The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather is brilliant. It's an electrifying journey into the heart of the mafia with perfect performances from every single member of the cast. It shone a light on a hidden culture, depicting the mafia as both warm and brutal like no other film before it and does so with extraordinary detail. There is a warm sense of family and love in these men (and women) but also a horrible, truly evil tone underneath. Robert Duvall gives one of his greatest performances as Tom, the consiglieri (counsellor, legal advisor) and James Caan as Santino, one of three brothers, a hasty vengeful mafioso. These men are explored with so much detail that, after repeated viewings, they seem like close friends. Yes! Fredo, the weak, indecisive one who cheats the Corleone family behind their back. And of course Sonny! Protective of his sister, quick to anger. You grow to love them until you see the evil ways they 'clip' people and the dirty deals they do. Marlon Brando in his greatest role since On the Waterfront dominates the film (as he is The Don) in terms of acting skill and is wonderful all-round. Pacino is subtle and brilliant in this and later becomes the complete powerhouse of Part II. Sad that he would much later sample the sweet taste of scenery and chew it for the rest of his career. It's one of those special movies that really demands multiple viewings. Every scene is iconic. The greatest mob, gangster or crime film ever made.