Don't forget to like, subscribe & hit the notification bell for more content! Edit: Tom Hagen didn't exacly pay of Luca Brasi - I'll make a video with more details on this soon
I never felt that Luca stuttered his congratulations because he feared Don Corleone. I think it was clear that Luca was just very socially awkward and bad with words.
@@marcjohnson643 Oh, I guess I misunderstood. I thought that statement was about the characters rather than the actors. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
@@stvartak You got it right, in regards to what the narrator was assuming about the characters, which was wrong, while Mr. Johnson was right in reference to what the Actor actually felt. 👍
@@marcjohnson643 Tony Montana was scared of nobody. Not even a Colombian with a chainsaw. He only got his word and his balls - and he break them for nobody. Lenny Montana on the other hand...let’s just say he never had what it took to be a varsity athlete.
Yes, yes and... yes. The same goes with Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon". Now I'm talking Micheal Manns' film "Man Hunter" not that Edward Norton abomination.
Honestly, I always thought that Don Corleone made a foolish mistake sending Luca Brasi to infiltrate his rivals. Brasi was renowned for fearsome violence, but was also known for his loyalty to the Don. That and his limited social skills made him entirely unsuited to the complicated role of an undercover spy. No one was fooled for an instance, and Vito Corleone lost a valuable, if dangerous, asset.
Yeah that never made any sense to me. Why would Vito think they’d be fooled for a second. Especially straight after a meeting at which the Don refuses to help them with a potentially hugely earning business. Then suddenly his most loyal henchman blunders in looking for information and claiming he wants to defect? Yeah right... Vito sent him to his death. It was either deliberate although I can’t think why (perhaps there’s something in the book) or it was evidence that “the Don was slipping” as the Turk said to Tom. The most likely explanation is this I think. It was the first indication that Vito was losing his wits. He realised too and was smart enough to step aside and make Michael the new Don Corleone.
My guess is that they had Vito make this kind of oversight to support the belief amongst the other dons or just Sollozzo (can’t remember) that Vito was slipping. Another theory is that Vito only sent Luca Brasi because: • He knew the guy didn’t mind violence, and as said in the novel or by Michael in the movie (forgive me for my terrible memory)- the fact that Luca Brasi mostly conducted his murders thoroughly and alone meant there would more than likely be no loose ends for Vito to have to deal with. So, if things got hairy, Luca Brasi would do what Luca Brasi does. • Brasi’s unwavering loyalty toward him meant there’s no way Sollozzo and co. could actually get him to turn against Vito. • With it being such a dangerous job, it only made sense to Vito that he should send his most dangerous soldier to do it.
did it ever occur to you that Vito wanted to see if Sollozo would kill or try to kill Brasi? If that happened, Vito knew what he had to do, and if Sollozzo didn't try to harm Brasi, then Don Corleone knew he had a fearsome and powerful soldier between Sollozzo and himself.
I don't think Luca Brasi was afraid of Vito at all. I think he loved and respected him so much he wanted his gift and presentation perfect but knew how limited his social skills were. He was so happy to be invited to the wedding he wanted to show his appreciation.
I did always think that the movie didn't do Brasi's character justice because all we see of him is stumbling through the speech to Vito at the wedding and then Vito stupidly sending him to his death at the hands of Sollozzo and Tattaglia like he was some nobody flunky. All we really know about him in the film is from the story Michael tells Kay. Lenny Montana was great in the small part though. I won't sell him short.
I don't think Vito realized that they even had the balls to consider killing a living legend. but Luca should've had a friend w/ a Thompson behind him. "this is how I show at a business meeting, you understand, I'm sure". hats off to CineRanter who had an editor who used images to help tell us a back story about a scary man. that's all he had to do here. particularly effective is showing Mike's facial reaction, when he's reacting to something else entirely.
@@spittinvenom9671 he was prepared but he was also cunning. The most feared bodyguard who worked for the Corleone JUST SO HAPPENS TO DEFECT while they’re in the middle of a disagreement? Come on.
When I read the book, the Luca Brasi story is one you never forget. He is one of the most evil characters in literature. I think Puzo included this because it illustrates unapologetically what organized crime is. It also illustrates why Vito was so successful. Once you commit to a life of crime, you commit. Vito was in it to win it. Vito was not really a gangster by choice, he had to become a killer to eventually avenge his parents murders back in Sicily, buy he went big. Luca was the blue chip psyco and Vito got him on his team.
The way I read it is that the only reason Vito Corleone is taking him in to work with his family is to save Filomena's life. He probably had to give a reason to Tom Hagen as to why he was working with Luca Brasi which is why I think Hagen is the only one that knows this story before we learn it other than the Don. Luca Brasi had already killed the mother of the child and of course the child itself so it's safe to assume that the Midwife was next and I think Vito Corleone was saving her life.
The baby story ruined Luca for me. Before I heard this story, Luca was a loveable yet scary mob enforcer. Doing what he did to his own child is just disgusting
@@TomE.V. You could make the argument that what Brasi did was a long time ago and he may even regret it, but no one would ever dare ask him or give him the avenue to admit that fact. It doesn't excuse or make up for the fact that he did what he did, but people can change and the fact he tried to commit suicide means that he was not exactly completely collected about what he had done some years ago. Not having read the book, the movie version of him to me came off as a man who didn't have a lot of natural intellect or intelligence perhaps, but seemed to be loyal and doing his best for a man that he respected and probably had some genuine care for. We know he is an enforcer, he's killed and hurt a lot of people, and so we can't just look passed that. But I always found him almost tragic, and how alone he must be with everyone so afraid of him and like this was the only way he could really be someone. He could have easily ended up a broke factory worker, or just some wrestler or boxer at best due to his lack of social graces. The book version is much different. He isn't the stuttering, somewhat likable actor we see in the movie. If we assume the horrifying book story is part of the movie canon then it would be hard to try and redeem a man who was once so willing to do such an evil thing. Points to the actor in the move who (even though it was legitimate line stuttering in front of Brando) was able to pull off a man that was at once utterly respected, terrifying, nervous, and has a tinge of melancholy about him.
yeah he sure does...when his eyes are almost standing out of his head when he got choked....i felt his death was unfair...he shoulda got to put up more of a fight...like fuckin atleast punched one guy or got the guy choking him off him for a SECOND or something...he went down like he seen his mother ressurecting
@@SouthpawLD yeah...true. just if.he was such a tough guy like.i said i felt.he shoulda atleast got.more of.a.fair.fight....like.i said they.made.him.LOOK WEAK in THIS scene... but shit...i guess three on.one...still...and.i never read the book... i.didnt.know the one guy was good with a "blade"... but shit it was just such a blatent.dumb move.he should.have sent him.there to do what he did.best...not.to try "ally" with them ....they.obviously wouldnt.believe he would.betray don corleone....lmao after i seen how happy he was at the wedding...that mf was don.corleones son
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
@@davidolsen2495 Exactly. Use people in what they can do best. Talking wasn't his best asset. And with these human predators you have to have the tongue of a rattle snake.
Before viewing this, I always thought of Luca as a sort of gentle giant who is just really dangerous when you make him mad. Based only on the movie portrayal, I found his mumbling endearing. Now, especially having two small children, I despise him and can’t get the image of a live baby in a furnace out of my head.
Yeah, one of the few flaws in the movie was how much tamer Luca was. In the book, pretty much every time he's mentioned, they emphasize that he's an absolute force of nature and an animal.
@CitiZEN CAT lol are you ok? Why would the op mentioning their kids be something to have an issue with? "Methinks" you need to layoff the internet for a bit sir. It's so weird what people have an issue with now.
@CitiZEN CAT It’s pretty common that humans relate MORE with a certain situation, fictional or otherwise, when they themselves have something integral from the story. That could be someone who have experienced addiction being more emotionally invested in a story about gambling or drug abuse, or it could be someone with kids being more affected by a fictional kid dying since it’s easier for them to put themselves in the shoes of the fictional characters. No really virtue-signaling.
That scene when Luca Brasi was rehearsing what he was going to say to Vito, was actually Lenny Montana practicing his lines and it was caught on camera. It was so good, it was cut into the final edit of the movie.
Another little known fact that I heard was that Lenny Montana, born - Leonardo Passafaro - was also in the film to make sure that the word mafia was never used.
His “Character” was not afraid of Corleone. He had a phenomenal respect for him. Whilst in his element of carrying-out the Enforcer role he would not stutter. But here in a rare social event of great importance he knew he was not in his element. He was afraid of embarrassing the great Don and bringing disrespect to the family.
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
He was so cautious that he stay aside at the wedding to avoid an embarrassment. The invitation showed the moral and principles of Vito recognizing the value of friendship regarding that this person was fearsome in society. but a loyal friend.
I have read all of the books and here's my theory on why was killed so early. Luca was known to kill without aid, so he was used to going into extremely dangerous situations and handling business. Sollozzo and his guys struck faster than the Don anticipated, remember they came after the Don and Brasi very quickly after the refusal to do business. Sollozzo knew if he didn't strike the initial blow Don's forces and cunning would win the fight. It was a 2 prong attack, take out the brains and leadership of Don Corleone, and the muscle of Luca Brasi. It would have worked except Michael rose to the moment and thwarted Sollozzo's final attempts. When Michael saved the Don at the hospital and the removal of Sollozzo and McClucksey which was not expected.
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
@@HaiderAliKhan - My guess is why would they take that chance? The Tattalias would know how ruthless and loyal Luca Brasi is. Take the families main enforcer out and the Don in one go, then that would cripple the family. It was the smart move, but failed to kill the Don that got lucky.
@@CW-ke8rk don should've not asked luca to see sollozo, if he could've chosen someone else to meet solozo, then that would've been cool, because luca was too precious and loyal to corleones, Don lost his gem in the end, and luca deserved a good ending in the movie, just my viewpoint
Sending Luca to Sollozzo with that wimpy disloyal ruse didn't fool anybody. Don Vito looked foolish. These mob guys smell something fishy a mile away. I saw this movie back then and couldn't believe they would make such a foolish move. Brasi too dumb to argue against it.
And all of his mastery started when he was a child, his quiet - "Backwards" ways were simply him studying other people and what made them "tick" I know someone like that, In college when I was studying for my Bachelor's in Psychology, I had a professor that could diagnose anyone within 5 minutes of meeting them, he told me that the only way he could explain it was that he simply "Knew" what they were. Like an instinct, he was amazing and taught for over 40 years. I've always greatly appreciated all that he taught me.
@@nancystowell4877 That's exactly how I feel about people. So many times I've warned friends about psychopaths/narcissists/malignant personalities they are getting close to, only to be told "you've only just met them!" and then after I was proven right "how did you know??" yet they continue to make the same mistakes. Still it's nice to know there's at least one other person like me out there, wish I could meet him.
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
Loyalty first, brutality second was how Francis Ford Coppola decided project Luca Brasi in the film. The book leaned more heavily toward the brutality aspect. Luca certainly had both traits.
Lenny Montana worked for NYC Sanitation in the 60’s at an incinerator. I worked there in the 80’s and the old timers told a story of when Lenny held a supervisor over a 30 ft pit of garbage by his ankles.
@@millardfillmore1331 They're all either dead by now, or have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peal. You didn't see it too much in the movie, but just about every real mob guy was a heavy smoker and a lot of them heavy drinkers of hard alcohol, most of those people don't live long lives, then lead poisoning also figured high in the mobsters mortality rate too.
I never took his stumbling lines in the film as being from fear. I thought that it was nervousness because he had so much respect for the Don and knowing his place in the organization, didn't expect to be invited he felt out of place and greatly honored. I'm not sure if knowing how he was portrayed in the novel adds or detracts from the performance in the film.
I always understood that Luca was extremely simple-minded, which is why he was rehearsing the lines and then stuttering before Don Corleone. Never for a moment did I get the feeling he feared him, only that he respected him a lot and was honored to be invited.
Don Vito made a mistake and sent Luca to his death. The other families knew who he was, and that he was loyal to the Corleones and he was not going to change sides.That part was a weak story line.
Wow! Thanks for the backstory, as I do not read bocks, even and especially the classics. It has always been my great character flaw. A backstory of my own. When the Godfather 2 came out, i was 17 and in retrospect at that age at the time with an adult companion coulld have seen it. I asked my father if he would take me. He himself had been the child of Polish immigrants (who entered the U.S.about 1900 at Ellis Island and grew up dirt poor in Queens, NY City. He was a very good father but very stern. Born in 1915 and raised in NYC, he would have seen and heard all the crime of the pre-depression and depression era. He said that I could not see the movie as it "white washed " the vicious criminals of the era. While it didn't outright glorify the mafia, it made them look more normal, like ours but without an overtly evil streak, ie. acting only out of defense and not the criminals that they would be.
The fumbling of the actor's lines when presenting his gift to the Don says so much more than a paragraph of scripted dialog. It takes a keenly insightful director to recognize the value in that, and not just say, "Cut, let's do it again". I just thought it was good acting, but it was bad acting in the proper context.
For fans of the movie be sure to read Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli by Mark Seal. The author provides behind the scenes scoop how Lenny Montana was discovered and cast as Luca Brasi, how his death scene was filmed. And a very funny story how he was coached by James Cain (Sonny Corleone) to put one over on Marlon Brando during the scene in the the Don's den.
I always felt he should have been the son of the widow who wanted to keep her apartment in the GF2. Its a nicer backstory and would have explained Luca's extreme loyalty to Don Corleone.
The book did a whole lot better job explaining the Luca Brasi character than the movie. The movie, while excellent couldn't include everything the book did. It was three hour as is. I'm thinking that if it were to be made into a film today, it would be a mini series, like Lonesome Dove or maybe even a series like Boardwalk Empire. There is certainly enough material.
@Jaegar19Ultima It's been awhile since I've read the booklet, as I recall it wasn't so much that Luca was afraid of Don Vito as he was absolutely and unquestionably loyal to the don. His loyalty to Don Vito came from Vito's saving from prison for murder and if I recall correctly helped him him after he overdosed, which is why he acted and spoke like he was mentally very slow. At that point Luca, formerly an independent, freelance thug came under Don Vitos wing.
It cannot be put in the way you want as these characters are twisted people, with darker origin stories that must of us can possibly fathom. Luca´s father use to beat Luca´s mom, and the boy also. If memory serves me right, eventually the father kills the mother, because of an infidelity, which prompts Brasi to commit parricide. The mother of Luca´s child was a beautiful woman, but not a stable person; an Irish redhead of nocturnal inclinations and horizontal profession, who had an affair with a young Tom HAgen and which almost prevented him of reaching adulthood, as her boyfriend Brasi, who was by then a freelancer with a small but deadly crew, caught wind of those activities. Anyway, Luca's loyalty is not that of a German Sheppard, for Luca is a dragon, a monster, a dark force of nature, who has a death wish, but has chosen to be loyal and fear only one man on this Earth: Don Vito Corleone.
As a muscian that worked most of my life at night and not at the best places always, l came across some of these underworld poeple, criminals, the attempt to show them in these movies as "nice "criminals and "not nice "criminals is bulshit, all of them, if you meet them on their "wrong side are horrible ! And Hollywood makes out of them angels to make a lot of money .l remember only one movie about the lrish mafia were opal Newman says the true sentence :we are all murderers!
Usually I roll my eyes at click bait pronouncements of something being "horrifying," but Brasi earned it. However, The Godfather isn't exactly a story about a bunch of altar boys, so...
I've read many novels over the years, but what Luca did to that baby is one of the few story points that stand out as truly horrific. The novel has a number of things the movie is missing. If you're a fan of the movie and haven't read the source material, I'd totally recommend the first novel at least.
Absolutely !!! The whole 🍿 Hollywood portion of the novel (following the career of Johnny Fontaine 🎤) is amazing and thoroughly seedy, and _somehow_ 😂 got cut from the Hollywood version…
No more " horrific" than abortionists and their collaborators . How many miseráble men forced their women to ZKILL THE KID !??? HUH ! TELL ME or better yet ask yourselves the many countless scenarios of family,or a woman alone with " no choice" !??!?? Itz HYPOCRITES & LIARS WHO ARE TRULY THR MONSTERS HERE AND EVERYWHERE. . .MY GOD !
*Kay:* _Michael, that man over there is talking to himself. See that scary guy over there?_ *Michael:* _He's a very scary guy._ *Kay:* _Well, who is he? What's his name?_ *Michael:* _His name is Luca Brasi -- and he helps my father out sometimes._
My favorite Michael/Kay dialogue : Michael: My father isn't any different than any powerful man. Any man that's responsible for other people, like a senator or president. Kay: Do you know how naive you sound? Michael: Why? Kay: Senators and presidents don't have people killed. Michael: Oh. Now, look whose being naive.
@@richcoe9273 Senators and presidents have been sending Their young men to the meat grinder since time immemorial... They are the original " Widow Makers Club.."
I always love your videos. I went down the rabbit hole on your Godfather series and am now awaiting the book via mail. I grew up with the movies but at 50 have still never read Puzos' book. Done deal. Thanks for the great content.
Interesting side note, the scene where Michael looked at Al Neri (signaling that it was time to kill Freddo), even Al looked a little shocked. Like “damn, at your mom’s funeral?”
I always thought that was a hilariously vague way to order the murder of your last living brother. I always imagined that the killer had some old timey uncle that knew everything about the mafia lifestyle “he gave you a nod that might have been a nod, or it might have been him just stretching his neck a tiny bit? It’s obvious, you must kill his brother!!”
Never understood why 1: Vito sent such a loyal valuable asset like Luca into certain death and 2: Why would such a fierce seasoned veteran to street violence walk into such an obviously vulnerable situation
Vito made a mistake and sent his enforcer to do spy work to answer the first, and to answer the second Luca was dumb and had survived many situations where he was outnumbered and outgunned. In comparison this probably looked like easy work to him.
I heard from the very beginning that you should read the book before seeing the movie so you could understand what was happening. And it was true for me. Now whenever I read a book I try to cast a movie in my head deciding who should play who. It's kind of fun
It's funny you told this story. I was talking with a co-worker about my love for the godfather movies. I mentioned how I wish they explained why Luca was so feared. My co- worker, who read the book and saw the movie, explained to me how evil Luca was and spoke the same story you just told in this video! After hearing this, I no longer cared to hear the legend of luca nor felt bad when he was eventually killed in the movie!
I always had the feeling that when the Don sent Luca to spy on the Tataglias ( “ see what they have under their fingernails”) it was to a hopefully effective outcome or horrible complete death. Win-win for the Don. Very informative critique. Changed my perceptions and filled in blanks.
I wish they assigned a more respectable term for our men and women in military besides "served". I "served" 8 yrs in PRISON for making terrible, not very respectable, decisions and I don't feel like I should share any comparable association with such honorable people. Weird starement, I know, but for some reason your comment clicked with me. Thank you for your service sir. My Great Grandfather WW1, his son my Grandfather WW2 and my Father was in Vietnam. You have all my respect. 🙏💯
One of the worst scenes in The Godfather is how Luca was killed, “The Blowfish scene” Luca is the toughest person in the film but he puts up less of a fight getting garroted than Carlo or Frankie 5 fingers. Major mistake by the director.
@@mikeharries308 He got stabbed in the hand and in reality a person such as him could have broke that hand free easily and also broke free from Solozzo's grip trying to hold his other arm and fought and kicked and got in some swings. It was a poorly directed murder scene.
Idk how many people commenting on this scene have been choked unconscious before (with or without warning), but it can be pretty hard to think or react if you are in that situation.
@@cryptoholica72 WRONG, no one is saying that at all. Try reading AND comprehending. What is being stated is that LUCA BRAZI would not have died like that without putting up a fight and would have fought back and not folded the way the director shot that scene. LUCA BRAZI would have fought back like a wild man not die with a blowfish expression on his face. CAPICHE?
@@raseltatel6728 The book was Puzo, the movie by Coppola and the script didn't stick 100% to the book, in 1972 it would have never been complete. The rules & laws at the time would never allow it.
@@danielueblacker9118 Grew up with the Mafia, had a friend in childhood that was indeed an "Altar Boy" was later a "Made Man" and very good at what he did. As for whether he was "Good or Bad" I am not the judge. He was my friend. All I needed to know.
If you love the movie the godfather, trust me the book is ten times better. It is a literary masterpiece. The sections where the New York mafia wars are highlighted, the assassinations of the heads of the five families and most of all Luca Brasi. I wish the scene where brasi dismembered the Capone men would have been part of the movies but it was simply too graphic. Reading these crafted words create visions in your mind no movie could ever equal. Mario Puzo creates this beautiful balance between family love and the horrific business they are entrenched in. Quite possibly the greatest novel ever written. This makes sense because many have the godfather as the greatest movie ever. None of it would have been possible without this peerless novel.
@@donschmidt8203 i,don't usually read story books, but i may have to make an exception. As well as stephen kings IT. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. Love movies so much. And love mafia movies based on true stories. 💪🏼🇮🇹
The Family Corleone was actually authorized by the Puzo Estate. It was based on a manuscript that Mario Puzo started, but never finished before he died. He was thinking about a prequel film and that's what the manuscript was for.
I like the part during the wedding reception scene when Tom Hayden tells the Godfather that Luca Brasi wants to see him. Brando asks if it’s necessary, as if it has no importance, and Tom tells him that Luca wants to thank him for being invited to the wedding. Brando puts on this humble face like, I can’t deny to meet him now, and then agrees.
@@robertisham5279 Luca was a Psychopath, lacking in "normal" human feelings/emotions/thinking/reasoning. Think Evil/Demon in human form. That is a close description of those people.
Luca was enigmatic. I was concerned for the people who were near him. He looked like he could break someone in pieces and then would help an elderly lady cross the street afterwards. I was expecting to see more scenes with him. His fate in the movie was too sudden and very disappointing. The movie is a masterpiece nonetheless.
I've always had this believe that it should've been a series and not a movie. It would've given the director enough time to flesh out these characters. I was disappointed with how Al Neri barely got any screen time. But then, I think if it had been a series, Coppola would probably not have worked on it and the emphasis on authenticity throughout the movie wouldn't have been as good.
The scenes with Luca were always my favorite in the original Godfather film. Nobody can forget the face he makes when he gets stabbed in the hand and is choked to death.
This tale certainly paints an interesting picture of Luca Brazi. Of course more details are in the prequel novel the Family Corleone. It make one wonder why Don Vito decided to send Luca to Sollozzo. I think Vito knew he was sending Brazi into a trap. Maybe Vito needed a way to rid himself of Brazi.
@@ducatikawasaki1290 I highly recommend reading The Family Corleone. Ed Falco does a fine job. Not only the Brazi story. It also gives some great backstory regarding Vito Corleone and Emilio Barzini. some names were changed. For reasons not known. But it's a great read.
In the book, Brasi threw the baby his girlfriend had into a furnace to get rid of it. Crazy beyond belief and one of those individuals whose death is no great loss to the planet!
When he first saw the baby, he shoved the bundle back into the mid-wife’s chest. The bundle was crushed; Luca killed the poor baby with his bare hands. Thus, the woman who was forced to cast the bundle into a furnace was actually innocent
I don’t think he did throw it in the furnace but offered the girl money to throw it in. Easily the most disturbing part of the book along with why even the Don was nervous around him.
That part of the book made me feel like i was in NY in an old building with an old furnace and felt the pain and discomfort in the room. Since then, i always think about all the things that have happened in old buildings in NY and just in general. An old city like London even, i think of how people lived their lives,especially at night, behind closed doors in those old days. Things weren't open 24/7 then and life was so different but similar
Brasi's character gets very short shrift in the movie. He is a very intriguing character in the book. If The Godfather were the MCU, we'd have had a Luca Brasi origin story already.
@@tobe1207 I grew up in the nyc area, and you are exactly right. Most of the buildings are old and still there, it is very easy to see the past. It strikes you that nothing was different except the rules people lived by. Eerie stuff
Love the movie and the sequel. The only annoying character in an otherwise brilliantly casted 2 movies is Kay. IMO she is annoying out of place and a ridiculous portrayal of a Mafia dons wife.
Well if she would have been casted as a real Mafia Don's wife then much of the plot wouldn't have existed. Its all about Michael Corleone and his relationship to his family. Don Corleone and Sonny Corleone and all the rest were there to set up Michael Corleone's life. All the way to Godfather 3. Yes she was out of place. For a reason. As much as Michael tried to be like his father, he just couldn't cut it. Before he had Fredo killed, he asked his mother if he could ever lose his family. She said no, but in reality he did in the end. He died alone in a chair in what looks to be in Sicily.
That’s sort of the point. Kay represents the Americanized culture/lifestyle that Michael initially tries to pursue. So of course she’s out of place as a mafia boss wife, she was raised in a American culture not a Italian culture.
Luca was explored so much more in the novel. That's why when the scene with them finding his bullet proof vest wrapped w the fishes shocks the crew so much & there's added Gravitas if you know the book. If Solozzo could take out Luca he could take any of them out
One of the only things I didnt like about the Godfather movie was the fact we never got to see him in action at least once, I felt it was foolish to dispose of such a forceful character so early in the film. Even with "the story" and his demonically imposing presence I always wanted to see him instilling fear into the other families in what could have been a most memorable scene or scenes.
Having read the book I was wondering if you were going to mention Al Neri's story. Johnny Fontaine's backstory is also interesting along with Sonny's prowess and comparison to a horse and how it affected his mistress.
@@burrob78 In Fontaine's back story, there seems to be an implication of a fellow "rat pack" alumni. Does Neri's story sound somewhat similar to what happened to Chauvin?
I got the impression being that the Godfather wanted the family to find ligitimacy, Luca reminded him of the evil things he did to obtain his power. And even in letimicy he'd have to live with his choices.
Many of the characters in the Godfather films appear to be based on real-life persons. The more obvious ones are Hyman Roth (obviously based on Meyer Lansky), Moe Greene (obviously based on Ben Siegel), Frank Pentagelli (based on Joe Valachi), and the Rosado Brothers (Gallo Brothers). But there are others as well. Don Corleone appears to be a combination of at least three people: Frank Costello for his power and his reputation as an underworld diplomat, Joe Profaci based on his olive oil business, Joe Bonanno for the respect he commanded and for trying to have son succeed him, and maybe Carlo Gambino for his immense power as well. Michael reminds us of Bill Bonanno (although all three Corleone sons remind us of the Gallos, too). Barzini reminds us of Genovese - Costello's chief rival. Clemenza reminds us of Joe Magliocco - big, fat, and loyal to his boss. The drug dealer Sollozzo reminds us of Carmine Galante., who was heavy into the heroin trade. And Tom Hagen reminds us of lawyer Sidney Korschak, who was very tight with the Chicago mob. Luca Brasi invokes images of Albert Anastasia, who was a prolific killer and one of the most feared guys in the underworld. But this story also reminds us of Mad Sam DeStefano, who had a reputation for sadism.
The cat, 6:30 I'm told, was on set and, unscripted, hopped into Brando's lap and made himself at home. Brando went with it and Coppola liked the outcome.
The silly part is when its explained that the woman asks Michael about his father Don Vito Corleone... Nobody in Italy would have known Vito Corleone, because his real name was Vito Andolini. A mistake that slipped through...
True,, but you have to remember in GF 2 Vito, owned an olive oil company, so he had to have ties back to Sicily. Remember the guy Michael stays when he hides out, was the guy that was hit with the shotgun blast after Vito kills Sicilian Don who killed his mother.
It was the Colombo crime family and boss Joe Colombo that gave The Godfather movie the green light that’s why Luca was there the director had too get the ok from Colombo too do this movie
Neri's story was facinating. Starting his adult life off as a cop who truly despised criminals. The telling of the story as he prepares for the hit on Barnzini by putting on his old police uniform is fitting.
Fun fact. The actor that plays one of Michael's guards in Sicily , the one that doesn't speak, is Franco Citti, Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini's fetish actor seen on Mama Roma and Acatone, supposedly, Pasolini dindn't like his voice or his accent so he dubbed him. I wonder if something like that happened to Copola also, and what his voice is like.
Has anyone seen that other up and coming channel quite similar to this channel. Pure kino. defo worth a watch with his content aswell. These two need to do some soprano collabs 💯
You just knew the way this character was portrayed he had such a feared reputation but this is....Insanely Dark this is part of what made the Don Vito family so feared and so powerful. Still an incredible story today.
There are in the underworld, two kinds of fear : the fear of the savagery and beast of a person before you- like Luca ! Then there is the awe fear of a man … it’s a deeper and wider type of fear . Fear of the mans prestige rank amongst many men … even the legitimate world respects him . Like don corleone … it was best described by denzel in Malcolm X … the fear one has of the Sun !
@@davidemelia6296 oh but I have …. Many years ago . From cover to cover. Written by Alex Haley … Malcolm told too many truths to us . And for that reason alone, many prophets have been killed.
I read the book after I saw the movie. After I read the part about the baby, I put the book down and didn't pick it up for a couple of days. I got chills just hearing about it again.
Luca Brasi was showing "Don Vito" the greatest respect, loyalty and friendship by "personally" meeting with him on the day of his daughter's wedding. I always remember that when "Don Vito" asked Luca to see what Salazzo "had under his fingernails" , Luca never flinched. Didn't question it. Didn't try to get out of it, although he knew it was dangerous that's why he wore that vest, just did it. That was the highest form of loyalty. He paid for that loyalty with his life.
Luca Brasi was a much darker character than was portrayed in the movie. The movie did a good job of telling the book's story but as is the film is three hours long. I guess the decision had to be made to cut stuff out. Luca's story suffered as a result but Sonny's story really suffered. He was a prime character that should be developed more than was portrayed. I always thought there is enough good material to make at least one more movie but I don't think Frances Ford Coppola has any interest. I always considered Bussetta, killed in Havana trying to whack Hyman Roth as Michael's Luca Brasi. Al Neri was a good soldier but he relied just as much on cunning as brute force.
@@keldonmcfarland2969 yeah, it's just my opinion because the Bussetta character appears in the story before Al Neri and was more the stereotypical old school muscle guy than Neri
@@jadezee6316 If you love the Godfather you have to read the novel, the film does it justice for sure and probably as close to perfect a novel could be in being turned into a film. But a book always has more details, more description
@@michaelsternberg1597 I'm with you man. It's just the way modern culture is and I don't even mean just the younger Milennials. People want the quick fix, the easy answer. Books are so amazing with the extra details & description movies just don't have the time or means to tell
@@schrisdellopoulos9244 He is based on Sinatra. I know the history of the msn . He. too, had to pay off a bandleader and ask the Mob to get him the part in “ From Here To Eternity.” I think that settles that and you can have that information for free. It should help you in the future
If you read the book "The Family Corleone" based on the unfinished screen play by Mario Puzo. It explains how Tom Hagen joined the family, how Luca joined the family. The young interactions between Freado and Michael, How Sonny joined the family. Don Vito didn't want any of his kids follow him into crime. The move to the compound. And how Sonny met his wife. Luca was a major character in this book. He was not slow or dumb.
I never got the impression that he was scared of Vito Corleone. I was under the impression were that he couldn’t speak English that he was Italian and was trying to congratulate him out of respect in English for some type of custom just daughters wedding. Although Vito Corleone was Italian his children are first generation Americans. Perhaps he just wanted to learn a phrase in English to to include something sentimental along with the $$$ gift for the wedding?
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Edit: Tom Hagen didn't exacly pay of Luca Brasi - I'll make a video with more details on this soon
Oh man, I forgot to do any of that.
@@oldcountryman2795 morning
After that Some story about Luca. Don Tommasino tells Michael that his oldest brother Santino is killed.
Probably not
Godfather is the mob version of Art of War
I never felt that Luca stuttered his congratulations because he feared Don Corleone. I think it was clear that Luca was just very socially awkward and bad with words.
Luca brasi wasn't afraid of Don corleone, but Tony Montana was nervous around Marlon Brando.
@@marcjohnson643 Oh, I guess I misunderstood. I thought that statement was about the characters rather than the actors. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
@@stvartak You got it right, in regards to what the narrator was assuming about the characters, which was wrong, while Mr. Johnson was right in reference to what the Actor actually felt. 👍
@@robsanz9746 Then I'm not going crazy. Thank you very much!
@@marcjohnson643 Tony Montana was scared of nobody. Not even a Colombian with a chainsaw. He only got his word and his balls - and he break them for nobody. Lenny Montana on the other hand...let’s just say he never had what it took to be a varsity athlete.
The Godfather is one of those rare cases where reading the book makes the movie better and watching the movie makes the book better.
Agree!
💯
Yes, yes and... yes. The same goes with Thomas Harris' "Red Dragon". Now I'm talking Micheal Manns' film "Man Hunter" not that Edward Norton abomination.
Not rare as u think Stephen king pumps out daily movie and book lmao but I agree tho lol
Very rare.
Honestly, I always thought that Don Corleone made a foolish mistake sending Luca Brasi to infiltrate his rivals. Brasi was renowned for fearsome violence, but was also known for his loyalty to the Don. That and his limited social skills made him entirely unsuited to the complicated role of an undercover spy. No one was fooled for an instance, and Vito Corleone lost a valuable, if dangerous, asset.
Well said and I fully agree
Yeah that never made any sense to me. Why would Vito think they’d be fooled for a second. Especially straight after a meeting at which the Don refuses to help them with a potentially hugely earning business. Then suddenly his most loyal henchman blunders in looking for information and claiming he wants to defect? Yeah right...
Vito sent him to his death. It was either deliberate although I can’t think why (perhaps there’s something in the book) or it was evidence that “the Don was slipping” as the Turk said to Tom. The most likely explanation is this I think. It was the first indication that Vito was losing his wits. He realised too and was smart enough to step aside and make Michael the new Don Corleone.
My guess is that they had Vito make this kind of oversight to support the belief amongst the other dons or just Sollozzo (can’t remember) that Vito was slipping.
Another theory is that Vito only sent Luca Brasi because:
• He knew the guy didn’t mind violence, and as said in the novel or by Michael in the movie (forgive me for my terrible memory)- the fact that Luca Brasi mostly conducted his murders thoroughly and alone meant there would more than likely be no loose ends for Vito to have to deal with. So, if things got hairy, Luca Brasi would do what Luca Brasi does.
• Brasi’s unwavering loyalty toward him meant there’s no way Sollozzo and co. could actually get him to turn against Vito.
• With it being such a dangerous job, it only made sense to Vito that he should send his most dangerous soldier to do it.
did it ever occur to you that Vito wanted to see if Sollozo would kill or try to kill Brasi? If that happened, Vito knew what he had to do, and if Sollozzo didn't try to harm Brasi, then Don Corleone knew he had a fearsome and powerful soldier between Sollozzo and himself.
@@morrisheinersz2005 Interesting thought. Could be. Pretty big risk to take with your best guy but could be.
I don't think Luca Brasi was afraid of Vito at all. I think he loved and respected him so much he wanted his gift and presentation perfect but knew how limited his social skills were. He was so happy to be invited to the wedding he wanted to show his appreciation.
Agreed
The family corleone explains how Luca to be with Vito
@@danielnichols3713 with respect, it wasn’t Puzo.
@@spittinvenom9671 I’m sorry I don’t see where I said that .
Concur, and I’m confident that adding to Luca’s discomfort was wearing a tux and attending this type of extrovert family celebration
Brasi didn’t fear Don Corleone, he respected him. There’s a difference.
If anything, Don Corleone possibly feared Brasi a little bit.
@José Flores I interpret Brasi’s nervousness at the wedding reception as not wanting to foul it up, due to the TREMENDOUS respect he had for the Don.
@José Flores Right. Part of the reason for his awe of the Don must have been the intelligence differential. He was a leg breaker.
He was extremely humble for a hitman.
The book says that Brasi loved Don Vito. In Italian, "Don" is used with the first name.
After so many years the Godfather just ages like wine.
Amen brother
Read the book. The movie trilogy doesn't begin to do the book justice.
@@b.c4066 thanks Bill and will do
Exactly,i find it getting better each time i watch it.
@@aborworld3509 Must have seen it 50 times. No movie comes close. Not even same ball park.
I did always think that the movie didn't do Brasi's character justice because all we see of him is stumbling through the speech to Vito at the wedding and then Vito stupidly sending him to his death at the hands of Sollozzo and Tattaglia like he was some nobody flunky. All we really know about him in the film is from the story Michael tells Kay. Lenny Montana was great in the small part though. I won't sell him short.
Boba Fett syndrome
Well said Sir.
Luca Brasi deserved better.
I don't think Vito realized that they even had the balls to consider killing a living legend. but Luca should've had a friend w/ a Thompson behind him. "this is how I show at a business meeting, you understand, I'm sure". hats off to CineRanter who had an editor who used images to help tell us a back story about a scary man. that's all he had to do here. particularly effective is showing Mike's facial reaction, when he's reacting to something else entirely.
The book does him better but I always thought he was ratted out by Tessio. Sollozo was (too) prepared for Luca.
@@spittinvenom9671 he was prepared but he was also cunning. The most feared bodyguard who worked for the Corleone JUST SO HAPPENS TO DEFECT while they’re in the middle of a disagreement? Come on.
In the novel it says that the only person that luca brazi feared was Don Corlenoe and the only person that Don corleone feared was luca brazi.
Two spidermen pointing at each other lol
@@rashedalsuwaidi3648 😂
There is a fine line between honor and fear.
That makes sense.
Yup
When I read the book, the Luca Brasi story is one you never forget. He is one of the most evil characters in literature. I think Puzo included this because it illustrates unapologetically what organized crime is. It also illustrates why Vito was so successful. Once you commit to a life of crime, you commit. Vito was in it to win it. Vito was not really a gangster by choice, he had to become a killer to eventually avenge his parents murders back in Sicily, buy he went big. Luca was the blue chip psyco and Vito got him on his team.
The way I read it is that the only reason Vito Corleone is taking him in to work with his family is to save Filomena's life. He probably had to give a reason to Tom Hagen as to why he was working with Luca Brasi which is why I think Hagen is the only one that knows this story before we learn it other than the Don. Luca Brasi had already killed the mother of the child and of course the child itself so it's safe to assume that the Midwife was next and I think Vito Corleone was saving her life.
smart business, a man like Brasi, you want him on your side not against you!
The baby story ruined Luca for me. Before I heard this story, Luca was a loveable yet scary mob enforcer. Doing what he did to his own child is just disgusting
@@TomE.V. You could make the argument that what Brasi did was a long time ago and he may even regret it, but no one would ever dare ask him or give him the avenue to admit that fact. It doesn't excuse or make up for the fact that he did what he did, but people can change and the fact he tried to commit suicide means that he was not exactly completely collected about what he had done some years ago.
Not having read the book, the movie version of him to me came off as a man who didn't have a lot of natural intellect or intelligence perhaps, but seemed to be loyal and doing his best for a man that he respected and probably had some genuine care for. We know he is an enforcer, he's killed and hurt a lot of people, and so we can't just look passed that. But I always found him almost tragic, and how alone he must be with everyone so afraid of him and like this was the only way he could really be someone. He could have easily ended up a broke factory worker, or just some wrestler or boxer at best due to his lack of social graces.
The book version is much different. He isn't the stuttering, somewhat likable actor we see in the movie. If we assume the horrifying book story is part of the movie canon then it would be hard to try and redeem a man who was once so willing to do such an evil thing.
Points to the actor in the move who (even though it was legitimate line stuttering in front of Brando) was able to pull off a man that was at once utterly respected, terrifying, nervous, and has a tinge of melancholy about him.
well said. (17 September 2023)
"I'll try...but even Sonny won't be able to call off Luca brasi"...made me want to know more about this character...
Read Ed Falco's novel: The Family Corleone. Puzo estate approved.
Cohen Kane that’s a damn good book! Short pants
That’s what the book is called
I want to read that book now if some one coud please give me the name thanks
@@californialiving3836 Yeah, 'The Family Corleone' by Ed Falco.
Brasi is a very little part of the movie, but he really stands out.
yeah he sure does...when his eyes are almost standing out of his head when he got choked....i felt his death was unfair...he shoulda got to put up more of a fight...like fuckin atleast punched one guy or got the guy choking him off him for a SECOND or something...he went down like he seen his mother ressurecting
@@OgFoulPlay only so much time in a movie.. so many interesting and character arcs to unpack. WHERE'S SCORESEZI with the Luca Brasi movie?
@@SouthpawLD yeah...true. just if.he was such a tough guy like.i said i felt.he shoulda atleast got.more of.a.fair.fight....like.i said they.made.him.LOOK WEAK in THIS scene... but shit...i guess three on.one...still...and.i never read the book... i.didnt.know the one guy was good with a "blade"... but shit it was just such a blatent.dumb move.he should.have sent him.there to do what he did.best...not.to try "ally" with them
....they.obviously wouldnt.believe he would.betray don corleone....lmao after i seen how happy he was at the wedding...that mf was don.corleones son
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
I can never believe they got him so easily and that he never saw it coming.
Going alone into the lion's den like that is naive at best.
They had one of Vito's main killers for free.
The trick was too easy.
Ya it didn't make sense that the Don didn't see that Luca had to be killed. Instead he should have sent him to do what he does best
@@davidolsen2495
Exactly.
Use people in what they can do best.
Talking wasn't his best asset.
And with these human predators you have to have the tongue of a rattle snake.
Yes. Hate it when he dies
I'm the same in that regard...
Luca was so grateful to be invited, he wanted to express his appreciation……and wanted it to be honorable.
Before viewing this, I always thought of Luca as a sort of gentle giant who is just really dangerous when you make him mad. Based only on the movie portrayal, I found his mumbling endearing. Now, especially having two small children, I despise him and can’t get the image of a live baby in a furnace out of my head.
Yes, that was a horrifying read
Yeah, one of the few flaws in the movie was how much tamer Luca was. In the book, pretty much every time he's mentioned, they emphasize that he's an absolute force of nature and an animal.
@CitiZEN CAT lol are you ok? Why would the op mentioning their kids be something to have an issue with? "Methinks" you need to layoff the internet for a bit sir. It's so weird what people have an issue with now.
@CitiZEN CAT It’s pretty common that humans relate MORE with a certain situation, fictional or otherwise, when they themselves have something integral from the story. That could be someone who have experienced addiction being more emotionally invested in a story about gambling or drug abuse, or it could be someone with kids being more affected by a fictional kid dying since it’s easier for them to put themselves in the shoes of the fictional characters. No really virtue-signaling.
It’s just a movie. You chose the media you consume. Take a breath. Have a Root Beer.
That scene when Luca Brasi was rehearsing what he was going to say to Vito, was actually Lenny Montana practicing his lines and it was caught on camera. It was so good, it was cut into the final edit of the movie.
Another little known fact that I heard was that Lenny Montana, born - Leonardo Passafaro - was also in the film to make sure that the word mafia was never used.
His “Character” was not afraid of Corleone. He had a phenomenal respect for him. Whilst in his element of carrying-out the Enforcer role he would not stutter. But here in a rare social event of great importance he knew he was not in his element. He was afraid of embarrassing the great Don and bringing disrespect to the family.
..
well said
🎖
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
@@HaiderAliKhan going off the movie I’d say it was when he refueled to shake hands and lit his cigar instead.
He was so cautious that he stay aside at the wedding to avoid an embarrassment. The invitation showed the moral and principles of Vito recognizing the value of friendship regarding that this person was fearsome in society. but a loyal friend.
In the book the family corleone it says he got his studdering problem from trying to off himself on pills after he threw the baby In the furnace
I have read all of the books and here's my theory on why was killed so early. Luca was known to kill without aid, so he was used to going into extremely dangerous situations and handling business. Sollozzo and his guys struck faster than the Don anticipated, remember they came after the Don and Brasi very quickly after the refusal to do business. Sollozzo knew if he didn't strike the initial blow Don's forces and cunning would win the fight. It was a 2 prong attack, take out the brains and leadership of Don Corleone, and the muscle of Luca Brasi. It would have worked except Michael rose to the moment and thwarted Sollozzo's final attempts. When Michael saved the Don at the hospital and the removal of Sollozzo and McClucksey which was not expected.
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
@@HaiderAliKhan - My guess is why would they take that chance? The Tattalias would know how ruthless and loyal Luca Brasi is. Take the families main enforcer out and the Don in one go, then that would cripple the family. It was the smart move, but failed to kill the Don that got lucky.
@@CW-ke8rk don should've not asked luca to see sollozo, if he could've chosen someone else to meet solozo, then that would've been cool, because luca was too precious and loyal to corleones, Don lost his gem in the end, and luca deserved a good ending in the movie, just my viewpoint
Sending Luca to Sollozzo with that wimpy disloyal ruse didn't fool anybody. Don Vito looked foolish. These mob guys smell something fishy a mile away. I saw this movie back then and couldn't believe they would make such a foolish move. Brasi too dumb to argue against it.
This answer the question, Why he sacrificed a worthy man
The book is phenomenal. Don Corleone was a master of psychology
And all of his mastery started when he was a child, his quiet - "Backwards" ways were simply him studying other people and what made them "tick" I know someone like that, In college when I was studying for my Bachelor's in Psychology, I had a professor that could diagnose anyone within 5 minutes of meeting them, he told me that the only way he could explain it was that he simply "Knew" what they were. Like an instinct, he was amazing and taught for over 40 years. I've always greatly appreciated all that he taught me.
@@nancystowell4877
That's exactly how I feel about people.
So many times I've warned friends about psychopaths/narcissists/malignant personalities they are getting close to, only to be told "you've only just met them!" and then after I was proven right "how did you know??" yet they continue to make the same mistakes.
Still it's nice to know there's at least one other person like me out there, wish I could meet him.
hey.. but how did sollozzo know that luca is loyal to Corleone and came to manipulate him.. just before sollozo killed brasi at the bar? from which signs by brasi, he assumed that?
@@titanblood8210Yeah, yeah, yeah. You are so special 😂😂😂😂😂 When you are not licking your own balls. Gtfo 😂
Loyalty first, brutality second was how Francis Ford Coppola decided project Luca Brasi in the film. The book leaned more heavily toward the brutality aspect. Luca certainly had both traits.
Lenny Montana worked for NYC Sanitation in the 60’s at an incinerator. I worked there in the 80’s and the old timers told a story of when Lenny held a supervisor over a 30 ft pit of garbage by his ankles.
Oh Jesus, that’s a scary brilliant story to have in your locker.
Well he was part of the Mafia after all
Joey Diaz kind of looks like Lenny Montana now
DAMN LAWLESS GUINEAS! WHAT'CHA GONNA DO?
@@millardfillmore1331 They're all either dead by now, or have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peal. You didn't see it too much in the movie, but just about every real mob guy was a heavy smoker and a lot of them heavy drinkers of hard alcohol, most of those people don't live long lives, then lead poisoning also figured high in the mobsters mortality rate too.
I never took his stumbling lines in the film as being from fear. I thought that it was nervousness because he had so much respect for the Don and knowing his place in the organization, didn't expect to be invited he felt out of place and greatly honored.
I'm not sure if knowing how he was portrayed in the novel adds or detracts from the performance in the film.
The stutter was perfect, i thought they wrote it in.
I always understood that Luca was extremely simple-minded, which is why he was rehearsing the lines and then stuttering before Don Corleone. Never for a moment did I get the feeling he feared him, only that he respected him a lot and was honored to be invited.
Don Vito made a mistake and sent Luca to his death. The other families knew who he was, and that he was loyal
to the Corleones and he was not going to change sides.That part was a weak story line.
Wow! Thanks for the backstory, as I do not read bocks, even and especially the classics. It has always been my great character flaw.
A backstory of my own. When the Godfather 2 came out, i was 17 and in retrospect at that age at the time with an adult companion coulld have seen it. I asked my father if he would take me. He himself had been the child of Polish immigrants (who entered the U.S.about 1900 at Ellis Island and grew up dirt poor in Queens, NY City. He was a very good father but very stern. Born in 1915 and raised in NYC, he would have seen and heard all the crime of the pre-depression and depression era. He said that I could not see the movie as it "white washed " the vicious criminals of the era. While it didn't outright glorify the mafia, it made them look more normal, like ours but without an overtly evil streak, ie. acting only out of defense and not the criminals that they would be.
The fumbling of the actor's lines when presenting his gift to the Don says so much more than a paragraph of scripted dialog. It takes a keenly insightful director to recognize the value in that, and not just say, "Cut, let's do it again". I just thought it was good acting, but it was bad acting in the proper context.
Luca brasi is mentioned in another Mario Puzo novel " the Sicilian".
Yes Brasi ismentioned by Philomena in the novel the Sicilian
For fans of the movie be sure to read Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli by Mark Seal. The author provides behind the scenes scoop how Lenny Montana was discovered and cast as Luca Brasi, how his death scene was filmed. And a very funny story how he was coached by James Cain (Sonny Corleone) to put one over on Marlon Brando during the scene in the the Don's den.
I always felt he should have been the son of the widow who wanted to keep her apartment in the GF2. Its a nicer backstory and would have explained Luca's extreme loyalty to Don Corleone.
The book did a whole lot better job explaining the Luca Brasi character than the movie. The movie, while excellent couldn't include everything the book did. It was three hour as is. I'm thinking that if it were to be made into a film today, it would be a mini series, like Lonesome Dove or maybe even a series like Boardwalk Empire. There is certainly enough material.
I don't think there is that much of an age difference between Luca and Vito.
@Jaegar19Ultima It's been awhile since I've read the booklet, as I recall it wasn't so much that Luca was afraid of Don Vito as he was absolutely and unquestionably loyal to the don. His loyalty to Don Vito came from Vito's saving from prison for murder and if I recall correctly helped him him after he overdosed, which is why he acted and spoke like he was mentally very slow. At that point Luca, formerly an independent, freelance thug came under Don Vitos wing.
It cannot be put in the way you want as these characters are twisted people, with darker origin stories that must of us can possibly fathom. Luca´s father use to beat Luca´s mom, and the boy also. If memory serves me right, eventually the father kills the mother, because of an infidelity, which prompts Brasi to commit parricide. The mother of Luca´s child was a beautiful woman, but not a stable person; an Irish redhead of nocturnal inclinations and horizontal profession, who had an affair with a young Tom HAgen and which almost prevented him of reaching adulthood, as her boyfriend Brasi, who was by then a freelancer with a small but deadly crew, caught wind of those activities. Anyway, Luca's loyalty is not that of a German Sheppard, for Luca is a dragon, a monster, a dark force of nature, who has a death wish, but has chosen to be loyal and fear only one man on this Earth: Don Vito Corleone.
As a muscian that worked most of my life at night and not at the best places always, l came across some of these underworld poeple, criminals, the attempt to show them in these movies as "nice "criminals and "not nice "criminals is bulshit, all of them, if you meet them on their "wrong side are horrible ! And Hollywood makes out of them angels to make a lot of money .l remember only one movie about the lrish mafia were opal Newman says the true sentence :we are all murderers!
Usually I roll my eyes at click bait pronouncements of something being "horrifying," but Brasi earned it. However, The Godfather isn't exactly a story about a bunch of altar boys, so...
I would wager many of them were altar boys when they were young.
I've read many novels over the years, but what Luca did to that baby is one of the few story points that stand out as truly horrific. The novel has a number of things the movie is missing. If you're a fan of the movie and haven't read the source material, I'd totally recommend the first novel at least.
Absolutely !!! The whole 🍿 Hollywood portion of the novel (following the career of Johnny Fontaine 🎤) is amazing and thoroughly seedy, and _somehow_ 😂 got cut from the Hollywood version…
The death he got was mild compared to what he really deserved.
YEP THE BOOK IS AWESOME ALWAYS THE NOVEL BEFORE WATCHING THE MOVIE SUCH A GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!
I also found what he did to the girl and baby horrible, it gave me a different view on the character.
No more " horrific" than abortionists and their collaborators .
How many miseráble men forced their women to ZKILL THE KID !???
HUH !
TELL ME or better yet ask yourselves the many countless scenarios of family,or a woman alone with " no choice" !??!??
Itz HYPOCRITES & LIARS WHO ARE TRULY THR MONSTERS HERE AND EVERYWHERE. . .MY GOD !
Upon reading the Godfather I thought, “Italy is not sending its best”.
Huh?
?
patrick brandimarto it’s a Donald trump reference. He said Mexico was “not sending its best”.
@@ForeverSunny3 He was right. You ever live in California?
Hahaha, great point !!
*Kay:* _Michael, that man over there is talking to himself. See that scary guy over there?_
*Michael:* _He's a very scary guy._
*Kay:* _Well, who is he? What's his name?_
*Michael:* _His name is Luca Brasi -- and he helps my father out sometimes._
"You like your lasagna?"
future screenwriter over here,,,
My favorite Michael/Kay dialogue :
Michael: My father isn't any different than any powerful man. Any man that's responsible for other people, like a senator or president.
Kay: Do you know how naive you sound?
Michael: Why?
Kay: Senators and presidents don't have people killed.
Michael: Oh. Now, look whose being naive.
@@richcoe9273
Senators and presidents have been sending Their young men to the meat grinder since time immemorial...
They are the original " Widow Makers Club.."
@@TheGyroBarqusShow hehehe... Future stand up comedian over here🤣
Horrifying is accurate!
I always love your videos. I went down the rabbit hole on your Godfather series and am now awaiting the book via mail. I grew up with the movies but at 50 have still never read Puzos' book. Done deal. Thanks for the great content.
Interesting side note, the scene where Michael looked at Al Neri (signaling that it was time to kill Freddo), even Al looked a little shocked. Like “damn, at your mom’s funeral?”
That fake forgiveness to Fredo was cold af.
I always thought that was a hilariously vague way to order the murder of your last living brother. I always imagined that the killer had some old timey uncle that knew everything about the mafia lifestyle “he gave you a nod that might have been a nod, or it might have been him just stretching his neck a tiny bit? It’s obvious, you must kill his brother!!”
ya mon, as soon as mama gone so she doesn't have to bear the pain of losing another son...😇😩😇
In the book, it is said that Albert Neri is a new Luca Brasi to Michael .. as Luca Brasi to Don Vito.
Never understood why 1: Vito sent such a loyal valuable asset like Luca into certain death and 2: Why would such a fierce seasoned veteran to street violence walk into such an obviously vulnerable situation
It's a movie don't cry
Vito made a mistake and sent his enforcer to do spy work to answer the first, and to answer the second Luca was dumb and had survived many situations where he was outnumbered and outgunned. In comparison this probably looked like easy work to him.
@@tim6454 no this is not easy work to him, you are delusional.
he walked into the lions den and got easily whacked.
@@dazerrazer3018 look at his work in the prequel. Yes, it was easy work He has done crazier shit before.
@@SoulKingBK i can tell you have not read the books and have only watched some youtuber talk about it.
If you enjoyed watching the film you must read the book. So much more detail.
I read the book and did not see how they could possibly make a movie, but was pleasantly surprised at how good it was.
I heard from the very beginning that you should read the book before seeing the movie so you could understand what was happening. And it was true for me. Now whenever I read a book I try to cast a movie in my head deciding who should play who. It's kind of fun
Good book
It's funny you told this story. I was talking with a co-worker about my love for the godfather movies. I mentioned how I wish they explained why Luca was so feared. My co- worker, who read the book and saw the movie, explained to me how evil Luca was and spoke the same story you just told in this video! After hearing this, I no longer cared to hear the legend of luca nor felt bad when he was eventually killed in the movie!
I always had the feeling that when the Don sent Luca to spy on the Tataglias ( “ see what they have under their fingernails”) it was to a hopefully effective outcome or horrible complete death. Win-win for the Don.
Very informative critique. Changed my perceptions and filled in blanks.
Trouble is on every side,when the wicked are exalted.
The wicked are constantly being exalted, so, not exactly a useful saying.
@@lawsonj39 tell solomon
Before John Wick goes to sleep, he checks under the bed for Luca
Good video Cineranter
Fan of Godfather movies
Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪
Luca Brasi is to the Corleone family as The Mountain is to the Lannisters.
I was thinking the same thing !
@@DND09 Actually, to me, that also makes Tyrion Michael, Jaime is Sonny, and Cersei is affectively Fredo.
Does that make Sollozo the Hound?
Don Vito's mad dog
Idk, mountain at least took someone with em
I read the book in 1972 while serving in the Navy overseas. this is the only part of the book that I remember. So I knew exactly what the secret was.
I wish they assigned a more respectable term for our men and women in military besides "served". I "served" 8 yrs in PRISON for making terrible, not very respectable, decisions and I don't feel like I should share any comparable association with such honorable people. Weird starement, I know, but for some reason your comment clicked with me. Thank you for your service sir. My Great Grandfather WW1, his son my Grandfather WW2 and my Father was in Vietnam. You have all my respect. 🙏💯
My father was in the Navy at the same time. Thank you for your service.
One of the worst scenes in The Godfather is how Luca was killed, “The Blowfish scene” Luca is the toughest person in the film but he puts up less of a fight getting garroted than Carlo or Frankie 5 fingers. Major mistake by the director.
Interesting point. I think it’s sheer surprise that anyone would attack him.
Well, tbf, he had one hand pinned to a bar top with a knife, and others holding his arms, whilst another strangled him.
@@mikeharries308 He got stabbed in the hand and in reality a person such as him could have broke that hand free easily and also broke free from Solozzo's grip trying to hold his other arm and fought and kicked and got in some swings. It was a poorly directed murder scene.
Idk how many people commenting on this scene have been choked unconscious before (with or without warning), but it can be pretty hard to think or react if you are in that situation.
@@cryptoholica72 WRONG, no one is saying that at all. Try reading AND comprehending. What is being stated is that LUCA BRAZI would not have died like that without putting up a fight and would have fought back and not folded the way the director shot that scene. LUCA BRAZI would have fought back like a wild man not die with a blowfish expression on his face. CAPICHE?
Too bad Sonny Corleone didn't have fasttrack when he went through that road toll booth....
Or EZ Pass.
He would still be alive, would he have used Nord VPN.
Lol.
I just finished the book. Truly gave me an entirely different feeling towards Brasi.
Check out the book the family corleone by Ed falco really goes into Lucas background and is based on an unused script by Puzo and Coppola
@@raseltatel6728 Coppola never wrote a book. I clearly stated the book name and authors title
you thought he was an altar boy... they are all killers, the end.
@@raseltatel6728 The book was Puzo, the movie by Coppola and the script didn't stick 100% to the book, in 1972 it would have never been complete. The rules & laws at the time would never allow it.
@@danielueblacker9118 Grew up with the Mafia, had a friend in childhood that was indeed an "Altar Boy" was later a "Made Man" and very good at what he did. As for whether he was "Good or Bad" I am not the judge. He was my friend. All I needed to know.
Damn, Brasi was as dark as they come 😳!
To be fair I would have done everything that Luca did if people had done the same to me as they did to Luca.
Fucking ads come at the worst time "the book tells us-" "another cleaning tip from Mr clean!" Very informative I'm surprised puzo added that.
get adblock extension. works wonders. no commercials.
"Kids hair is three times more delicate than ours"
@@luisd7636 does that cost money? It's because people started paying for it that now everyone does if people just sat it out we may have less ads
You can watch videos without ads for free by typing a - after the letter T in TH-cam in the address. No joke.
@@ripussr1766 its free.
I love the respect and fear Luca Brasi carries. Fantastic portrayal
The book, The Godfather, is incredible.
Be sure to watch the full "Godfather Saga" with the cut scenes.
I say the exact same thing. The saga' s deleted scenes make the movie at least 10X times better
I love it when young Vito comes home, and ''whacks'' the guy in the boat, or canoe, w/ an oar.
Yes, and when Al Neri gets rid of the manager of a Casino night club in an extremely violent and humilliating fashion.
agreed it was a page turner
Yes. It starts from the beginning and runs through.
Wild and crazy. I always thought of him as just a big dumb oaf. Changes my whole perspective of this character 180 degrees.
This dude, was the REAL DEAL. 6'6" 350lbs, and supposedly Joe Colombos bodyguard
If you love the movie the godfather, trust me the book is ten times better. It is a literary masterpiece. The sections where the New York mafia wars are highlighted, the assassinations of the heads of the five families and most of all Luca Brasi. I wish the scene where brasi dismembered the Capone men would have been part of the movies but it was simply too graphic. Reading these crafted words create visions in your mind no movie could ever equal. Mario Puzo creates this beautiful balance between family love and the horrific business they are entrenched in. Quite possibly the greatest novel ever written. This makes sense because many have the godfather as the greatest movie ever. None of it would have been possible without this peerless novel.
@@donschmidt8203 it was a great book but could have toned it down a touch or two.
@@donschmidt8203 i,don't usually read story books, but i may have to make an exception. As well as stephen kings IT. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. Love movies so much. And love mafia movies based on true stories. 💪🏼🇮🇹
Well, in the movie he did act like a big dumb oaf. Went down way too easy considering his fearsome rep.
Lucabrasi was Vito's most powerful soldier/inforcer . When they killed him the Corleone's new there in deep s**t.
Corleone's knew their, not new there.
@@kevinmeserole7345 Korrekt on oll akounts, LMAO
@@kevinmeserole7345 they’re *
@@thatguy1733 No, Their. They're means "they are"
@@kevinmeserole7345 If you're going to be the kind of person to correct people online then at the least make sure you get it right.
The Family Corleone was actually authorized by the Puzo Estate. It was based on a manuscript that Mario Puzo started, but never finished before he died. He was thinking about a prequel film and that's what the manuscript was for.
I like the part during the wedding reception scene when Tom Hayden tells the Godfather that Luca Brasi wants to see him. Brando asks if it’s necessary, as if it has no importance, and Tom tells him that Luca wants to thank him for being invited to the wedding. Brando puts on this humble face like, I can’t deny to meet him now, and then agrees.
Me before watching the video: "what could be worse than Luca throwing a newborn into a furnace?"
Me after watching the video: "apparently nothing."
He was a sick human being
@@robertisham5279 Luca was a Psychopath, lacking in "normal" human feelings/emotions/thinking/reasoning. Think Evil/Demon in human form. That is a close description of those people.
Fredo eventually went to work for CNN.
If Santino hadn't got killed Michael would had been a normal citizen.
Then he was shot in the head by a Fox hitman while fishing?
david p Anything is possible
Luca was enigmatic. I was concerned for the people who were near him. He looked like he could break someone in pieces and then would help an elderly lady cross the street afterwards. I was expecting to see more scenes with him. His fate in the movie was too sudden and very disappointing. The movie is a masterpiece nonetheless.
IKR! like when he gets kill off so early in the movie, I'm like, 'huh? what?'
I've always had this believe that it should've been a series and not a movie. It would've given the director enough time to flesh out these characters. I was disappointed with how Al Neri barely got any screen time.
But then, I think if it had been a series, Coppola would probably not have worked on it and the emphasis on authenticity throughout the movie wouldn't have been as good.
It did not make sense to me. Everyone knew that he was a legend in NYC. Sending him to spy was not the kind of work he normally did.
The scenes with Luca were always my favorite in the original Godfather film. Nobody can forget the face he makes when he gets stabbed in the hand and is choked to death.
This tale certainly paints an interesting picture of Luca Brazi. Of course more details are in the prequel novel the Family Corleone. It make one wonder why Don Vito decided to send Luca to Sollozzo. I think Vito knew he was sending Brazi into a trap. Maybe Vito needed a way to rid himself of Brazi.
Very interesting take. Thanks for sharing
@@ducatikawasaki1290 I highly recommend reading The Family Corleone. Ed Falco does a fine job. Not only the Brazi story. It also gives some great backstory regarding Vito Corleone and Emilio Barzini. some names were changed. For reasons not known. But it's a great read.
In the book, Brasi threw the baby his girlfriend had into a furnace to get rid of it. Crazy beyond belief and one of those individuals whose death is no great loss to the planet!
When he first saw the baby, he shoved the bundle back into the mid-wife’s chest. The bundle was crushed; Luca killed the poor baby with his bare hands. Thus, the woman who was forced to cast the bundle into a furnace was actually innocent
I don’t think he did throw it in the furnace but offered the girl money to throw it in. Easily the most disturbing part of the book along with why even the Don was nervous around him.
That part of the book made me feel like i was in NY in an old building with an old furnace and felt the pain and discomfort in the room.
Since then, i always think about all the things that have happened in old buildings in NY and just in general. An old city like London even, i think of how people lived their lives,especially at night, behind closed doors in those old days. Things weren't open 24/7 then and life was so different but similar
Brasi's character gets very short shrift in the movie. He is a very intriguing character in the book. If The Godfather were the MCU, we'd have had a Luca Brasi origin story already.
@@tobe1207 I grew up in the nyc area, and you are exactly right. Most of the buildings are old and still there, it is very easy to see the past. It strikes you that nothing was different except the rules people lived by. Eerie stuff
The movie makes Luca Brasi and Sonny's side piece goomba out as small characters. They are both major roles in the book.
"Louis Brasi sleeps with the fishes!"
"Luca!!..........LLLUCA!!!!!"
Love the movie and the sequel. The only annoying character in an otherwise brilliantly casted 2 movies is Kay. IMO she is annoying out of place and a ridiculous portrayal of a Mafia dons wife.
Well if she would have been casted as a real Mafia Don's wife then much of the plot wouldn't have existed. Its all about Michael Corleone and his relationship to his family. Don Corleone and Sonny Corleone and all the rest were there to set up Michael Corleone's life. All the way to Godfather 3. Yes she was out of place. For a reason. As much as Michael tried to be like his father, he just couldn't cut it. Before he had Fredo killed, he asked his mother if he could ever lose his family. She said no, but in reality he did in the end. He died alone in a chair in what looks to be in Sicily.
That’s sort of the point. Kay represents the Americanized culture/lifestyle that Michael initially tries to pursue. So of course she’s out of place as a mafia boss wife, she was raised in a American culture not a Italian culture.
Luca was explored so much more in the novel. That's why when the scene with them finding his bullet proof vest wrapped w the fishes shocks the crew so much & there's added Gravitas if you know the book. If Solozzo could take out Luca he could take any of them out
One of the only things I didnt like about the Godfather movie was the fact we never got to see him in action at least once, I felt it was foolish to dispose of such a forceful character so early in the film. Even with "the story" and his demonically imposing presence I always wanted to see him instilling fear into the other families in what could have been a most memorable scene or scenes.
Best video yet. I’ve read The Godfather too many times to count and I almost know that story by heart. I applaud you for telling it for all to enjoy.
Having read the book I was wondering if you were going to mention Al Neri's story. Johnny Fontaine's backstory is also interesting along with Sonny's prowess and comparison to a horse and how it affected his mistress.
Fontaine backstory is a bit boring. Sonny’s big penis is well implied enough lol. Al Neri’s backstory is real good
@@burrob78 Everything you said, I'm in agreement with, having read the book
How about when he knocked up that girl and he threw the baby in the incinerator?
@@burrob78 In Fontaine's back story, there seems to be an implication of a fellow "rat pack" alumni. Does Neri's story sound somewhat similar to what happened to Chauvin?
I dig Al Neri.
I got the impression being that the Godfather wanted the family to find ligitimacy, Luca reminded him of the evil things he did to obtain his power. And even in letimicy he'd have to live with his choices.
Many of the characters in the Godfather films appear to be based on real-life persons. The more obvious ones are Hyman Roth (obviously based on Meyer Lansky), Moe Greene (obviously based on Ben Siegel), Frank Pentagelli (based on Joe Valachi), and the Rosado Brothers (Gallo Brothers).
But there are others as well. Don Corleone appears to be a combination of at least three people: Frank Costello for his power and his reputation as an underworld diplomat, Joe Profaci based on his olive oil business, Joe Bonanno for the respect he commanded and for trying to have son succeed him, and maybe Carlo Gambino for his immense power as well. Michael reminds us of Bill Bonanno (although all three Corleone sons remind us of the Gallos, too). Barzini reminds us of Genovese - Costello's chief rival. Clemenza reminds us of Joe Magliocco - big, fat, and loyal to his boss. The drug dealer Sollozzo reminds us of Carmine Galante., who was heavy into the heroin trade. And Tom Hagen reminds us of lawyer Sidney Korschak, who was very tight with the Chicago mob.
Luca Brasi invokes images of Albert Anastasia, who was a prolific killer and one of the most feared guys in the underworld. But this story also reminds us of Mad Sam DeStefano, who had a reputation for sadism.
Yes. Mad Sam.
I would say Willie Cicci reminds me more of Joe Valachi. Valachi was only a soldier.
I wish they had used him more in the film. He was scary to look at and building him up would have been awesome.
Who knows maybe the father would had gotten shot if he hadn't visited the Tatalilia family.
"Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes!"...
@Jimmy 2x hahaha
Sucks cause I think it’s safe to say we all wanted to see more of Luca Brasi throughout the entire series
@Jimmy 2x Luca!, Louis!?, what's the difference!?... Shouldn't you be going to get the papers! get the papers!... hahaha!! lol!!!..
Luca was a professional wrestler before he was mobbed up.
@@frankn.5439 Coolz!! 😎
Tommy Dorsey was the bandleader who got strong-armed in real life.
By Willie moretti, getting sinatra out of his contract
The cat, 6:30 I'm told, was on set and, unscripted, hopped into Brando's lap and made himself at home. Brando went with it and Coppola liked the outcome.
The silly part is when its explained that the woman asks Michael about his father Don Vito Corleone...
Nobody in Italy would have known Vito Corleone, because his real name was Vito Andolini. A mistake that slipped through...
She lived in new york
True,, but you have to remember in GF 2 Vito, owned an olive oil company, so he had to have ties back to Sicily. Remember the guy Michael stays when he hides out, was the guy that was hit with the shotgun blast after Vito kills Sicilian Don who killed his mother.
It was the Colombo crime family and boss Joe Colombo that gave The Godfather movie the green light that’s why Luca was there the director had too get the ok from Colombo too do this movie
Not true but your on right tracks
The columbo family told them not 2 use the word mafia in the film or they would make sure the film was never made
@@garethswaffield8424 The words mafia and cosa nostra could not be used. There were extras who were mobbed up so they got some money out of the movie.
Al Neri's history is also very interesting and he made it to the three movies(The origin story in the book is also quite good)
I don't think the movie did him justice. The book has him as Mikes Luca. The movie just made him one of his guys
@Oscar Prendhast yes
@@srb2591 Yep. "You found your Luca Brasi"
Yep
Neri's story was facinating. Starting his adult life off as a cop who truly despised criminals. The telling of the story as he prepares for the hit on Barnzini by putting on his old police uniform is fitting.
Fun fact. The actor that plays one of Michael's guards in Sicily , the one that doesn't speak, is Franco Citti, Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini's fetish actor seen on Mama Roma and Acatone, supposedly, Pasolini dindn't like his voice or his accent so he dubbed him. I wonder if something like that happened to Copola also, and what his voice is like.
This movie is never ending for me. I keep learning something new. Thanks
People want Godfather 4 but i just want Luca brasi's story to be told. They didn't treat his character the way he deserved.
I really enjoyed your video...alot of information and detail....I am very interested in hearing about Al Neri
You learn new things every day
After he had moved into their home, Mr. and Mrs. Fishes had a very difficult time getting Brasi to move out again.
Has anyone seen that other up and coming channel quite similar to this channel. Pure kino. defo worth a watch with his content aswell. These two need to do some soprano collabs 💯
That line from Vito where he explains why he recruited Luca is also hidden in the godfather game
You just knew the way this character was portrayed he had such a feared reputation but this is....Insanely Dark this is part of what made the Don Vito family so feared and so powerful. Still an incredible story today.
There are in the underworld, two kinds of fear : the fear of the savagery and beast of a person before you- like Luca ! Then there is the awe fear of a man … it’s a deeper and wider type of fear . Fear of the mans prestige rank amongst many men … even the legitimate world respects him . Like don corleone … it was best described by denzel in Malcolm X … the fear one has of the Sun !
Malcolm X himself used that description in his autobiography - you should read it some time, it's really great.
@@davidemelia6296 oh but I have …. Many years ago . From cover to cover. Written by Alex Haley … Malcolm told too many truths to us . And for that reason alone, many prophets have been killed.
I read the book after I saw the movie. After I read the part about the baby, I put the book down and didn't pick it up for a couple of days. I got chills just hearing about it again.
Abortions happen every day ....
Sometimes in third trimester ones the baby cries out ....
Wow! I just got chills reading your comment. Havent read the godfather....YET!
I always interpreted that part of the book as Luca not wanting anything of him brought into the world, that he knew that he was a monster.
Luca Brasi was showing "Don Vito" the greatest respect, loyalty and friendship by "personally" meeting with him on the day of his daughter's wedding. I always remember that when "Don Vito" asked Luca to see what Salazzo "had under his fingernails" , Luca never flinched. Didn't question it. Didn't try to get out of it, although he knew it was dangerous that's why he wore that vest, just did it. That was the highest form of loyalty. He paid for that loyalty with his life.
Luca Brasi was a much darker character than was portrayed in the movie. The movie did a good job of telling the book's story but as is the film is three hours long. I guess the decision had to be made to cut stuff out. Luca's story suffered as a result but Sonny's story really suffered. He was a prime character that should be developed more than was portrayed. I always thought there is enough good material to make at least one more movie but I don't think Frances Ford Coppola has any interest. I always considered Bussetta, killed in Havana trying to whack Hyman Roth as Michael's Luca Brasi. Al Neri was a good soldier but he relied just as much on cunning as brute force.
In the book, Al Neri was called Michael's Luca.
@@keldonmcfarland2969 yeah, it's just my opinion because the Bussetta character appears in the story before Al Neri and was more the stereotypical old school muscle guy than Neri
Books always tell the story far better than any movie
except few people read books..and we can not judge a character by the book...only what the movie tells us about them
@@jadezee6316 that's a true shame. People who don't read miss out on a lot.
@@jadezee6316 If you love the Godfather you have to read the novel, the film does it justice for sure and probably as close to perfect a novel could be in being turned into a film. But a book always has more details, more description
@@michaelsternberg1597 I'm with you man. It's just the way modern culture is and I don't even mean just the younger Milennials. People want the quick fix, the easy answer. Books are so amazing with the extra details & description movies just don't have the time or means to tell
Eh, reading sucks.
I remember reading this in the novel. Brasi was a monster and I wonder who he was based on ? Like Johnny Fontaine being based on Frank Sinatra.
@@schrisdellopoulos9244 He is based on Sinatra. I know the history of the msn . He. too, had to pay off a bandleader and ask the Mob to get him the part in “ From Here To Eternity.” I think that settles that and you can have that information for free. It should help you in the future
A mix of Albert Anastasia and Willie Moretti. Moretti threatened the bandleader who held Sinatras contract on behalf of Frank Costello.
@@socalrefrigeration548 Thanks, I didn’t know it was Costello, I thought it would have been Sam Giancama.
that Sinatra story, an urban Hollywood legend, was put to rest not too long ago. just sayin'.
@@tonym994 Oh no,no, no. If people believe that then they are being duped .
If you read the book "The Family Corleone" based on the unfinished screen play by Mario Puzo. It explains how Tom Hagen joined the family, how Luca joined the family. The young interactions between Freado and Michael, How Sonny joined the family. Don Vito didn't want any of his kids follow him into crime. The move to the compound. And how Sonny met his wife. Luca was a major character in this book. He was not slow or dumb.
He was a slow but loyal soldier. Too bad he ended up sleeping with the fishes.
I never got the impression that he was scared of Vito Corleone. I was under the impression were that he couldn’t speak English that he was Italian and was trying to congratulate him out of respect in English for some type of custom just daughters wedding.
Although Vito Corleone was Italian his children are first generation Americans.
Perhaps he just wanted to learn a phrase in English to to include something sentimental along with the $$$ gift for the wedding?
Excellent. That was entirely possible, AND he looked up to Don Vito as an older brother, and his only family