the rival families, the fate of the family now falls on the hands of the Dons hesitant and somewhat reluctant son, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino).

The film makes a wondrous and splendid recreation of the gritty times of organized crime in the 1940s, and this is no mean feat in terms of production. Every scene is fleshed out and the script noticeably well - written and well - executed. Tensions in the movie are well - plotted, and the performance of the actors is remarkable and well - refined. No signs of mindless violence here, as the action scenes are limited but well enough to keep the story interesting and the film contained in doing what it had set out to do.

The films self - containment is based on the films engaging message The importance of family and loyalty. Certain films over the years have tackled the theme for years after The Godfather, with examples such as Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995), and even crossing towards Mafia - themed TV series such as Gungrave (2003) and The Sopranos (1999). But none of them could come close to the emotional portrayal of the subject in The Godfather, where traditions and family laws are much important than blood and family ties.

There are 3 scenes that show just how well - portrayed the main theme is throughout the film.

The theme radiates well enough in the very first part of the movie where one of the Corleones, Connie, was wed to Carlo Rizzi. Here, the idea of tradition and respect for the Don and his family is well established, from the way others would come and pay respects to him and his daughter, to the way they would ask for his wisdom and guidance. Bonaseras moving speech and (beg) for vengeance in the first few minutes is an example of this, as well as the Dons influence over Johnny Fontane, a famous actor and singer. An example where family ties is portrayed as something that matters within the wedding is the scene where the Don was insistent on having his family together for a family autograph, to which he expresses this by saying Were not taking a picture without Michael. (Brandon and Pacino)

Another major part in the film that promotes the theme is on the acts of vengeance towards other families in the scenes following Don Corleones failed assassination. The family was portrayed to be in disarray, and the Dons sons were seen to be having different opinions on the matter. Tom Hagen, the familys right hand man, wants to forgo the assassins deal as to prevent further bloodshed. But the elder son, Sonny Corleone, wanted to take revenge by declaring war over the rival family that was responsible. In the end, it was Michaels drive to take vengeance and upbringing the honor to their family the key that drove them to retribution. This decision has unforeseen consequences however, as the war escalated, Michael was forced into hiding in Sicily, and Sonny was murdered (Brandon and Pacino).

While the first and second major parts discuss the emphasis on blood relations and family ties, there is a major part in the movie that talks of a third nature of family that is portrayed to transcend the two, and that is family traditions. With the acts of vengeance put to a halt and the Corleones are backed to the wall in favor of the other major families entry into the narcotics business, Michael Corleone eventually overcomes his reluctance in taking over and starts a chain of events that puts every family rival to their deaths. The purpose of this was not just for power, but for keeping up with the family creed of leaving the narcotics business untouched. The tension on the scene is heavily emphasized as the killings were well - synchronized with Michael taking vows at the altar on his godsons baptism.

To finalize, the three major scenes shown above are just a mere example and emphasis to how the concept of family is well  portrayed in the film. However, it is these three major scenes that show how the movie skillfully executes the story in a calculating and natural way that would make it seem real, and would grip movie-goers as they explore just how beautiful but melancholic family life is in the underworld business as well as in realistic situations.

To finalize, the three major scenes shown above are just a mere example and emphasis to how the concept of family is well  portrayed in the film. However, it is these three major scenes that show how the movie skillfully executes the story in a calculating and natural way that would make it seem real, and would grip movie-goers as they explore just how beautiful but melancholic family life is in the underworld business as well as in realistic situations. And as the film portrays sadly, there is no such thing as a quiet life nor escape when it comes to being a member of the family.

Personally, the movie is a great experience. And while I personally find that the movie could use more depth in portraying criminal business in a fashion similar to Goodfellas or Gungrave, where the film lacks, it makes up with its superior characterizations, character development, level of detail, and mood setting. That is to say, this is NOT your typical gangster flick laden with action and gunfire that pops up in the screen similar to gunfests like The Matrix trilogy, nor is this about the grim and brutal reality of a mobsters business. No, this movie treats the mob as it should be in the first place a family governed by rules, traditions, and even honor, despite their systems being heinously different from the legal norm.