I just finished watched The Godfather, which is quite possibly the best movie ever made. The movie, made in 1972, was directed by renowned Francis Ford Coppola. It is an epic crime film, though it really is about family. It is truly is a work of art. I’ll give you a brief summary: The Godfather is set in New York in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Don Vito Corleone (the Godfather) is the aging leader of the Italian Corleone crime family. He transfers control of the family business to his favorite son Michael, who is reluctant at first. However, during this weak transition stage, other gangsters try to take down the family.
The Godfather changed the way crime films were made. Previous movies involving gangs were from the perspective of an outraged outsider. Gangsters were cold-blooded killers without emotion. In contrast, The Godfather presents the gangster’s perspective of the Mafia as a response to corrupt society. The Godfather brings depth to the characters. Even though Vito Corleone kills people for a living, he is a likable character. You feel empathy for him, and when he plays with his grandson you can laugh with him. He is a real human being.
Michael Corleone is the favorite son of Vito Corleone and is the only college educated member of the Corleone family. He intends to get away from the family business and Vito wants him to lead his own life away from the Mafia. However, things get dire when Vito is shot by a drug dealer who Vito refused to do business with. While Vito is recovering, the family is in crisis and has to deal with corrupt cops and rival families. Michael decides it is his duty to help the family and he kills two men and has to flee the country. By now, he is too involved with the Mafia to get out. The film ends with Michael becoming the Don of the Corleone family, showing that Michael has made a complete change.
The performances can only be describing as stunning and the storytelling interesting and innovative. Go ahead, watch it. It’s an offer you can’t refuse.
By London B.
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