What can be said about The Godfather (1972) that hasn't already been said? Not a lot is the answer.
Based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, The Godfather chronicles the life of mafia patriarch Don Vito Corleone, and how as he nears retirement, control of the family business is handed to his son Michael.
The cast is nothing less than stellar, and the film serves as career defining performances for Al Pacino (Michael), Marlon Brando (Don Vito), Robert Duvall (Tom Hagan), and James Caan (Sonny). John Cazale, who features more prominently in the sequel, Diane Keaton, and Al Lettieri also put on splendid performances in their respective roles.
Widely recognized by many as the greatest film of all time, The Godfather is not only the pinnacle of Francis Ford Coppola's filmography, but of film making itself.
The narrative is beautifully told, and Coppola's ability to change mood on a dime is phenomenal, perfectly capturing the drama, thrills, and emotion of life within the mafia. From the opening scenes, we are drawn into the film, captivated by its visual beauty, and instantly enthralled by the exquisitely portrayed array of characters.
The technical aspects of the film are similarly impressive, with one of the most iconic scores of all time, along with some fantastically realistic set design and costumes. The culmination of these factors creates an atmosphere that has not been rivalled since, and the criminal underworld has never been depicted so immersively.
From the cut-throat streets of the Bronx, to the mountainous regions of Sicily, The Godfather takes us on a a journey with the finest story and characters of all time. For as long as we live, there will never be a film quite like The Godfather.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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