Shmauer .., you are deluded to think there is kindness or humanity in the Mafia ... torturers, murderers thieves ... with a code mistakenly thought as honor, no it is the worst ever code of secrecy, intimidation and murder to get gain. Don’t be fooled by Hollywood’s portrayal, that there is honour, only hate, power hungry, ruthless, greedy men.
I remember watching this video a year ago when I was struggling.. Seeing this has brought tears to my eyes. I live much different life now and this video is still here to remind me of how far I have come. Never give up in life. No condition is permanent
@@tethervest836 You're right friend. We're all not born with the silver spoon, but we have to craft ours. My divorce almost ended my life. I had almost nothing to fall back to. I found out the hard way, savings are overrated. Thank God for chance and a stroke of luck
Difference between Vito and Mike was that Vito commanded respect. Vito could literally pass by a street and everybody would greet him with respect and call him "Godfather". Michael went down a very dark and lonely road thanks to being nearly killed by Fredo and ended up dying alone after his daughter was killed right in front of him.
@@GenGamesUniverse they were a product of their times. Vito had a loving supporting wife, who was out of the picture but the family is strong and cohesive so you know she did work, solved all the problems so when Vito went home from a day's work he had nothing to worry about. Michael had a feminist american wife who divorced him. gave him nothing but drama and problems. pitted his children against him as some power struggle bargaining chips. Also Michael went through a world war, had his brother murdered and witnessed the love and light of his life blown up in front of him. then his only surviving brother betrays him... i mean can you blame him?
Thing is, most of the people I talk to say they love the first movie's ending because it's "more emotional", but I've always really loved the ending of the second one, as it is the moment where you _absolutely cannot_ deny what Michael has become. He has become not only everything he had wanted to avoid from the family business, but he had become the most cold, brutal and arguably inhuman aspects of it, going as far as having his own brother be among the _many_ people he had killed. If the ending of the first movie makes you feel as though he has grown to love his family, the ending of the second robs you of that warmth entirely.
@@starshinedropkick2668 we all understood what he became at the end of the first movie in the way he behaved with his sister and how he lied to his wife....
There are two types of friends worth having. Those that are like Bob Ross, who are your friend because they love you for who you are. And those that are like Vito Corleone, who will face your enemies as if they were their enemies.
Mine was "Had you come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day." That's when I knew shit was gonna happen
My black friend tells me this: if you have a problem, and you call THE POLICE? Now you got...two problems. I understand ppl shit on the "dont snitch" campaign, but there areas if the usa, cops arent your friends and quote unquite 'snitching" is far worse than letting sleepimg dogs lie. This didnt happen overnight, but those with the power and authority to avoid this circumstance, chose it.
I have my junior high drama classes do monologues and I always show Bonasera's speech as an example of a great monologue but also for the reasons you mentioned. The camera slowly panning out, the lighting. Just makes a great scene. Same with the Indianapolis speech from Jaws.
Sam I had the reverse experience. I first heard that it was a masterpiece, however I watched it and didn't see it. But as a few days went on and I reflected, yeah this is one of the best movies I ever watched. Can't wait to watch part 2
Sea Raider It’s a masterpiece in my eyes but I had to sleep on it and rewatch it in order to see why it’s considered a masterpiece. Now I realise...it’s a masterpiece and possibly the best film ever made.
B C S exactly I had to sleep on it as well. Once I did I was able to evaluate it much better. Don't know why, but it seems like a trend. Maybe it's too heavy of a movie for a single viewing
Fun fact; the cat in Brando's lap was a stray that inhabited the rat-infested warehouse Coppolla used in NYC to film "Godfather. He/she wandered onto the set just before action was called and jumped into Brando's lap. The great actor waived away anyone who came to remove animal, "Action" was called...and both became immortal.
@@mylifeisfunny8911 Supposedly the MEOW-FIA doesn't exist. They like to be called La Catsanatstra. Big Pussy Bompensiero started there as a button man before he went to the Sopranos.
Sometimes we neglect to give Bonasera's opening speech some props. The way he told his story. The pace, delivery, and content were fantastic. Not a word out of place. And nothing extra. Great dialog indeed.
I totally agree with you. His voice just on time after that lazy trumpet queued us to us to focus. His articulation using American words in strong Latin tones made it for me. It was honest, fatherly and ambitious. Bonasero played it very well with the Godfather
Yes and the deleted scene of bona sera is worse he gets the call for a favor & starts bitching to his wife how hes so mad the nerve of vito to bring him into something horrible. He must have felt like a real dick when all vito wanted was for him to fix his dead son up so his mother wont see him like that. What a little use. Vito gave him his revenge what a hypocrite he asked vito to murder them. But when Vito called for a favor he ironically was disgusted and assumed it would be something criminal. I think Coppola cut it bc he prob didnt want the audience focusing at all what a shit bona sera was
Imagine being the cat. You were just wandering around a back alley, sniffing for scraps, when some guy on a cigarrette break spots you, takes you in, and without knowing it you go down in movie history as 'that cat' in that famous scene, in that legendary movie.
The sad part was that the cat had a bad agent who was never able to land the cat another movie role. Word has it the cat died in 1983 having lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey until his passing.
@@SaberRexZealot There are low-budget movies and blockbusters. Mid-budget movies used to dominate Hollywood output, but are now almost extinct. (Even Martin Scorsese has trouble finding financing these days.) Marvel movies were not the sole cause of this change, but they did push the trend along.
ArseneWenger- Brando's career had hit the skids. He had to audition for the role of Don Corleone. The rest, of course, is history. The Godfather saved Brando's acting career!
+bigrobtheactor the part where he walks EMS home and she drops her glove which he picks up and playfully puts on for a minute before returning it to her. Unrehearsed unscripted.
This opening scene perfectly shows how the godfather works, the world around him and introduces Vito: calm, kind, generous, but never forgetting to remind others to respect him.
yea seriously you said all those words then said youre at a loss for words. you could have just ended the comment when you did with all those words intact.
+ala4sox02 6:08 Bonasera finally gets it: The Don wants his friendship, not his money. Also, when someone owes you a favor, you can ask for things other than money. (like which restaurant a certain police captain is going to be visiting).
Buonasera Buonasera, what have I ever done to you for you to treat me so disrespectfully. If you come to me the day they wronged your daughter then they would be suffering this very day. And if by chance a honest man like you should make enemies then they would become my enemies and then THEY WILL FEAR YOU! Be mind friend Godfather? Good good one day and that day may never come. I may call on you to do a service for me.But until that day consider this a gift on the day of my daughters wedding. Grazie prego. I know I messed that whole scene up. But that is the gest of it.
yeah its amazing that a man as old as he doesn't understand a mans code. Its not even a gangster thing. Money doesn't make a man Morality and loyalty does.
Absolutely. As some critics have observed, The Godfather presents essentially a dark vision of the American Dream where something has gone terribly wrong. I would imagine that this had particularly resonance in 1972, when America was re-examining itself in the wake of the Vietnam War, the 1960s counterculture, and the various successes and failures of the civil rights movement.
@@retroguy9494 There are a few lines like that throughout the series. "You trust a Jew before your own blood." They were clearly getting at the idea that the United States, by its very nature, erodes and destroys the traditional identity of its various ethnic groups. Michael's wife is also an Anglo, for example, and not an Italian.
"That is not justice, your daughter is still alive." Always loved that line. Also, they're not murderers, but they are people who will beat the shit out of you within an inch of your life. Wonder how Clemenza handled that job.
We actually get to beat the shit out of those people in the godfather game in PS2, we threaten to bury them alive by digging a grave and throwing their unconscious body in there for them to wake up to
"And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies then they will become my enemies...and then they will fear you". This is why Vito was respected and loved by everyone.
+CamTheNux That is how crime works in real life: a pipsqueak bites off more than he can chew, he gets whacked by the bigger fish. No remorse, no hesitation, no regrets, just one pull of the trigger and its over. I hate it when a character plans to kill someone that wrongs either him or his boss, does all the prep work, and doesn't go through with it for some dumb reason.
Nowadays, they'd open with a big - and likely violent - action sequence if The Godfather were made today. But the way it was made, nearly 50 years ago, is perfect - we learn so much more with this quiet sequence, shot in a dark room, of men talking. In fact, probably one of the greatest film openings ever made.
@@tbtb9595 Not sure what would be so bad if everyone was black instead of Italian. Would have to change the specifics of the story for sure, but otherwise I don't see the problem.
I agree . I love how they just throw you right in. within 1 min.your already into the story some movies take 2 hours to do that and a lot don't ever get there at all.
I have just watched the opening scene for a Blade Runner as well - it's damn good, but in a completely different climate. I think these two are absolutely incomparable. I love both movies - timeless - but the Godfather scene is beyond comparison the best opening scene ever - in just a 2 minute sequence you know all the context. Blade Runner opening is great in terms of grandiosa if you take my meaning, but it's completely different - it conveys the SF picture, a bit escapist, lonely, fundamental I would say. Can't compare the two - it's just like you would like to judge who's the sportsman of the world - Michael Jordan or Roger Federer. Two different sports mate :)
+Andrzej Kondracki I'd say that GF has the best opening dialogue in movie history....Ibelieve in America. Bonasera says this because up until his daughter was beaten and the thugs never properly punished he believed in the fairness and equality of the American way of life only to become disillusioned afterwards. This is very central to the theme of the Godfather...I'ts easy to criticize and condemn the criminals but we clearly see that those who represent law and order are just as evil as the criminals themselves since they accept bribes to do the criminals bidding. Just as Corleone says to the senator in GF2 "we are all part of the same hypocrisy". We preach fairness and equality only to be the total opposite. Corruption is central to everyday life in American society and this is clearly shown in this film. I BELIEVE IN AMERICA...what a load of bullshit.
@Arafat Khan show me where I said that? You're another person who reads things not there. That happens alot these days. It was a line from a movie scrpt. What's going on with people these days claiming others said things they didn't.
@Bo Zi di seconda o seconda mano forse - ridendo forte.... I hope that translates correct. Lots of people making wild claims and accusations. Too much...
To be fair Goodfellas was more about lower level members of the family while The Godfather was about the head of the family. Also The Godfather was set in an earlier time, just after the war.
But also a touch of compassion and humanity about it as well. No amount of hugging and hand of shoulder is going to undo what’s done but the godfather appears to genuinely listen and take an interest in what is being said.
I mean it was true. All Vito wished for was for a friend in Bonasera, but Bonasera thought he was better than him bc he did things "by the law" and only came to him when he needed something. Pretty disrespectful to me
I remember back in the 80s when my dad's family would get together on Christmas eve, eat dinner, smoke, drink, then put on the Godfather and the adults would watch after we all opened gifts. Dad said my grandpa loved Brando in this movie. Christmas day we would return and they would all watch part 2, I miss those days. RIP Grandma and Grandpa
@Broke Guy. I don’t think so, JockDean95 is right, it was different 50 years ago. At the time Marlon Brando was regarded as a has-been who was past his best days. The producers did not want to touch him. And practically no one had heard of Al Pacino. Both of them went on to blow people away with their acting in this movie. This was only the second mafia movie ever made Since then we’ve seen many mafia movies and many have tried to copy The Godfather style. We’ve also seen Al Pacino in many other movies. So if you see it today, you cannot help but be influenced by all the other mafia movies that’s been made. The 1970’s is regarded as the Golden Age of cinema and this movie is a big part of that. Even all this time later, it still stands the test of time, it’s still an amazing movie.
Perhaps it is because Brando was the most iconic actor of his day, but I notices the little gestures and nuances. At the end, once he dismisses the undertaker, watch his little glances and gestures and how he takes a sniff of the flower on his left lapel. Many little things that, summed up, make for a beautifully acted scene.
True, he has a patience about him. How he gives the undertaker several chances to see things his way, and everyone leaves his office with a sense of conifdence and control - in many ways the antithesis of Michael.
Perhaps the greatest movie ever made. Everything was so perfect. Perfect Story, Cast and the acting - wow. Even the opening music makes the hair on your neck stand up.
The movie opening line "I believe in America" is said by a character named Amerigo, whose namesake was the Italian guy who first realized that Columbus had discovered a new continent - literally the first man ever to believe in the existence of America.
We don't know if Amerigo Bonasera was named after Amerigo Vespucci, but we do know that America (the continent) _was_ named after Amerigo Vespucci, and America (the country) took over the name of the continent.
@@ironcito1101 It looks like it was the other way around. The popular belief is America was named after Vespucci but many modern historians think there was already an "America" name flying around before and the name Amerigo was taken after the continent. Sort of like the romans did with Britannicus or Germanicus.
@@k1ng0fhartford28 Hmmmmm Were those 2 boyz hurt n kind. I mean, were they marriagable? Were they able 2 still confidently smile @ da undataker, after da Corleonez got thru wit em? Or were they missin a few teeth? Family jewelz left n place?
Not sure which gesture you're referencing, but the one I like is the one he makes when he says "and then they would fear you". The gesture and the subtle menacing look...awesome.
Listen and learn my friend. The key word is "introduced". When the undertaker becomes emotional and the camera pulls back to show the silhouette of a man whose hand gestures to a third person and then a drink is presented to calm the undertakers nerves. The gesture you speak of is not the introduction to the character it is simply more exposition.
Yes!!! People wanna talk about Goodfellas this, Goodfellas that, um, WHAT ABOUT THE GODFATHER??? I mean personally, I watched Goodfellas the first time, gave it a 3.5/10, watched it a second time, gave it a 6/10. Don't really understand *why* people adore Goodfellas above absolute MASTERPIECE films like The Godfather.
@@catfishandbass8680 i love goodfellas and godfather... Godfather just a little more but if godfather is 10/10 then goodfellas is 9.9/10. I've watched goodfellas more times.
The Godfather was released 3/24/72. Today is 3/24/22. So 50 years go today The Godfather was released. Here's to another 50 years of watching this masterpiece. Salute/Cin Cin.
I went to the cinema in London back in 72 when it first showed. I had no idea what it was about. Even this opening scene, although full of suspnse and drama, does not give any hint of what is about to unfold. The term GODFATHER was new to us. Apart from the fact that everybody is Sicilian/Italian, there is very little reference to the 'MAFFIA'. In fact, you almost have to decipher that yourself. Which for me, just adds to the overall brilliance of the film. Now most of us can repeat the script verbatim. I watched the whole series throughout lockdown, several times.
"Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?" What a boss thing to say. The Don's first line in the film, short and simple, and yet it tells you pretty much all you need to know about what kind of man he is and the kind of power that he holds. Love this movie.
@@normafoster1959 Sometimes, police aren't interested in justice but they are interested in the law is followed. The important thing to notice is when they aren't always the same.
@@normafoster1959 yeah but in this case godfather means he came to him as a last resort. Had they went to jail he would have never talked to godfather. He felt disrespected
The way he says “like an animal” is so chilling. You can hear in his voice the anger and sorrow he feels just lamenting about it. I don’t think the Don was really insulted because he could see his intentions were well meant despite his plea for murder. The men who did the crime walk free and he lives in fear that they’ll be back. Great scene.
Bonasera didn't fear they'd be back but was angry at the injustice. They were rich boys, sons of powerful men who were privileged enough to beat a young Italian girl nearly to death and laugh about it in court. He needed the Don's justice
Vito acted that way because he wanted Bonasera to be in his debt -- for that favor that Don Corleone might one day ask him for. That was more valuable to him than money.
Brando certainly lived up to his reputation here. Measured, precise, an economy of movement and expression making everything he did important and meaningful.
What an opening shot. A film about the American underworld and the opening line is 'I believe in America" almost said to the camera. Its genius film making.
Nately22 The original line was “I believe in the Mafia” but the deal the filmmakers had to make with Joe Colombo to be able to shoot the movie forced them to change it
Paulie Gatto, the driver, was given this assignment. One good thing about reading the book is that I was able to read blow by blow how Paulie and two muscle men beat the living tar out of the guys who beat the undertaker's daughter. He warned his two muscle men, "If those punks get out of the hospital in less than a month, you guys go back to driving trucks"
@Johnny Caruthers Dude you just came into the comment section yelling "Fake news" and "Wrong", then you just ask "what book?". Do you even know what you're talking about?
And supposedly the cat was a movie lot stray put into the scene at the last minute by Brando himself. The effect of course is to preview the humanity of Vito early on. "We are not murderers...."
“Someday and that day may never come. I will call upon you to do a service for me. But Until that day accept this justice as a gift on my daughters wedding day”.
"That is not justice...Your daughter is still alive" The most powerful line in this scene.. Don Vito Corleone earned everyone's respect who watched this movie Marlon Brando is the man...🔥🔥
Yesterday it was the first time I saw The Godfather, it was at the cinema, the remastered version, and before that I had never watched a single scene, video, review, story or spoilers. It was a mindblowing experience that changed forever the way I view, understand and react to movies in general. I cant wait for the Godfather II to be on cinemas!
Glad you got to see it on the big screen foryour first view. Did you notice (this opening scene) starts with the zoom out to Vito's inclusive world ... and the double-murder planning fades into a zoom-in focusing on only Michael? Brilliant subtlety,
Apart from the amazing acting and dialogs, you know what else made this scene great... no background music. Audience sets its own tone for the scene without the music guiding you what to do.
This man was of honor. He kept a distance with Vito for fear of getting in trouble, but accepted his gift of revenge, then took Sonny’s body to make it presentable for a funeral.
Well, Bonasera did approach Vito on his daughter’s wedding day, the one day where Vito feels compelled to do favors for people out of obligation to a Sicilian custom. He asked for the biggest, most riskiest favor of all: to have his enemies killed. I would have asked The Godfather to get me an Xbox Series X. On the other hand Bonasera became fraught with anxiety when he considered what favor the don would ask of him in return so, in retrospect Bonasera was actually kind of brave asking the head of an organized crime syndicate for any favor at all.
That's one of the important takeaways in the movie. Vito was too old fashioned whilst being direct in a trade where new players like Sollozzo followed a secretive approach. Straight away saying NO to Sollozzo brought great trouble for the Corleone family. That's where Michael felt compelled enough to take control of family matters, to prevent his family from falling apart. He dealt with the situation following a modern approach, and also broke a few codes in the process. Michael brought to the family what was missing ; the courage to break a few rules and still come out clean in the end.
I know what you're saying. On the Soprano's, someone is giving Tony bad news but is being very round-about in saying it. Tony says "Spit it out!" meaning don't dance around it, just SAY IT. I've used that in my business dealing with my employees ever since. Just tell me the bad news without embellishment
@@RussoPeter_1 I’ve seen a few people say this and I just can’t agree with that. The trouble was coming one way or the other. Drugs was a line Vito would never tolerate being crossed. He called it a dirty business. Nothing in real life or in the movie suggests he was wrong to say this about drugs. Solozzo would have gone elsewhere and other families would have gotten richer and more powerful. To the point where they would try muscle in on Vito’s business/territory or take over the Corleones.
The LOOK Vito gives this man after he whispers his wish- You treat me like plutonium up until now, and then want me to off a couple of guys I don't even know.....
Not once but twice the Don explains how this family business works. And both times the undertaker fails to realize the nature of the business. It's about favors for friends, no matter the substance, it will be taken care of. But without friendship you get nothing. Amazing cinematography, acting and execution. Fuckin love this scene.
@@vincentrobinson9645 Well, Vito tried to justify his actions as if they were strictly business related hence the phrase, "It's not personal, it's strictly business." However, if you read the book, it's clearly explained toward the end of the novel that all of the families were hypocrites and that everything is indeed personal, to cement fortune, wealth and power.
As Bonasera cries and the camera pans out, the single gesture of Vito's hand asking a drink to be given to Bonasera hits you with the power of the Godfather. One tends to appreciate it more when they have read the novel before.
Absolutely everything about this movie is more than perfect ... Every single move was exquisitely executed with the best possible performance... Nothing left to be criticized.
The amazing thing about Marlin Brando is how he is angry but controls it because the guy is suffering already. He says one thing but the body says another!
“That I can not do.” That’s a most powerful line, because we all know that it’s downright untrue, but it goes to the very heart of Don Corleone’s complex personality traits, as well as his cool, calm, collected, and calculating mind.
I always heard about the godfather but never watched it because of how well known it is. Decided to watch it and now I completely understand why it’s so classic
As a writer who strives to entertain readers from the outset of a story, I concur. Opening with a brutal tale about the beating of a daughter, hooking us in (human nature!) instantly, then the development of the scene. We know it's a Mob movie, we're expecting Don Corleone to simply demonstrate the violent tendencies of the Mob and agree to the killings. But no, we're taken on a small journey first, introducing us to the fundamental principles of at least _this_ rendition of organised crime families. Family, respect, you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours. Then right at the end, the cold reality of a man on his daughter's wedding day, ordering the deaths of other men, as if ordering a new carpet, yet with that delusion inserted as well, the delusion that "We're not murderers". In a single scene, we find out all we need to know in order to enjoy the rest of the film. Now we can sit back like children and become completely absorbed. Needless to say, it's first-class storytelling.
I’ve watched this opening scene a million times and every time I see it I’m in awe of how Marlon Brando brought the character of Don Corleone to life! I would say he was the greatest character in the history of film!
He's up there. But I was watching clips of Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher earlier and he's absolutely mesmerising and terrifying. He almost turns that movie into a horror film. I can't think of another actor who's ever made me feel THAT uneasy.
Marlon had just spotted that cat on set and spontaneously included it into the scene. He was more than an actor, he knew exactly how to tell a story and portray a character far beyond the script!
TH-cam offered me a clip I couldn't refuse
Suraj Pandey yesss
Loooool!!!
"You can be a man...*slaps*...what's the matter with you"?
hahahahahah
Nice.
Let's not forget the great acting skills of Mittens Cataleone here.
Lmao Mittens
😊
How am I gonna forget it when every single comment here is talking about that dumb sh*t
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂Thanks for the laugh I couldn’t help but laugh when I watch the cat calling him Mittens
Hahahahahahha. You Rock!!!!
The cat is the perfect touch. It helps portray Vito's kindness and humanity. Michael had no cat.
Shmauer 🤣
@Amateur Society Productions He was the cat who got off the electric wheelchair just before it went down the ol' smokestack.
Vito wasn't so nice to horses tho.
Shmauer .., you are deluded to think there is kindness or humanity in the Mafia ... torturers, murderers thieves ... with a code mistakenly thought as honor, no it is the worst ever code of secrecy, intimidation and murder to get gain. Don’t be fooled by Hollywood’s portrayal, that there is honour, only hate, power hungry, ruthless, greedy men.
@@me_here_now thank you for that! All this hero worship for monsters!!!
RIP Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004), aged 80
You will be remembered as a legend.
True
the greatest actor of all-time!
@@SIKE01 Says who?
@@kirilmihaylov1934 ka was a dxd
...
@@lexbreslauer6622 what
“What Have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully”
The best passive aggressive line ever
Another one : i aint killer but dont push me ☺
That's not passive aggressive, that's a direct question. Passive aggressive is a punch layered with pillows. Indirect jabs.
My boss and I say that to each other all the time.
@@mktkt7456 2pac
Its not even passive tho. It's direct
Notice that when he was crying they didn't give him tissue , they gave him whiskey
Pure Italian
Yes
Men carried hankies back then.
I thought it was Grappa...
More than likely that was anisett.
@@thomaskinard5940 Good catch, yes, definitely looks like an annisette glass. Not a whiskey or a grapa glass.
Can you believe the cat improvised this entire scene? It was done all in one take, the most natural acting ever.
I believe the putty cat just strolled in, and not written in the scene at all, but I could be wrong. I guess we never knew the cat's name. Too bad.
Rockee Rockoon thats confirmed yes
He played himself, lol. Brando was good taking care of him... you even can hear the rrrrr of the cat!
Thought the cat was the best character in the movie. Wish they would have explored it more
I read the cat was a method actor, and had lived the part for like a year beforehand.
I remember watching this video a year ago when I was struggling.. Seeing this has brought tears to my eyes. I live much different life now and this video is still here to remind me of how far I have come. Never give up in life. No condition is permanent
I hope you are better now really sorry you had to go through whatever it is you went through
Times are tough. Tough people outlast tough times however. I'm glad you took whatever opportunity that presented itself and overcame your struggles.
@@tethervest836 You're right friend. We're all not born with the silver spoon, but we have to craft ours. My divorce almost ended my life. I had almost nothing to fall back to. I found out the hard way, savings are overrated. Thank God for chance and a stroke of luck
If you don't find a means of multiplying money you will wake up to nothing one day, thanks to inflation and uncertainties. Nothing beats equities
So how did you pull it off?
Vito Corleone was the Godfather everyone respected.
Michael Corleone was the Godfather everyone feared.
Difference between Vito and Mike was that Vito commanded respect. Vito could literally pass by a street and everybody would greet him with respect and call him "Godfather". Michael went down a very dark and lonely road thanks to being nearly killed by Fredo and ended up dying alone after his daughter was killed right in front of him.
@@GenGamesUniverse Yeah ,Vito earned his respect.While Michael earned people's apprehension.
@@GenGamesUniverse they were a product of their times. Vito had a loving supporting wife, who was out of the picture but the family is strong and cohesive so you know she did work, solved all the problems so when Vito went home from a day's work he had nothing to worry about. Michael had a feminist american wife who divorced him. gave him nothing but drama and problems. pitted his children against him as some power struggle bargaining chips. Also Michael went through a world war, had his brother murdered and witnessed the love and light of his life blown up in front of him. then his only surviving brother betrays him... i mean can you blame him?
Thing is, most of the people I talk to say they love the first movie's ending because it's "more emotional", but I've always really loved the ending of the second one, as it is the moment where you _absolutely cannot_ deny what Michael has become. He has become not only everything he had wanted to avoid from the family business, but he had become the most cold, brutal and arguably inhuman aspects of it, going as far as having his own brother be among the _many_ people he had killed.
If the ending of the first movie makes you feel as though he has grown to love his family, the ending of the second robs you of that warmth entirely.
@@starshinedropkick2668 we all understood what he became at the end of the first movie in the way he behaved with his sister and how he lied to his wife....
“And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies....and then they would fear you”.....chills!!!
It's even more fearsome in the book. Now imagine it being said in italian!
That part is fantastic acting and delivery!
Powerful!
@PussyIsHere they will fear the undertaker...
There are two types of friends worth having. Those that are like Bob Ross, who are your friend because they love you for who you are. And those that are like Vito Corleone, who will face your enemies as if they were their enemies.
The cat was on Brando's lap. When they were ready to shoot this first scene, someone went to take the cat away and Brando said no leave it. Genius!
Yes?
Actually it was Coppola who gave it to him.
Brando was know for using small objects (props) to great effect. Great acting.
True.
Mr. Boss the cat was already in the set and Marlon got the idea of having it on his lap during the set. Cappola agreed to it.
"they would become my enemies and then they would fear you," best line in cinematic history
Sorry, "will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?" is without a doubt the best line in cinematic history.
@@douglasskaalrud6865 lets just say there are a lot of "best lines in cinematic history"
So badass!
I love that line. The way he wags his finger, the stern look on his face. Sends a chill down my spine.
No, but a good line nonetheless
"Why did you go to the police,why didn't you come to me first?"
It was at this moment I knew I was about to watch a badass movie
Mine was "Had you come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering
this very day." That's when I knew shit was gonna happen
Hell yeah!🤙
My black friend tells me this: if you have a problem, and you call THE POLICE? Now you got...two problems.
I understand ppl shit on the "dont snitch" campaign, but there areas if the usa, cops arent your friends and quote unquite 'snitching" is far worse than letting sleepimg dogs lie.
This didnt happen overnight, but those with the power and authority to avoid this circumstance, chose it.
You guys are good.
I was flattered just from the opening music😄
@@BlueJDMMR2 when you have a problem,the police usually makes it bigger
Greatest opening scene ever. The camera work, the lighting, the script, the pauses between lines, the demeanor of the characters. Perfect movie
I know
I have my junior high drama classes do monologues and I always show Bonasera's speech as an example of a great monologue but also for the reasons you mentioned. The camera slowly panning out, the lighting. Just makes a great scene. Same with the Indianapolis speech from Jaws.
I agree. It sucks you right in from the first line.
Don't forget the cat.
only on paper... this movie is so boring that I can't watch this
I finally sat down, and watched this movie, and finally realized what all the hype is about. It's a masterpiece!
Sam What do you think about The Godfather Part II And Part III?
Sam I had the reverse experience. I first heard that it was a masterpiece, however I watched it and didn't see it. But as a few days went on and I reflected, yeah this is one of the best movies I ever watched. Can't wait to watch part 2
Sea Raider It’s a masterpiece in my eyes but I had to sleep on it and rewatch it in order to see why it’s considered a masterpiece. Now I realise...it’s a masterpiece and possibly the best film ever made.
B C S exactly I had to sleep on it as well. Once I did I was able to evaluate it much better. Don't know why, but it seems like a trend. Maybe it's too heavy of a movie for a single viewing
@@AownAli-xi8jq because the third part was made almost 20years later ...and for different reasons .
Fun fact; the cat in Brando's lap was a stray that inhabited the rat-infested warehouse Coppolla used in NYC to film "Godfather. He/she wandered onto the set just before action was called and jumped into Brando's lap. The great actor waived away anyone who came to remove animal, "Action" was called...and both became immortal.
MARLOL BRANDO WAS THE GREATEST! THE BEST AT THE MOST ROLES! WAS A MASTER OF LIVE STAGE! THAT'S WHAT MAKES HIM THE GOAT👑👑👑👑👟👟🐯🐯🐯🐯
The cat left the Family later to join a Cat-taglia family as a cat-o-regime when he didn’t get Tessio’s territory after Sally got whacked.
@@ChrisDutch NO WAYYY
What if
WHAT IF
CATZINI is behind it all🤯
@@ChrisDutch They are the MEOW-FIA
@@mylifeisfunny8911 Supposedly the MEOW-FIA doesn't exist. They like to be called La Catsanatstra. Big Pussy Bompensiero started there as a button man before he went to the Sopranos.
Sometimes we neglect to give Bonasera's opening speech some props. The way he told his story. The pace, delivery, and content were fantastic. Not a word out of place. And nothing extra. Great dialog indeed.
Salvatore Corsitto, but no one remembers him...
Agreed! Like every fine character actor, he is eclipsed by the star. Acting well requires great talent, but charisma is something else again.
He used quite strong words and on the other hand had accent. For example he said, I wept. Instead he should have said, I cried.
@Willy Touji O.K Mr. Stupid
I totally agree with you. His voice just on time after that lazy trumpet queued us to us to focus. His articulation using American words in strong Latin tones made it for me. It was honest, fatherly and ambitious. Bonasero played it very well with the Godfather
"I can't remember when u invited me for a cup of coffee, now u come to me for a favour?" So true....
Yeah the disrespectful prick!
Yes and the deleted scene of bona sera is worse he gets the call for a favor & starts bitching to his wife how hes so mad the nerve of vito to bring him into something horrible. He must have felt like a real dick when all vito wanted was for him to fix his dead son up so his mother wont see him like that. What a little use. Vito gave him his revenge what a hypocrite he asked vito to murder them. But when Vito called for a favor he ironically was disgusted and assumed it would be something criminal. I think Coppola cut it bc he prob didnt want the audience focusing at all what a shit bona sera was
But Godfather, we're Mormons, we don't drink coffee
@@leroykevin 😂
"They'll ignore you until they need you"...
Imagine being the cat. You were just wandering around a back alley, sniffing for scraps, when some guy on a cigarrette break spots you, takes you in, and without knowing it you go down in movie history as 'that cat' in that famous scene, in that legendary movie.
Crichjo32 cat's reaction would probably be "meh"
@@ricoco7891 lucky ass cat
Crazy now that cat is a funko pop
The sad part was that the cat had a bad agent who was never able to land the cat another movie role. Word has it the cat died in 1983 having lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey until his passing.
This is only weed lol
This scene is 50 years old. Still feels like it came out today 😎
No, it doesn't. This movie if made today would probably open with a Marvel style action scene.
@@RobertJRoman no it will not only cinematography and actions will be more and better but script will be same
@@RobertJRoman bro you act like Marvel movies are the only movies that get made today.
@@SaberRexZealot
There are low-budget movies and blockbusters. Mid-budget movies used to dominate Hollywood output, but are now almost extinct. (Even Martin Scorsese has trouble finding financing these days.) Marvel movies were not the sole cause of this change, but they did push the trend along.
@@pallabphukan8304 The scenes would be cluttered with distractions today - colorization possibly being one of them.
We're not murderers. Smells his rose. Brando is untouchable.
A natural..from playing with the cat to the smell.of the rose.. nobody but nobody could have played this part like Brando
tobagocat conman agreed. Nobody.
ArseneWenger- Brando's career had hit the skids. He had to audition for the role of Don Corleone. The rest, of course, is history. The Godfather saved Brando's acting career!
Bill Anthony but he didn’t know he had to audition, the guys told him they needed to screentest. They saw his tape and were blown away!
"Despite what this undertaker thinks of us" masterful
That cat should have received an Academy Award for that fine acting!
that cat was stray and not part of the script.
Yet it fit so well didnt it. =3 x3
+Daniel Cannata just another insight into Brandos genius. Spontaneous. Same with the white glove scene in waterfront.
What white glove scene?
+bigrobtheactor the part where he walks EMS home and she drops her glove which he picks up and playfully puts on for a minute before returning it to her. Unrehearsed unscripted.
Thank you. Good one.
I said to my wife, for justice we must go to Don Corleone.
You can joke..but is true
Briland Muja what’s true?
Never rat on your friends
@@seanbrantingham4888 ????
Ken Lucas that’s what he says in the movie dude
This opening scene perfectly shows how the godfather works, the world around him and introduces Vito: calm, kind, generous, but never forgetting to remind others to respect him.
Don’t be melodramatic
I think you put it quite nicely - Molto Bene , Paisano 🇮🇹
yea seriously you said all those words then said youre at a loss for words. you could have just ended the comment when you did with all those words intact.
Everything he says is perfectly articulated.
Talk about being overdramatic. You don't need to type things as if you're talking aloud. You know that, right?
"But you don't ask with respect, you don't offer friendship, you don't even think to call me Godfather.."
molto bene moltisso bene
He is right
Are you really Mexican, or just pretending to be one? I'm just curious thank you.
@@bgonza2 race doesnt matter. Stop being cringe
@@vexial12 What the hell? God, family and RACE aka Nationality, is EVERYTHING. You have no pride. Therefore you don't know.
That wide shot after he asks, "How much shall I pay you?" is brilliant. Does it really look like he needs money? You pay with respect and loyalty.
Absolutely
+ala4sox02 And you can see in Vito's expression that he's thinking that Bonasera really didn't get the point.
+ala4sox02 6:08 Bonasera finally gets it: The Don wants his friendship, not his money. Also, when someone owes you a favor, you can ask for things other than money. (like which restaurant a certain police captain is going to be visiting).
Buonasera Buonasera, what have I ever done to you for you to treat me so disrespectfully. If you come to me the day they wronged your daughter then they would be suffering this very day. And if by chance a honest man like you should make enemies then they would become my enemies and then THEY WILL FEAR YOU! Be mind friend Godfather? Good good one day and that day may never come. I may call on you to do a service for me.But until that day consider this a gift on the day of my daughters wedding. Grazie prego. I know I messed that whole scene up. But that is the gest of it.
yeah its amazing that a man as old as he doesn't understand a mans code. Its not even a gangster thing. Money doesn't make a man Morality and loyalty does.
"I believe in America."
Talk about the perfect line to set up this series.
Absolutely. As some critics have observed, The Godfather presents essentially a dark vision of the American Dream where something has gone terribly wrong. I would imagine that this had particularly resonance in 1972, when America was re-examining itself in the wake of the Vietnam War, the 1960s counterculture, and the various successes and failures of the civil rights movement.
Ironically, The Godfather was Saddam Hussein's favorite movie. He learned to believe in America, too.
@@nealb1a By the time Vito first comes to America, the federal reserve was in existence and America was increasingly become a less free country.
My favorite line of his was "she found a boyfriend...........not an Italian." For some reason I laugh every time I hear that!
@@retroguy9494 There are a few lines like that throughout the series. "You trust a Jew before your own blood." They were clearly getting at the idea that the United States, by its very nature, erodes and destroys the traditional identity of its various ethnic groups. Michael's wife is also an Anglo, for example, and not an Italian.
"That is not justice, your daughter is still alive." Always loved that line. Also, they're not murderers, but they are people who will beat the shit out of you within an inch of your life. Wonder how Clemenza handled that job.
all in the book , a great scene
They were not murderers till Michael took over
its a distinction many people don't respect today
We actually get to beat the shit out of those people in the godfather game in PS2, we threaten to bury them alive by digging a grave and throwing their unconscious body in there for them to wake up to
Yes, though you know that had they done that to Don Corleone's daughter, he'd have had the guys killed.
"And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies then they will become my enemies...and then they will fear you".
This is why Vito was respected and loved by everyone.
+Danny Ruiz Except the Tataglias and Sollozzo : /
+Andres Abad And Barzini and Moe Greene.
+Shrihari Hudli All of them end up paying their debts anyways.
+CamTheNux That is how crime works in real life: a pipsqueak bites off more than he can chew, he gets whacked by the bigger fish. No remorse, no hesitation, no regrets, just one pull of the trigger and its over. I hate it when a character plans to kill someone that wrongs either him or his boss, does all the prep work, and doesn't go through with it for some dumb reason.
+Frank G what the hell are you even talking about?
When don Corleone stands up, Tom Hagen automatically stands up too. Great detail that says so much about their relationship.
@@philphilips1020 "Cranial lead injection"😂
@kevin weinz I thought Tom Hagen was adopted
He did the same at the meeting of 5 family boses
Guess it's not abt just these two. U will not find any consigiliere seated while the Don is on their feet.
@kevin weinz not really
Brando acting while playing naturally with the cat that wasn’t meant to be there in the script. A genius at work.
Nowadays, they'd open with a big - and likely violent - action sequence if The Godfather were made today. But the way it was made, nearly 50 years ago, is perfect - we learn so much more with this quiet sequence, shot in a dark room, of men talking. In fact, probably one of the greatest film openings ever made.
Also the cat would be shemale and Don Corleone black.
@@tbtb9595 Not sure what would be so bad if everyone was black instead of Italian. Would have to change the specifics of the story for sure, but otherwise I don't see the problem.
@@rayleo9940are you slow or dense?
@@rayleo9940 he’s just being openly transphobic and racist. Don’t give him a second more of your good will.
@@tbtb9595 any chance to be racist and homophobic you take advantage correct?
The best opening scene in movie history.
I agree . I love how they just throw you right in. within 1 min.your already into the story some movies take 2 hours to do that and a lot don't ever get there at all.
+John Elmot I'm inclined to disagree...opening shot of the flying cars in bladerunner is better! That aside godfather is still a timeless classic!
nicky29031977 No problem, my friend. We have to agree to disagree. Ciao.
I have just watched the opening scene for a Blade Runner as well - it's damn good, but in a completely different climate. I think these two are absolutely incomparable. I love both movies - timeless - but the Godfather scene is beyond comparison the best opening scene ever - in just a 2 minute sequence you know all the context. Blade Runner opening is great in terms of grandiosa if you take my meaning, but it's completely different - it conveys the SF picture, a bit escapist, lonely, fundamental I would say. Can't compare the two - it's just like you would like to judge who's the sportsman of the world - Michael Jordan or Roger Federer. Two different sports mate :)
+Andrzej Kondracki I'd say that GF has the best opening dialogue in movie history....Ibelieve in America. Bonasera says this because up until his daughter was beaten and the thugs never properly punished he believed in the fairness and equality of the American way of life only to become disillusioned afterwards. This is very central to the theme of the Godfather...I'ts easy to criticize and condemn the criminals but we clearly see that those who represent law and order are just as evil as the criminals themselves since they accept bribes to do the criminals bidding. Just as Corleone says to the senator in GF2 "we are all part of the same hypocrisy". We preach fairness and equality only to be the total opposite. Corruption is central to everyday life in American society and this is clearly shown in this film. I BELIEVE IN AMERICA...what a load of bullshit.
"I mean were not murderers, in spite of what the undertaker says."
They don't make gangsters like they use to.
@Arafat Khan show me where I said that? You're another person who reads things not there. That happens alot these days. It was a line from a movie scrpt. What's going on with people these days claiming others said things they didn't.
@Bo Zi di seconda o seconda mano forse - ridendo forte.... I hope that translates correct. Lots of people making wild claims and accusations. Too much...
Robert Pace hahahah robert, u shoot right to Arafat’s face.. well replied.
To be fair Goodfellas was more about lower level members of the family while The Godfather was about the head of the family. Also The Godfather was set in an earlier time, just after the war.
@phucker tan it was a line from a movie snowflake.
Brando's hand gesture asking Sonny to offer Bonasera a drink. Silent, yet powerful..
Exactly
But also a touch of compassion and humanity about it as well. No amount of hugging and hand of shoulder is going to undo what’s done but the godfather appears to genuinely listen and take an interest in what is being said.
Throughout this movie there's a LOT of acting done with just the hands or a crook of the neck it really is an acting clinic.
Classic
This hand gesture gives me goose bumps whenever I watch this scene.
I love the little smile when he says his daughter resisted. He's proud to have raised a fighter.
“What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?” I used to use that line all the time. 😂😂😂
I say this to my dogs daily. They ignore me, jump up, bark, and get to go to the beach for hours.
"What have I done to deserve such disrespect"? People have been quoting this line wrong for 50 years.
@@normafoster1959 hahaha your comment made my day
But your not a Don
Well... did it work? Throw them off balance. Curve their attitude?
My cat watched Godfather. He has now become a lion.
Doesn't like rat bastards
+victor256in :)!
+Umit Can Yilmaz bir şekspir trajedisidir temelde.
Murat Mutlu
??
lol
“What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully” Jesus thats some cold shit
one of the best passive aggressive line ever
inFAMXS Thats Italian.
@@MENTION-IT-ALL i can confirm , as an Italian. This line is the , "wise up before I lose my temper and you lose much more"..
I’d be minding my Ps and Qs right quick lol
I mean it was true. All Vito wished for was for a friend in Bonasera, but Bonasera thought he was better than him bc he did things "by the law" and only came to him when he needed something. Pretty disrespectful to me
I remember back in the 80s when my dad's family would get together on Christmas eve, eat dinner, smoke, drink, then put on the Godfather and the adults would watch after we all opened gifts. Dad said my grandpa loved Brando in this movie.
Christmas day we would return and they would all watch part 2, I miss those days. RIP Grandma and Grandpa
I envy you and your happy memories of your grandparents. I miss mine too
That sounds awesome. I remember Christmas with my grandparents back when I was really young. At least we have the memories.
Christ can you imagine what people felt and how they reacted when they saw this movie for the first time, 50 years ago? I envy them
Same aa you felt when you watched it for the first time.
@Broke Guy. I don’t think so, JockDean95 is right, it was different 50 years ago. At the time Marlon Brando was regarded as a has-been who was past his best days. The producers did not want to touch him. And practically no one had heard of Al Pacino. Both of them went on to blow people away with their acting in this movie. This was only the second mafia movie ever made Since then we’ve seen many mafia movies and many have tried to copy The Godfather style. We’ve also seen Al Pacino in many other movies. So if you see it today, you cannot help but be influenced by all the other mafia movies that’s been made. The 1970’s is regarded as the Golden Age of cinema and this movie is a big part of that. Even all this time later, it still stands the test of time, it’s still an amazing movie.
@@sadiej8738 No, they'd have felt the same way as you when you watched it the first time.
@@brokeguy5607 पालथ्या घड्यावर पाणी
@@nachiket7565 पात्रास्मि
Two types of comments here: the great acting of Marlon Brando or the great acting of The Cat
Perhaps it is because Brando was the most iconic actor of his day, but I notices the little gestures and nuances. At the end, once he dismisses the undertaker, watch his little glances and gestures and how he takes a sniff of the flower on his left lapel. Many little things that, summed up, make for a beautifully acted scene.
Marlon Brando refused the oscar so the cat could get it instead
@@diegocanale1124 What a dude
But people ignoring Bona sera's acting
Hey......put some respect on Don Meowleone
All time opening scene in cinema history.
Dude has a cat on his lap and it doesn't disturb his acting timing.
That alone is oscar worthy.
Rewatching this scene again there really is such a big difference between Vito and Michael. I can really feel Vito's warmth in this scene.
True, he has a patience about him. How he gives the undertaker several chances to see things his way, and everyone leaves his office with a sense of conifdence and control - in many ways the antithesis of Michael.
the cat on his lap wasn't part of the script. It was a stray cat... and Brando loved cats so it looked really natural
it did. it was perfect. ^^
Sadin15 iv read tht b4
Sadin15 from pictures I’ve seen he had a way with cats & they loved him too!!
cat just took care of the mouse problem, so respetto
the cat was at the part of script go please refer the screenplay of this movie
this is not acting.this is so real.
Agreed I'm on the verge of tears because this is astoundingly g magnificent
shawgi mahmoud
..thats what great acting is
My father knew people like that. He said, "That's how it is. It's not made up".
All actors are amazing!
this is not real.this is so acting
Ive seen this movie over 100 times and just watching this scene makes me want to watch it again.
petestrat07 Same
same here
Marlon Brando was a legend
Yes, it grabs you right away and pulls you in.
Just when I thought I was out.
Perhaps the greatest movie ever made. Everything was so perfect. Perfect Story, Cast and the acting - wow. Even the opening music makes the hair on your neck stand up.
The greatest opening scene in movie history.
Period.
Among....idk tho I like Goodfellas one also.....both set the tone
I dunno, have you seen White Chicks?
Me, in highschool: 😴 bro 😴
Me, now: okay i am starting to understand
and the greatest ending
They have you right from the first line
"We're not murderers despite what the undertaker says". LOL!
Actually in my interpretation of that line, they are NOT murderers. They are killers who use killing as a business tool.
The undertaker murdered Paul Bearer tho
@@jeremybarcelo6486 he also murdered Randy Orton and edge
Plot twist : that cat is the godcat of all the pet animals
Godcat: i will give you a salmon that you can't refuse...
Don Purrleone
@@rubend9391 😂😂😂😂
The Cat of all cats
Don Pussy Corleone
The movie opening line "I believe in America" is said by a character named Amerigo, whose namesake was the Italian guy who first realized that Columbus had discovered a new continent - literally the first man ever to believe in the existence of America.
We don't know if Amerigo Bonasera was named after Amerigo Vespucci, but we do know that America (the continent) _was_ named after Amerigo Vespucci, and America (the country) took over the name of the continent.
Not literally.
@@ironcito1101 It looks like it was the other way around. The popular belief is America was named after Vespucci but many modern historians think there was already an "America" name flying around before and the name Amerigo was taken after the continent.
Sort of like the romans did with Britannicus or Germanicus.
The hand gesture marlon brando makes when the guy starts crying at the beginning is better execution than 90% of modern movies
Right??!! I don’t know what it is I’m not a critic but I love that move to me it showed elegance personality power even I don’t know
My thoughts exactly.. Touché
We talking about Brando here. Just NATURAL.
Marlon was 47 here. Same age as me, that's as close as I get.
🤣🤣🤣
So true. 🤣🤣🤣
😂😂
Well that sucks
@@MCee97 it was rather big in the 90s and 2000s.
"I want reliable people, people who aren't gonna be carried away. I mean we not murderers, despite of what this undertaker says."
in short: hospital not morgue .. lol
@@liberty2four2 And that's exactly what they did. Beat up the boys, but didn't kill them.
“I want comments, comments with meaning not just words. I mean we are not film critics despite of what these people think…”
@@k1ng0fhartford28
Hmmmmm
Were those 2 boyz hurt n kind. I mean, were they marriagable? Were they able 2 still confidently smile @ da undataker, after da Corleonez got thru wit em? Or were they missin a few teeth? Family jewelz left n place?
@@Einnor084 one of them became Joe Biden. Now America suffers ...
The most dangerous men are subtle. Their power is always understated. But present.
Yes, because they are long past the point of having to prove themselves to anyone.
Good point. People feared, respected and even loved Vito Corleone.
On the other hand - no one fears, respects or loves Donald Trump.
Fun fact: Vito’s cat was a stray they founded at Paramount Studios and thought it would be cool to put it into the movie
Wait, they founded the cat at Paramount, that's interesting
The cat should have got an Oscar.
I heard it was cause Brando just wanted to add the cat
Also that scene was improvised; because they wanted to take the cat away, but Marlon Brando said no, leave the cat and the rest is history!
@@lizmorin6390 That cat adds so much value to the Godfather character!
with the simple gesture of a hand the world was introduced to one of the most powerful characters in screen history....
Not sure which gesture you're referencing, but the one I like is the one he makes when he says "and then they would fear you". The gesture and the subtle menacing look...awesome.
Listen and learn my friend. The key word is "introduced". When the undertaker becomes emotional and the camera pulls back to show the silhouette of a man whose hand gestures to a third person and then a drink is presented to calm the undertakers nerves. The gesture you speak of is not the introduction to the character it is simply more exposition.
+Richard Evans totally agree 100%
I read somewhere that the cat was Brando's idea...
Nearly 50 years later and nothing has changed.. this remains the greatest movie of all time
Yes!!! People wanna talk about Goodfellas this, Goodfellas that, um, WHAT ABOUT THE GODFATHER??? I mean personally, I watched Goodfellas the first time, gave it a 3.5/10, watched it a second time, gave it a 6/10. Don't really understand *why* people adore Goodfellas above absolute MASTERPIECE films like The Godfather.
@@catfishandbass8680 i love goodfellas and godfather... Godfather just a little more but if godfather is 10/10 then goodfellas is 9.9/10.
I've watched goodfellas more times.
Citizen Kane greatest
Kubrick's 2OO1 is the goat.
@@cortadew no
but it is fantastic
The godfather is number one
The Godfather was released 3/24/72. Today is 3/24/22. So 50 years go today The Godfather was released.
Here's to another 50 years of watching this masterpiece. Salute/Cin Cin.
I went to the cinema in London back in 72 when it first showed. I had no idea what it was about. Even this opening scene, although full of suspnse and drama, does not give any hint of what is about to unfold.
The term GODFATHER was new to us.
Apart from the fact that everybody is Sicilian/Italian, there is very little reference to the 'MAFFIA'.
In fact, you almost have to decipher that yourself.
Which for me, just adds to the overall brilliance of the film.
Now most of us can repeat the script verbatim.
I watched the whole series throughout lockdown, several times.
"Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?"
What a boss thing to say. The Don's first line in the film, short and simple, and yet it tells you pretty much all you need to know about what kind of man he is and the kind of power that he holds. Love this movie.
@@johnnychopping3655 The cat wasn't even an actor. Brando just found him wandering around the set and picked him up.
@@MrThermostatic for real?!
@@alogahjames9490 Yes. Wasn't in the script.
"Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?" I love that line. One of my favorites in this whole great picture.
I often ask myself the same question. I reported two crimes to the Police, to no avail. But they arrived to check if my hens had a henhouse.
@@normafoster1959 Sometimes, police aren't interested in justice but they are interested in the law is followed. The important thing to notice is when they aren't always the same.
@@rubix4195 yes. so tell me some examples
@@normafoster1959 yeah but in this case godfather means he came to him as a last resort. Had they went to jail he would have never talked to godfather. He felt disrespected
The way he says “like an animal” is so chilling. You can hear in his voice the anger and sorrow he feels just lamenting about it.
I don’t think the Don was really insulted because he could see his intentions were well meant despite his plea for murder. The men who did the crime walk free and he lives in fear that they’ll be back. Great scene.
Bonasera didn't fear they'd be back but was angry at the injustice. They were rich boys, sons of powerful men who were privileged enough to beat a young Italian girl nearly to death and laugh about it in court. He needed the Don's justice
Vito acted that way because he wanted Bonasera to be in his debt -- for that favor that Don Corleone might one day ask him for. That was more valuable to him than money.
No one is better than Marlon Brando......or this movie.
Robert De Niro is my personal favorite
Daniel Day-Lewis is my personal favorite.
yes he is the best👍😏
DiCaprio and Gyllenhaal are my favorites.
You compared Gyllenhaal to Brando??? Really??? Sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit...
"Why did you police? Why didn't you come to me, first?"
That's fucking power right there...
AMEN BRO!!!!
55 dislikes: Barzini family, Tartaglia family, Virgil Solozzo, Hyman Roth and Joey Zasa
Also don Altobello.
And Moe Greene.
and Paulie
and Fredo...
and Carlo.
Brando certainly lived up to his reputation here. Measured, precise, an economy of movement and expression making everything he did important and meaningful.
What an opening shot. A film about the American underworld and the opening line is 'I believe in America" almost said to the camera. Its genius film making.
Nately22 The original line was “I believe in the Mafia” but the deal the filmmakers had to make with Joe Colombo to be able to shoot the movie forced them to change it
Paulie Gatto, the driver, was given this assignment. One good thing about reading the book is that I was able to read blow by blow how Paulie and two muscle men beat the living tar out of the guys who beat the undertaker's daughter. He warned his two muscle men, "If those punks get out of the hospital in less than a month, you guys go back to driving trucks"
The book is the icing on the cake. it is so full and complete and just the perfect complement to the movie.
@@besevere , Indeed. I have read it three times. It is kind of like re-watching a good movie.
@Johnny Caruthers have you tried reading the books?
Thank you for telling us this! I have to read the book. I take it they didn't get out of the hospital in less than a month.
@Johnny Caruthers Dude you just came into the comment section yelling "Fake news" and "Wrong", then you just ask "what book?". Do you even know what you're talking about?
That cat is the only actor on scene not to be intimated by Marlon Brando's star power. A true professional.
And supposedly the cat was a movie lot stray put into the scene at the last minute by Brando himself. The effect of course is to preview the humanity of Vito early on. "We are not murderers...."
@@Gablesman888 He made sure the cat found a good home
@@ericlify It was known at the time that rats and mice from the other five families did not dare stray into Corleone territory. True story.
*intimidated
What an opening to say the least. This scene immediately shows you the power and character of Don Corleon.
“Someday and that day may never come. I will call upon you to do a service for me. But Until that day accept this justice as a gift on my daughters wedding day”.
And don't ever ask me for anything else you disrespectful prick!
What a gangsta way to explain extorsion.
@@jlc7300 hhhahahhahhahaah lmao
While Sonny is right there.
Bonasera... Bonasera.. what have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? ...
Sonny in the background as Don Corleone tells Bonasera that someday he may ask for a favor - little did he know at the time what that favor would be.
What was the favor ?
@@alexcruz4640 getting sonny presentable for his funeral after he was massacred by the tommy gun guys at the toll booth
GOOD point- never noticed till now!!!
"I want you to use all your powers, and all your skills....I don't want his mother to see him this way."
@@gabagoo91 "see how they massacred my boy"- powerful....
"That is not justice...Your daughter is still alive"
The most powerful line in this scene..
Don Vito Corleone earned everyone's respect who watched this movie
Marlon Brando is the man...🔥🔥
Don Corleiano kept his promise.
There was revenge on those bastards who hurt his daughter.
He is less sympathetic in the book, whereas Michael is more sympathetic in a book. They resemble each other more closely.
Pacino steals the movie!!
@@magc It's Corleone
@@gregwatson8219 no
Brando does
Simply put, this opening scene is masterful
"But let's be frank here. You never wanted my gabagool."
- Don Anthony Soprano
Or my prosciutto
😂😂😂😂
“Let’s be frank here. You never had the makings of a varsity athlete.”
"So we understand each other, you're a ditsoon."
"For justice we must go to Don Corleone" just epic!
On the day of his daughter's wedding
*But for revenge, go see don Barzini*
Who would ever imagined that this already intense dramatic scene needed Brando to be petting a kitten to make it legendary.
Yesterday it was the first time I saw The Godfather, it was at the cinema, the remastered version, and before that I had never watched a single scene, video, review, story or spoilers.
It was a mindblowing experience that changed forever the way I view, understand and react to movies in general.
I cant wait for the Godfather II to be on cinemas!
Glad you got to see it on the big screen foryour first view. Did you notice (this opening scene) starts with the zoom out to Vito's inclusive world ... and the double-murder planning fades into a zoom-in focusing on only Michael? Brilliant subtlety,
When Vito stood up that time Tom also stood up this is called respect to senior.. That is a great scene
@bilio dayssimo umm that's not the same scene in the link...
"I believe in America. America has made my fortune." - Amerigo Bonasera
The most iconic opening line in cinema history.
Agreed!!!
Yes! If you have your tv contrast set just right you can see his face looks like a skull 💀 fantastic
Yet, there are ingrates who still cheered against america
@Johnny Caruthers oh come on
@Johnny Caruthers why sleepy
Apart from the amazing acting and dialogs, you know what else made this scene great... no background music.
Audience sets its own tone for the scene without the music guiding you what to do.
After all these years....it is still one of my favorite movies!
This man was of honor. He kept a distance with Vito for fear of getting in trouble, but accepted his gift of revenge, then took Sonny’s body to make it presentable for a funeral.
For Santino's mother.....
That’s an interesting take. Many see him as a contemptible, opportunistic weasel.
@@ted.angell7609 Not everybody is cut out to be a gangster. But that’s okay. At least he showed respect and humility when it mattered most
I think he learned his lesson and reedemed himself. He did the best he could for Santino and for the Don himself after their deaths.
Well, Bonasera did approach Vito on his daughter’s wedding day, the one day where Vito feels compelled to do favors for people out of obligation to a Sicilian custom. He asked for the biggest, most riskiest favor of all: to have his enemies killed.
I would have asked The Godfather to get me an Xbox Series X.
On the other hand Bonasera became fraught with anxiety when he considered what favor the don would ask of him in return so, in retrospect Bonasera was actually kind of brave asking the head of an organized crime syndicate for any favor at all.
Still watching in 2021. Absolutely epic as always.
Not to mention 2022.....
I'm still watching in2023!
Still watching in 2024!
“That I cannot do” .... Corleone was direct. It is he one thing this movie taught me as a man.
That's one of the important takeaways in the movie. Vito was too old fashioned whilst being direct in a trade where new players like Sollozzo followed a secretive approach. Straight away saying NO to Sollozzo brought great trouble for the Corleone family. That's where Michael felt compelled enough to take control of family matters, to prevent his family from falling apart. He dealt with the situation following a modern approach, and also broke a few codes in the process. Michael brought to the family what was missing ; the courage to break a few rules and still come out clean in the end.
O Gosh l use that line every time I need to say No! “That I cannot do”! Such a great line
I know what you're saying.
On the Soprano's, someone is giving Tony bad news but is being very round-about in saying it. Tony says "Spit it out!" meaning don't dance around it, just SAY IT.
I've used that in my business dealing with my employees ever since.
Just tell me the bad news without embellishment
@@RussoPeter_1 I’ve seen a few people say this and I just can’t agree with that. The trouble was coming one way or the other. Drugs was a line Vito would never tolerate being crossed. He called it a dirty business. Nothing in real life or in the movie suggests he was wrong to say this about drugs. Solozzo would have gone elsewhere and other families would have gotten richer and more powerful. To the point where they would try muscle in on Vito’s business/territory or take over the Corleones.
The LOOK Vito gives this man after he whispers his wish- You treat me like plutonium up until now, and then want me to off a couple of guys I don't even know.....
This scene is fantastic. Love the cat Marlon is playing with. It shows you, what power The Godfather has over people.
Not once but twice the Don explains how this family business works. And both times the undertaker fails to realize the nature of the business. It's about favors for friends, no matter the substance, it will be taken care of. But without friendship you get nothing. Amazing cinematography, acting and execution. Fuckin love this scene.
Don Corleone was an old school gangster
@@thefoolthatpickedthewrongh291 yap, n the other guy was right but don Vito understands n patiently layz it out,
@doctorwho0077 that's true but the Don is understanding of others misconceptions, ONCE . next time, THATS when the ritual becomes all-important
The undertaker did go on to have a decent wrestling career to be fair to him.
@@PaulHussey01 No way!
Calls him godfather and Kisses his hand.... "good", that was all Don Corleone was looking for, respect
Yes! That's all he wanted!
“We’re not murders, despite what this ‘undertaker’ says”
Lmao
Isaac Slaney Yeah, Crazy line 😂🤣😂
Right
????😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@vincentrobinson9645
Well, Vito tried to justify his actions as if they were strictly business related hence the phrase, "It's not personal, it's strictly business." However, if you read the book, it's clearly explained toward the end of the novel that all of the families were hypocrites and that everything is indeed personal, to cement fortune, wealth and power.
What does it's mean sir?
Non native here 😓
@Shao Yu Mai Wang thank you very much sir.
As Bonasera cries and the camera pans out, the single gesture of Vito's hand asking a drink to be given to Bonasera hits you with the power of the Godfather. One tends to appreciate it more when they have read the novel before.
Absolutely everything about this movie is more than perfect ... Every single move was exquisitely executed with the best possible performance... Nothing left to be criticized.
The amazing thing about Marlin Brando is how he is angry but controls it because the guy is suffering already. He says one thing but the body says another!
Bonasera kept making the same mistakes , frustrating The Godfather and finally making him stand up after he said “ how much money”?
“That I can not do.” That’s a most powerful line, because we all know that it’s downright untrue, but it goes to the very heart of Don Corleone’s complex personality traits, as well as his cool, calm, collected, and calculating mind.
And, at least to a certain extent, ethical....
“...because it goes against my principles.” Not that he *couldn’t* do it.
But we don't know what he asked the Don to do. Murder, but what else?
@@ted.angell7609 Because it would be no justice, in the way of seeing things from his point of view. that is why.
they owned the Police, but they didn't want to have to talk to them more than required.
I always heard about the godfather but never watched it because of how well known it is. Decided to watch it and now I completely understand why it’s so classic
Arguably the greatest opening of a movie of all time. Sure, there's hundreds of them. But this? Just beautiful.
Conor Doyle the opening to Once Upon a Time in the West. That's a killer opener. It's right up there with The Godfather.
Youre both wrong the best movie opening was and will always be shrek
Actually I think The Lord of the Rings (the Fellowship) has a better opening
As a writer who strives to entertain readers from the outset of a story, I concur. Opening with a brutal tale about the beating of a daughter, hooking us in (human nature!) instantly, then the development of the scene. We know it's a Mob movie, we're expecting Don Corleone to simply demonstrate the violent tendencies of the Mob and agree to the killings. But no, we're taken on a small journey first, introducing us to the fundamental principles of at least _this_ rendition of organised crime families. Family, respect, you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours. Then right at the end, the cold reality of a man on his daughter's wedding day, ordering the deaths of other men, as if ordering a new carpet, yet with that delusion inserted as well, the delusion that "We're not murderers".
In a single scene, we find out all we need to know in order to enjoy the rest of the film. Now we can sit back like children and become completely absorbed. Needless to say, it's first-class storytelling.
well said, Harmony Jones. first class storytelling, indeed.
What have I ever done to treat me so disrespectfully
rzorNvme Yes a great line that sometimes goes unnoticed.
What have I ever done for you to treat me so disrespectfully one of the greatest sayings in the movie
What have I ever done to MAKE YOU treat me so disrespectfully
Yeah, for a few minutes there I thought Vito was gonna off the undertaker...
I’ve watched this opening scene a million times and every time I see it I’m in awe of how Marlon Brando brought the character of Don Corleone to life! I would say he was the greatest character in the history of film!
He's up there. But I was watching clips of Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher earlier and he's absolutely mesmerising and terrifying. He almost turns that movie into a horror film. I can't think of another actor who's ever made me feel THAT uneasy.
@@ryans756 DD lewis right up there with Marlon. 2 of the best ever. It's to bad Brando eat his self to death man.
is it true he stuffed cotton wool balls in his cheeks?
i have a copy of marlon brando's biography and there is a picture of his elder father and there is the image of his godfather character.
@@normafoster1959 yes
To this VERY day, the theme still makes the hair stand up. One of the best movies ever
Marlon had just spotted that cat on set and spontaneously included it into the scene. He was more than an actor, he knew exactly how to tell a story and portray a character far beyond the script!