The Godfather Review

Few films are able to make an impact on an audience, and even fewer of those are nationally known as some of the greatest films. Francis Ford Coppala and Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" is an icon in the movie industry. A movie can't be that bad if it ranks number two on IMBd's top 250 movies. "The Godfather" is a movie released in 1972 by Francis Ford Coppala, adapted from Mario Puzo's book of the same title. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert Dubvall, the crime/drama film of the century defines the layout of the mafia, and the ironic importance of family in crime. The film begins with an introduction to our main character and crime boss, Don Vito Corleone (Brando). Brando does an excellent job of making Vito a hero, but at the same time emphasizing the fact that he is a crime lord and that he doesn't always follow the law. But the role of main character often switches around in the movie, a definitive part of this cinema masterpiece. One of Vito's sons, Michael Corleone (Pacino), is the only member of the Corleone family to avoid the family business and join the army. However when he returns, a sudden rise in violence between the crime families in New York forces him to make the decision between staying on the right side of the law, or protecting his family honor by taking control of the Corleone family. "The Godfather" hosts many classic scenes that have parodied and honored continuously. Vito's assistant and adopted son, Tom Hagan (Duvall) must visit a movie director by the name of Jack Woltz (John Marley), when Woltz refuses the demands made by the Corleone family, he wakes up with his prized horse's head in bed with him. Many animal rights activists were outraged with this scene, but others found it amusing and Woltz' reaction priceless. Another beautiful scene, and perhaps the most important to the plot is when Michael and his girlfriend Kay Adams (Diane Keaton), meet up after a long time of separation on a cold Autumn day. They walk along a rode and the dialogue and camera angles are beautiful. Michael makes a sudden change in character, and genuinely suprised audience members. The music by Nino Rota is quite memorable with the beautiful hits "Speak Softly Love," and "The Godfather Waltz". From its acting to its plot to its music, "The Godfather," has all bases covered and is a prime example of cinematography at its finest.