Member review

What is there to say more about this movie? Mostly everything has already been said about Francis Ford Coppola's iconic work. The Godfather is a magnificent mafia masterpiece, which has marked its time in the history of all motion picture art for many decades and will do for many more. Perfect is too little of a word to describe The Godfather.

Well, where do I begin? It begins with a usual Italian-American family, the Corleone family, who own a business, but thier business is nothing normal. It is led by 'The Godfather' - Don Vito Corleone - played by Marlon Brando, an actor who has mostly been know for his fights with directors than actual acting, but here, Brando is unmistakably phenomenal. He portrays the character fantasticly well, when showing the authority he holds over his family and the other 5 families who are all rivals in the businesses. This is shown brilliantly in the line: 'I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse' and the actions he does after that, however to contrast that later on in the story, Brando does well to show a slight weakness through the character. This is why his performance is phenomenal and one of the most effective in film history.

Following on, Don Vito doesn't just care souly on his business but instead does his most to protect and love his family. His sons, his heirs, play a huge part in the story, as in the end one could argue that the whole of this story is about one leader caring for his family. The Corleone family also has female members however they are not as significant to the story, this shows a good portrayal of the male domination during that time. Sonny Corleone, played by James Caan, has the less of a connection with the business end, however protects his family dearly especially Connie Corleone (His sister) played by Talia Shire. This connection and loyalty is shown through pure class during the movie. Tom Hagen, played brilliantly by Robert Duvall, helps his father Don Vito with his business and is always there by his side. Tom is thought of as a brother, although he is not a blood relation, as Don Vito brought Tom too his family, when seeing him as a poor orphan on the streets. This shows that Don Vito doesn't just have feelings for his family but others too, including Tom Hagen. Fredo Corleone, played by John Cazale, isn't like the first two sons as he doesn't stay along side with his father however instead prefers to stay in Las Vegas to create his own business. But then there is Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, this character is greatly effective in this plot. Firstly, Michael being the youngest son is a very feeble character, but he gradually shows who he is. This is portrayed perfectly by Al Pacino.

There are many other convenient characters which all have a impacts on the plot. The thing about Godfather is that it doesn't have a basic start, middle and end, like many films even the other fantastic ones like The Shawshank Redemption (which don't get me mistaken, is equally as good as the Godfather). The Godfathers story is recognizably unique in many ways. Mario Puzo, the writer of the Godfathers, created a brilliant story plot, however brilliant was not enough, so that's why Francis Ford Coppola came and changed much of it making it a masterpiece.

Every part of the Godfather is faultless. It is and will be one of the most outstanding movies of all time with a phenomenal written story; perfection through the screenplay and flawless acting. Legendary.