I thought the ending where Al Pacino is at the christening speaking for the newborn while his enemies are being wiped out in one swoop is one of the most powerful scenes I have ever watched. I read that real mafioso loved it and that helped the picture.
John Cazale, who played Michael’s brother Fredo in The Godfather I and II, and Sonny's partner Sal in Dog Day Afternoon, was a brilliant actor and a fascinating human being. He had a tremendous influence on both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as actors. When Cazale died from lung cancer in 1978 he was just 42 years old. His girlfriend at the time was a young 28 year old actress who for the last nine months of his life dedicated herself to taking care of him. They were very much in love and had planned on getting married. Years later in an interview she said of Cazale, "He wasn't like anybody I'd ever met." She would go on to earn a record 21 Oscar nominations, winning twice for best actress and once for best supporting actress. Her name is Meryl Streep.
Really love your point about family, its something I've always thought about but never put into words. Each character in this film receives so much dedication, but more importantly, its the familial relationships that dedication is really drawing from. I noticed then especially when you look at other "mediums of art" that end up as representations for different regions. I've always felt stories like YiYi from Taiwan, Tokyo Story from Japan and even Things Fall Apart from Nigeria weirdly feel similar to the Godfather and using your words in this review, I really understand why. They all have become major representations of "art" in their respective regions because they give so much attention to what a family means in that culture and that just draws people to see it as a portrait of (region's) life.
There is a scene in Godfather 3 where Vincent lies to Mary about Fredo's death, which is a chilling echo to the scene in Godfather 1 where Michael lies to Kay about Carlo's death. I was really hoping for Godfather 4 to see whether Vincent would follow Michael's footsteps and doom himself, or bring redemption to the family and break the vicious cycles of revenges and murders.
With the opening scene, I'd argue that there's some racial subtext involved with the court's decision to let his daughter's attackers go free. It's the 1940s after all. I could recite almost every word from that opening monologue. One of the greatest opening scenes in any movie.
@@jnagarya519 you’d have to be significantly older to get it. Italians were not considered white until sometime after ww2. The world has changed a lot.
Tom Hagan is a loyal son and consigliere, but he is a lousy advisor, and his advice brings much calamity to the Corleones. He advises the Don to take up the narcotics business, which (1) causes much bloodshed and grief in the family, and (2) indirectly causes Michael to enter the mafia and give up legitimate businesses. Later, he urges Michael to reconcile with the corrupt police chief, which Michael wisely deems to be an ill-advised move.
Vito came to America as a young boy, and he was taken in by a grocery store owner. He grew up with the owner's son, Genco, who later became Vito's consigliere. Genco died on the day after Connie's wedding. Vito took all his children to see Genco on his death bed. This moving scene was sadly removed from the film. You can see it as a deleted scene in the DVD or Blu-ray.
Great review. I have been subscribed to you for a while, but only recently I started watching your content more (sorry). You are one of the best and most insightful critics on this platform. Keep up the great job.
How is this woman so smart? Incredible depth of knowledge and a wide grasp of vocabulary. Oh yeah, and also a talented artist, photographer, singer and figure skater too. Wow.
I finally watched this film. I had never got around to it and I watched it, for the first time, in theatres no less. And it absolutely met my sky high expectations. For everything that's amazing about the film, what really ties it all together for me and elevates it from a great film to a masterpiece is the moment it fades from Vito's sad face to the Sicilian countryside with that sweeping orchestral melody for the first time. Without knowing that a portion of the film took place in Italy, that moment caught me by surprise. It expands the scope of the film from a crime drama to an epic, and everything that follows in Italy feels almost like a hallucination; like Michael's vision quest. Everything that happens in Italy sets up the rest of Michael's transition, and it's like we're slowly watching him march towards his own death and rebirth. When he returns to America, everything that happened in Italy "goes away". If the film were made today, that entire section would be cut for contributing 'nothing' to the story. But it's EVERYTHING. It reminds me, on a much larger scale, of the dinner date scene in Fargo. "Nothing" happens, but it completely changes the protagonist for the rest of the film. Everything that happens in Italy is integral to Michael's transformation, and all the love and pain and death from Italy are present in Michael's eyes for the rest of the film. It's an extraordinary sequence.
Love it! Probs my favorite movie of the genre. This was one of the first “real movies” I’ve watched. I first saw your Mulholland Drive video in my recommended, loved it and then watched all your Lynch stuff. He’s been my absolute favorite since my parents made me watch TP when I was 16. Super cool channel I’m a lifer
The Godfather has been my Favourite film for 24 years now ,and it will remain so, the film is flawless there isn't a scene that is overlong or a scene that drags out 3 mins over or anything it is just perfect Al Pacino's performance as Michael Corleone is the one of the many things i remember thinking about long after the movie was over the very first time i saw it his performance is subtle and very haunting at the same time the look he gives Kay when he denies ordering the hit on Connie's husband is just spine chilling and also has for me has the greatest ending to a movie ever loved your review.........
The Sopranos is such a great series it hasnt been on cable in a while it would be nice to go back and have another watch, one of my favorite scenes is when Tony is out playing golf with his neighbor and his neighbor's friends from the Country Club and they ask him if he knew Gotti and Tony says " yeah i knew John " then goes into the ice cream truck story but Tony knew they werent going to let him be a member of that club at that point and only saw him as a Gangster , small scene but one of my favorites , gone way too soon James Gandolfini
If you have about seven hours to spare, I highly recommend "The Godfather Epic" which combines Part I and II in chronological order. It also contains deleted scenes which provides greater clarity and continuity to the scenes.
I just finished watching The Godfather for the first time, and all I can say is thank you for giving me this push. I can't believe I've been passing this one for so long. Haven't had a first-time viewing experience like this in a while, I just thought it was brilliant. I will definitely be watching the next two tomorrow.
@@ivorbacon3825 I think the personality is reasonable as an old man it does make film more realistic I think its the acting of the dauther of Micheal corleon make the film weird
You know The Godfather is a great film when every single Italian I've asked about it in the 35 years I've been visiting here says it's their GOAT..Great review..Many don't realise that several critics blasted the film when it first came out..
Agreed. I have always been a fan of the first one more than the second. The film is nearly perfect. I have seen it several times, and I don't have even nit-picks. Also, I would argue that it is one of those rare cases where the movie is better than the novel. Coppola's approach was spot on. Al Pacino was on a different level around those years. He was doing one great movie after another.
I too think that Part 1 is better than Part 2. I get why everyone loves 2. It's more expansive in scope, in tells a richer story, etc....but to me it just meanders. Part 1 is one of those rare films that I find perfect. It's also a perfect adaptation of the novel (incidentally, I don't think the novel would be published today without an editor absolutely chopping it up. It would probably be 100 pages shorter, with much of Puzo's detail and exposition tightened or cut entirely).
The film ends with Kay (Diane Keaton)'s puzzling expression, wondering if Michael told her the truth. The novel is more clear cut: Kay instinctively knows he just lied to her, and she goes to the kitchen and weeps.
I think Leonard Maltin summed it up best, Gone With the Wind for the 70s. This moviebisba masterpiece, the scene between Brando and Pacino where they converse about family, business and what to watch for (written by an uncredited Robert Towne) is one of the most powerful scenes in cinema history, encompassing emotion, story and love between two characters. Maggie, I know you will most likely never see this but do yourself a favour and watch "The Offer" on Paramount Plus of you can, it is Producer Albert S Ruddy's version of his experience making The Godfather.
The film doesn't show how the revenge for Bonasera is carried out, but the revenge is described in Mario Puzo's novel. Contrary to what is said in the film, the Don does not "commit murder," but only has the perpetrators beat up. In the 2006 video game called "The Godfather: The Game," you as the player can carry out this revenge yourself -- you can either kill or beat up the perpetrators.
Vito Corleone has many virtues, but sadly his three sons only inherited some but not all of those qualities. Sonny has his father's passion, but not his smarts. Michael has his smarts, but not the compassion. And Fredo has his father's compassion and kindness, but not the strength. Vito's well-rounded qualities are much better shown in Godfather Part II, where we see the kindness, shrewdness, brutality, loyalty, etc. that are well in place when he is only a young man.
I prefer his run of 80s movies instead: I think “Rumble Fish” is the best movie ever made, “The Outsiders” is wonderful, and “One From the Heart” is one of the most interestingly cool-looking movies ever made! Needless to say, the first two “Godfather” films and “Apocalypse Now” are stellar movies, and while I haven’t seen it, I hear “The Conversation” is exceptional too.
Defintely up there but there is quite a few great ones such as Hitchcock's solid run from the 50's-mid 60's, Speilberg's ridiculous run from the 70's-90's, Scorcese's also ridiculous run from the 70's-90's and even still to an extent today, Leone's amazing run in the 60's.
I saw an article on IMDB that was similar to this comment. 70s belonged to Tarkovsky and FFC. 80s Kubrick and Spielberg. 90s Spielberg 00s Tarantino and PTA 10s Nolan and Denis? I guess. Of course this is mostly opinion based, who else did I miss from the 70s-10s?
After watching it a first time, I really couldn’t say that I enjoyed it. But upon second viewing, I can say that I really liked it! It’s a very well acted, compelling gangster film and fantastic.
You mentioned Michael being an outsider, but Kay is even more of an outsider, who is completely cut off from the mafia world. In mafia movies or TV shows, the wives are often in cahoot with the husbands in some ways. But Kay staunchly opposes what Michael does and stands for, culminating in that famous confrontation scene with Michael in Godfather Part II.
Growing up, I would always hear adults talk about how book versions of certain movies were so much better and I didn't think that was true until I read my first book which was The Godfather. It's like parts 1 and 2 in the same book. Somewhat sexually graphic too. For example, remember when Sonny banged one of the bridesmaids in the closet? In the book, their lust for each other had a lot to do with the fact that Sonny was hung like a horse which was too much for his wife to handle. The bridesmaid apparently had relationship issues because her birth canal was as wide as the Panama Canal so they were a physical match made in guido heaven.
Surprised that it took you so long to get around to it. Review 'The Duellists' (Ridley Scott, 1977) plix :) Edit: I totally agree that the Godfather 1 is a flawless movie. One of the very few films where you look at it and think "I don't think this could be improved".
Nothing says 70s Classics like The Godfather, Al Pacino is great in everything pretty much if you look over his career even in Dick Tracy he stuck out , Donnie Brasco etc. I enjoyed the Godfather more than the other two it was more in control of itself Don Corleone running so much in that world and after his death the rudder for the Mob was gone , thanks Maggie your channel is quite amazing
Coppola made a "trilogy" version in the 80s that comprises of footage of all 3 films, but arranged chronologically. When seen as a whole, the shortcomings of Godfather Part III seem much smaller indeed. This trilogy was made for television, and was not made in high-def. So this trilogy has yet to be seen in any modern format such as Blu-ray.
The addition of a psychiatrist in The Sopranos is a pointed critique of the Godfather films by the makers of The Sopranos, who said that if Michael, Kay, Fredo, etc., all had seen psychiatrists regularly, they would've been much less depressed!
Someone once told me that one of the themes in the The Godfather is about the loss of masculinity. It made me look at the film in a different way. It's interesting if you do. Especially look at the differences between Vito and Michael and how Michael feels inadequate to fill his fathers shoes.
My 2nd all-time favorite movie after Pulp Fiction. And I agree that Michael Corleone was the 2nd best performance by Al Pacino. But his best is Scarface imo.
@Jordan Lozano It is epic and engrossing: it is one of the best movies ever made... Ennio Morricone’s score SOARS... it features a tremendous performance from James Woods... here’s my personal review on the movie: m.th-cam.com/video/Sbq-hxGaoc4/w-d-xo.html The movie is long (over 4 hours) but I promise you, it’s worth it.
You are incredible intelligent person with a wonderful soul… keep up your wonderful work and insight and respect your continual fight against those internal demons…
Took you long enough. LOL, as the kids say. To me, what makes "The Godfather" stand apart is that it doesn't moralize in the way that even pre-Code gangster flicks did (the obligatory "crime doesn't pay"). No, these particular characters face more spiritual consequences; Coppola painted the mob not as a road with a dead end but as a tunnel-like legacy with no end in sight. When Vito discusses business with Michael in the final act, the words imparted by Vito have a genuine deep-seated sorrow of a bright future slipping away. It might also be the first mob movie to achieve such a powerful ending without the use of a central antagonist: the Corleones' rivals are fleeting problems for which Michael exercises permanent solutions. One has to wonder (and I love ambiguity like this) if Michael ever could've remained like his father, a diplomatic and loving man, rather than the bloodthirsty chessmaster he ultimately became. All in all there are countless reasons that everyone's seen it. Second only to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" as the best film of the 70s.
Hi Maggie Going through my database I thought I would recommend you some movies. I will just give the titles and the years and you can look them up (if you have not seen or heard of them) I'm not wasting your time. As a fellow student of film, these are among the very best. As your knowledge and viewing is quite extensive, forgive me if you have seen these, but here are just 40 to check out I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE 1943 MILDRED PIERCE 1946 KISS ME DEADLY 1955 BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK 1955 THE HUSTLER 1961 CARNIVAL OF SOULS 1962 THE SHOP ON MAIN STREET 1965 AU HASARD BALTHAZAR 1966 IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT 1967 BREWSTER MCCLOUD 1970 HAROLD AND MAUDE 1971 SERPICO 1973 PAPER MOON 1973 MIRROR 1974 NASHVILLE 1975 INVASION OF THE BODYSNATCHERS 1978 DAS BOOT 1981 THE BIG CHILL 1983 AFTER HOURS 1985 A CRY IN THE DARK 1988 SLACKER 1992 SIMPLE MEN 1992 PASSION FISH 1992 DAZED AND CONFUSED 1994 BEFORE SUNRISE 1995 FLIRTING WITH DISASTER 1996 CROUPIER 2000 SOMERSAULT 2004 BEFORE SUSET 2004 THE BAADER MEINHOFF COMPLEX 2008 EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP 2010 INCENDIES 2010 THE GHOST WRITER 2010 HOLY MOTORS 2012 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN 2012 A ROYAL AFFAIR 2012 BEFORE MIDNIGHT 2013 STORIES WE TELL 2013 VICTORIA 2015 WILD TALES 2016
I would argue that Brian De Palma's Scarface is a classic as well. The 80's had a lot of great remakes. The Fly, The Thing, and Scarface. They are all hated and often copied but never duplicated. So, yes, I love The Godfather 1, 2, and you expected me to say 3, but I don't. 😂
I couldn't grasp this film at all. Found the pacing of the film to be a bit slow and dramatically boring. I did admire the character Michael played by Pacino and particularly the scene where he is smitten hard by noticing the local town girl
Apocalypse Now is NOT the most influential movie. Godfather by far is. It's not even close. And I think the reason why you don't connect to Scorsese the way you do to Godfather is that Scorsese lacks the family aspect that Godfather so masterfully did which is why we fell in love with the film. I.e. it resembles our own family structure. Goodfellas, Casino, Mean Streets don't. And Supronas was just a rip of Godfather, Goodfellas etc., and the main story about him being in therapy is unrealistic and would never happen. Plus it was done like a TV series, which it is, but you can tell, which makes it inferior.
U could start reviewing games (story). I think ur a professional at these story analysis and breakdowns and would blow all of the competition out of the water. All u need is more ecposure
Her reviewing something like Shadow of the Colossus or Majora's Mask would be great, but is she even into games? I know a few people that aren't, the same way I'm not personally attracted to books.
Didn't like the prank scene. It wasn't very nice to cut off the horse head & put it in the old dude's bed. A bag of flaming dog poop at his front door would have been cool, but the horse head was too much. Impractical Jokers could have handled the old guy better. Leave the horse out of it, Vito!
i hated the fact that Michel in this movie cheated on his girlfriend after going into hiding. He married that Italian girl and then after she gets killed, he goes back to New York and to his old girlfriend who he later married and has a kid with. I hated those scenes. I’m a woman who believes in moral values.
I simultaneously think The Godfather is a great movie and that there are just too many damned Mafia movies. Southern Italy dominates the American cinematic imagination almost as completely as the old west does. It's funny that in the 1930s recent Italian immigrants like Frank Capra made films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Meet John Doe. But thoroughly assimilated Italian Americans like Coppola and Scorsese make films about one criminal organization that was only important in one little corner of the Mediterranean. I suppose it's a legacy of the fact that the 1970s may have been the last great decade in American cinema and that the "white ethnic" was all in vogue back then.
Not my type of movie, too long, but I could tell it was very well made. never seen the sequels and this film is getting a remake, Johnny Depp is going to play Vito Corleone. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled because of his issues with Amber Heard.
I thought the ending where Al Pacino is at the christening speaking for the newborn while his enemies are being wiped out in one swoop is one of the most powerful scenes
I have ever watched. I read that real mafioso loved it and that helped the picture.
Do you renounce Satan in all His works?
I do.
(while his enemies are getting wiped out)
Chilling.
John Cazale, who played Michael’s brother Fredo in The Godfather I and II, and Sonny's partner Sal in Dog Day Afternoon, was a brilliant actor and a fascinating human being. He had a tremendous influence on both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as actors. When Cazale died from lung cancer in 1978 he was just 42 years old. His girlfriend at the time was a young 28 year old actress who for the last nine months of his life dedicated herself to taking care of him. They were very much in love and had planned on getting married. Years later in an interview she said of Cazale, "He wasn't like anybody I'd ever met." She would go on to earn a record 21 Oscar nominations, winning twice for best actress and once for best supporting actress. Her name is Meryl Streep.
ok that sweater is flames tho
Really love your point about family, its something I've always thought about but never put into words. Each character in this film receives so much dedication, but more importantly, its the familial relationships that dedication is really drawing from. I noticed then especially when you look at other "mediums of art" that end up as representations for different regions. I've always felt stories like YiYi from Taiwan, Tokyo Story from Japan and even Things Fall Apart from Nigeria weirdly feel similar to the Godfather and using your words in this review, I really understand why. They all have become major representations of "art" in their respective regions because they give so much attention to what a family means in that culture and that just draws people to see it as a portrait of (region's) life.
There is a scene in Godfather 3 where Vincent lies to Mary about Fredo's death, which is a chilling echo to the scene in Godfather 1 where Michael lies to Kay about Carlo's death. I was really hoping for Godfather 4 to see whether Vincent would follow Michael's footsteps and doom himself, or bring redemption to the family and break the vicious cycles of revenges and murders.
Nino Rota's score is a masterpiece.
With the opening scene, I'd argue that there's some racial subtext involved with the court's decision to let his daughter's attackers go free. It's the 1940s after all. I could recite almost every word from that opening monologue. One of the greatest opening scenes in any movie.
I believe in America.
Huh? What "race"?
@@jnagarya519 racism towards people of minority such as those of italian blood. Part 2 somewhat delves further into this
@@jnagarya519 you’d have to be significantly older to get it. Italians were not considered white until sometime after ww2. The world has changed a lot.
@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL I was born in 1948. And I saw the change in boxing -- from "white" to Italian, to Black and Hispanic.
Tom Hagan is a loyal son and consigliere, but he is a lousy advisor, and his advice brings much calamity to the Corleones. He advises the Don to take up the narcotics business, which (1) causes much bloodshed and grief in the family, and (2) indirectly causes Michael to enter the mafia and give up legitimate businesses. Later, he urges Michael to reconcile with the corrupt police chief, which Michael wisely deems to be an ill-advised move.
The video we’ve all been waiting for. Thank you Maggie 🙏🏽
Vito came to America as a young boy, and he was taken in by a grocery store owner. He grew up with the owner's son, Genco, who later became Vito's consigliere. Genco died on the day after Connie's wedding. Vito took all his children to see Genco on his death bed. This moving scene was sadly removed from the film. You can see it as a deleted scene in the DVD or Blu-ray.
Great review. I have been subscribed to you for a while, but only recently I started watching your content more (sorry). You are one of the best and most insightful critics on this platform. Keep up the great job.
How is this woman so smart? Incredible depth of knowledge and a wide grasp of vocabulary.
Oh yeah, and also a talented artist, photographer, singer and figure skater too. Wow.
I finally watched this film. I had never got around to it and I watched it, for the first time, in theatres no less. And it absolutely met my sky high expectations.
For everything that's amazing about the film, what really ties it all together for me and elevates it from a great film to a masterpiece is the moment it fades from Vito's sad face to the Sicilian countryside with that sweeping orchestral melody for the first time. Without knowing that a portion of the film took place in Italy, that moment caught me by surprise. It expands the scope of the film from a crime drama to an epic, and everything that follows in Italy feels almost like a hallucination; like Michael's vision quest. Everything that happens in Italy sets up the rest of Michael's transition, and it's like we're slowly watching him march towards his own death and rebirth.
When he returns to America, everything that happened in Italy "goes away". If the film were made today, that entire section would be cut for contributing 'nothing' to the story. But it's EVERYTHING. It reminds me, on a much larger scale, of the dinner date scene in Fargo. "Nothing" happens, but it completely changes the protagonist for the rest of the film. Everything that happens in Italy is integral to Michael's transformation, and all the love and pain and death from Italy are present in Michael's eyes for the rest of the film. It's an extraordinary sequence.
Love it! Probs my favorite movie of the genre. This was one of the first “real movies” I’ve watched. I first saw your Mulholland Drive video in my recommended, loved it and then watched all your Lynch stuff. He’s been my absolute favorite since my parents made me watch TP when I was 16. Super cool channel I’m a lifer
Gordon Willis was the man. Godfather 1+2 was when I first realized the power of cinematography.
The Godfather has been my Favourite film for 24 years now ,and it will remain so, the film is flawless there isn't a scene that is overlong or a scene that drags out 3 mins over or anything it is just perfect Al Pacino's performance as Michael Corleone is the one of the many things i remember thinking about long after the movie was over the very first time i saw it his performance is subtle and very haunting at the same time the look he gives Kay when he denies ordering the hit on Connie's husband is just spine chilling and also has for me has the greatest ending to a movie ever loved your review.........
The Sopranos is such a great series it hasnt been on cable in a while it would be nice to go back and have another watch, one of my favorite scenes is when Tony is out playing golf with his neighbor and his neighbor's friends from the Country Club and they ask him if he knew Gotti and Tony says " yeah i knew John " then goes into the ice cream truck story but Tony knew they werent going to let him be a member of that club at that point and only saw him as a Gangster , small scene but one of my favorites , gone way too soon James Gandolfini
You're the best reviewer of all time. So nice to hear a review without just telling me what happend beat by beat.
I also liked Pacino in Carlito's Way, a neat post Godfather film.
Agree
Absolutely he was great in that movie
Underappreciated movie
Pacino is also great as a drug addict in his pre-Godfather role in The Panic In Needle Park.
If you have about seven hours to spare, I highly recommend "The Godfather Epic" which combines Part I and II in chronological order. It also contains deleted scenes which provides greater clarity and continuity to the scenes.
I just finished watching The Godfather for the first time, and all I can say is thank you for giving me this push. I can't believe I've been passing this one for so long. Haven't had a first-time viewing experience like this in a while, I just thought it was brilliant. I will definitely be watching the next two tomorrow.
Still need to watch this trilogy, hopefully it doesn’t take me another 26 years to get around to it.
First 2 Godfathers are absolutely great movies. The 3rd one stinks, like Pacino's character has change of personality. Godfather 1 and 2 are epics.
@@ivorbacon3825
Just when u though I was done
They pull me BACK in- Francis Ford Coppola
@@ruly8153 I won't watch 3rd one again or the revamped version. Sucks.
@@ivorbacon3825 I think the personality is reasonable as an old man it does make film more realistic I think its the acting of the dauther of Micheal corleon make the film weird
Godfather 3 is coming out with its own Snyder cut, wonder what that’s gonna be like.
It's gonna be twice as long, have 90% different footage and has no bad silly humor.
my friend and i were in ny while they were filiming gf3 on mulberry st and have some pics of francis and young sofia
The second review I’ve heard from you. Amazing. Makes me want to watch this movie ASAP. Best reviewer I’ve seen in a while
Agreed. The Sopranos is an amazing accomplishment, but it simply wouldn't exist without the precedent and the path laid down by The Godfather.
You know The Godfather is a great film when every single Italian I've asked about it in the 35 years I've been visiting here says it's their GOAT..Great review..Many don't realise that several critics blasted the film when it first came out..
Can u please review Martin Scorcesses Silence... Would love to know ur thoughts about such an emotionally heavy film.. Love that sweater btw😘
Agreed. I have always been a fan of the first one more than the second. The film is nearly perfect. I have seen it several times, and I don't have even nit-picks. Also, I would argue that it is one of those rare cases where the movie is better than the novel. Coppola's approach was spot on.
Al Pacino was on a different level around those years. He was doing one great movie after another.
I too think that Part 1 is better than Part 2. I get why everyone loves 2. It's more expansive in scope, in tells a richer story, etc....but to me it just meanders. Part 1 is one of those rare films that I find perfect. It's also a perfect adaptation of the novel (incidentally, I don't think the novel would be published today without an editor absolutely chopping it up. It would probably be 100 pages shorter, with much of Puzo's detail and exposition tightened or cut entirely).
@@caomhan84 Yes about the novel.There was so much about Lucy Mancini.
John Cazale too. "Dog Day Afternoon" (with Pacino), "The Conversation" with Gene Hackman, "The Deer Hunter".
“We don’t usually change as much as we think we do” wise words
The film ends with Kay (Diane Keaton)'s puzzling expression, wondering if Michael told her the truth. The novel is more clear cut: Kay instinctively knows he just lied to her, and she goes to the kitchen and weeps.
I think Leonard Maltin summed it up best, Gone With the Wind for the 70s. This moviebisba masterpiece, the scene between Brando and Pacino where they converse about family, business and what to watch for (written by an uncredited Robert Towne) is one of the most powerful scenes in cinema history, encompassing emotion, story and love between two characters.
Maggie, I know you will most likely never see this but do yourself a favour and watch "The Offer" on Paramount Plus of you can, it is Producer Albert S Ruddy's version of his experience making The Godfather.
I am dying to see your review for A Separation. I can promise you that this isn't the style you would have witnessed before in any movie
Really enjoyed your take on the film. Subscribed!
About to check out these cagney and bogart jams you mentioned.
The film doesn't show how the revenge for Bonasera is carried out, but the revenge is described in Mario Puzo's novel. Contrary to what is said in the film, the Don does not "commit murder," but only has the perpetrators beat up. In the 2006 video game called "The Godfather: The Game," you as the player can carry out this revenge yourself -- you can either kill or beat up the perpetrators.
Vito Corleone has many virtues, but sadly his three sons only inherited some but not all of those qualities. Sonny has his father's passion, but not his smarts. Michael has his smarts, but not the compassion. And Fredo has his father's compassion and kindness, but not the strength. Vito's well-rounded qualities are much better shown in Godfather Part II, where we see the kindness, shrewdness, brutality, loyalty, etc. that are well in place when he is only a young man.
Exactly. But as in real life, most people only inheret SOME of there father’s virtues and not all.
You killed it! Loved the review.
Excellent as always, but just for the hell of it. Johnny Fontaine, Frank Sinatra. Moe Greene, Bugsy Seigel. Hyman Roth, Myer Lansky.
Is Coppola's run in the 70s the best run of movies from any director?
I prefer his run of 80s movies instead: I think “Rumble Fish” is the best movie ever made, “The Outsiders” is wonderful, and “One From the Heart” is one of the most interestingly cool-looking movies ever made!
Needless to say, the first two “Godfather” films and “Apocalypse Now” are stellar movies, and while I haven’t seen it, I hear “The Conversation” is exceptional too.
@@Wildcock23 rumble fish is so good, saw it for the first time recently
Defintely up there but there is quite a few great ones such as Hitchcock's solid run from the 50's-mid 60's, Speilberg's ridiculous run from the 70's-90's, Scorcese's also ridiculous run from the 70's-90's and even still to an extent today, Leone's amazing run in the 60's.
@@Wildcock23 I'm sure you'll like 'The Conversation'.
I saw an article on IMDB that was similar to this comment.
70s belonged to Tarkovsky and FFC.
80s Kubrick and Spielberg.
90s Spielberg
00s Tarantino and PTA
10s Nolan and Denis? I guess.
Of course this is mostly opinion based, who else did I miss from the 70s-10s?
After watching it a first time, I really couldn’t say that I enjoyed it. But upon second viewing, I can say that I really liked it! It’s a very well acted, compelling gangster film and fantastic.
You mentioned Michael being an outsider, but Kay is even more of an outsider, who is completely cut off from the mafia world. In mafia movies or TV shows, the wives are often in cahoot with the husbands in some ways. But Kay staunchly opposes what Michael does and stands for, culminating in that famous confrontation scene with Michael in Godfather Part II.
Growing up, I would always hear adults talk about how book versions of certain movies were so much better and I didn't think that was true until I read my first book which was The Godfather. It's like parts 1 and 2 in the same book. Somewhat sexually graphic too. For example, remember when Sonny banged one of the bridesmaids in the closet? In the book, their lust for each other had a lot to do with the fact that Sonny was hung like a horse which was too much for his wife to handle. The bridesmaid apparently had relationship issues because her birth canal was as wide as the Panama Canal so they were a physical match made in guido heaven.
Surprised that it took you so long to get around to it. Review 'The Duellists' (Ridley Scott, 1977) plix :)
Edit: I totally agree that the Godfather 1 is a flawless movie. One of the very few films where you look at it and think "I don't think this could be improved".
Nothing says 70s Classics like The Godfather, Al Pacino is great in everything pretty much if you look over his career even in Dick Tracy he stuck out , Donnie Brasco etc. I enjoyed the Godfather more than the other two it was more in control of itself Don Corleone running so much in that world and after his death the rudder for the Mob was gone , thanks Maggie your channel is quite amazing
Coppola made a "trilogy" version in the 80s that comprises of footage of all 3 films, but arranged chronologically. When seen as a whole, the shortcomings of Godfather Part III seem much smaller indeed. This trilogy was made for television, and was not made in high-def. So this trilogy has yet to be seen in any modern format such as Blu-ray.
The addition of a psychiatrist in The Sopranos is a pointed critique of the Godfather films by the makers of The Sopranos, who said that if Michael, Kay, Fredo, etc., all had seen psychiatrists regularly, they would've been much less depressed!
Someone once told me that one of the themes in the The Godfather is about the loss of masculinity. It made me look at the film in a different way. It's interesting if you do. Especially look at the differences between Vito and Michael and how Michael feels inadequate to fill his fathers shoes.
The greatest film ever made.
My 2nd all-time favorite movie after Pulp Fiction. And I agree that Michael Corleone was the 2nd best performance by Al Pacino. But his best is Scarface imo.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on 'Once Upon A Time in America'
Oh yes... I personally like “Once Upon a Time in America” much more than “The Godfather”
@Jordan Lozano It is epic and engrossing: it is one of the best movies ever made... Ennio Morricone’s score SOARS... it features a tremendous performance from James Woods... here’s my personal review on the movie:
m.th-cam.com/video/Sbq-hxGaoc4/w-d-xo.html
The movie is long (over 4 hours) but I promise you, it’s worth it.
What did you think of True Detective season one?
You are incredible intelligent person with a wonderful soul… keep up your wonderful work and insight and respect your continual fight against those internal demons…
shame on me for having yet to see part I, i'm really losing there in terms of cultural significance ! Great review
Took you long enough. LOL, as the kids say.
To me, what makes "The Godfather" stand apart is that it doesn't moralize in the way that even pre-Code gangster flicks did (the obligatory "crime doesn't pay"). No, these particular characters face more spiritual consequences; Coppola painted the mob not as a road with a dead end but as a tunnel-like legacy with no end in sight. When Vito discusses business with Michael in the final act, the words imparted by Vito have a genuine deep-seated sorrow of a bright future slipping away.
It might also be the first mob movie to achieve such a powerful ending without the use of a central antagonist: the Corleones' rivals are fleeting problems for which Michael exercises permanent solutions. One has to wonder (and I love ambiguity like this) if Michael ever could've remained like his father, a diplomatic and loving man, rather than the bloodthirsty chessmaster he ultimately became.
All in all there are countless reasons that everyone's seen it. Second only to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" as the best film of the 70s.
Hi Maggie
Going through my database I thought I would recommend you some movies.
I will just give the titles and the years and you can look them up (if you have not seen or heard of them)
I'm not wasting your time. As a fellow student of film, these are among the very best.
As your knowledge and viewing is quite extensive, forgive me if you have seen these, but here are just 40 to check out
I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE 1943
MILDRED PIERCE 1946
KISS ME DEADLY 1955
BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK 1955
THE HUSTLER 1961
CARNIVAL OF SOULS 1962
THE SHOP ON MAIN STREET 1965
AU HASARD BALTHAZAR 1966
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT 1967
BREWSTER MCCLOUD 1970
HAROLD AND MAUDE 1971
SERPICO 1973
PAPER MOON 1973
MIRROR 1974
NASHVILLE 1975
INVASION OF THE BODYSNATCHERS 1978
DAS BOOT 1981
THE BIG CHILL 1983
AFTER HOURS 1985
A CRY IN THE DARK 1988
SLACKER 1992
SIMPLE MEN 1992
PASSION FISH 1992
DAZED AND CONFUSED 1994
BEFORE SUNRISE 1995
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER 1996
CROUPIER 2000
SOMERSAULT 2004
BEFORE SUSET 2004
THE BAADER MEINHOFF COMPLEX 2008
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP 2010
INCENDIES 2010
THE GHOST WRITER 2010
HOLY MOTORS 2012
SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN 2012
A ROYAL AFFAIR 2012
BEFORE MIDNIGHT 2013
STORIES WE TELL 2013
VICTORIA 2015
WILD TALES 2016
will you review the whole trilogy?
Godfather is the greatest film of all time and its absolutely my favourite
The Human Centipede is the greatest film of all time.
@@rectumralph79 what about a serbian film or 120 days of salom
@@extraordinarygamer937 Never saw A Serbian Film. I saw 120 Days and I never ate chocolate after that again.
@@rectumralph79 like shit eating bro ?
Agreed. Godfather part 2 is a very close second. Any and all other films are basically peasant movie productions in comparison.
That's an absolutely amazing POV. I really enjoyed this video and I couldn't agree more with the break down of the movie
The Godfather II is my favorite one even though the first one is good too .
I prefer the first one but as ibe gotten older my appreciation for the second has grown
hey I just watched Shin Godzilla for the first time last night and REALLY liked it i’d love to hear what you think of it
What do you think of Once Upon a Time in America? That's my favourite gangster film.
I cant believe its taken you this long to review this film great movie great review
The Italians watching this know this movie hits harder for them.
Probably the greatest movie ever made my favorite movie
I would argue that Brian De Palma's Scarface is a classic as well. The 80's had a lot of great remakes. The Fly, The Thing, and Scarface. They are all hated and often copied but never duplicated. So, yes, I love The Godfather 1, 2, and you expected me to say 3, but I don't. 😂
Godfather part 3 is a masterpiece
over holiday break I am planning on watching The Godfather for the first time
Just in time for the 3rd movie's 'directors cut'!
@@theboss297 wow I wasn't aware this was releasing. I will have to check that out as well after I finish Part 1 and 2
Enjoy the films. And have a good holiday
Check out Coppolla's thesis....Dimentia 13. Good film..
I couldn't grasp this film at all. Found the pacing of the film to be a bit slow and dramatically boring. I did admire the character Michael played by Pacino and particularly the scene where he is smitten hard by noticing the local town girl
GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
Do you know the movie “Serpico”? I think it may be the very best of the tough minded 1970s New York City “smell-the-urine” movies.
U have no fucking idea for a long i have been waited for that video!!!!
Wow! Surprised you didn’t have this one already.
Apocalypse Now is NOT the most influential movie. Godfather by far is. It's not even close. And I think the reason why you don't connect to Scorsese the way you do to Godfather is that Scorsese lacks the family aspect that Godfather so masterfully did which is why we fell in love with the film. I.e. it resembles our own family structure. Goodfellas, Casino, Mean Streets don't. And Supronas was just a rip of Godfather, Goodfellas etc., and the main story about him being in therapy is unrealistic and would never happen. Plus it was done like a TV series, which it is, but you can tell, which makes it inferior.
the only reason i respect Godfather 1 and 2 is because it paved the way for the MASTERPIECE OF FILM that is Godfather 3.
Part 3 is underrated
I like the first 2 movies 3 meh😒I need to see the Coda version to respect the 3rd one.
My second best movie ever, only The Godfather part 2 is better
U could start reviewing games (story). I think ur a professional at these story analysis and breakdowns and would blow all of the competition out of the water. All u need is more ecposure
Her reviewing something like Shadow of the Colossus or Majora's Mask would be great, but is she even into games? I know a few people that aren't, the same way I'm not personally attracted to books.
Dope sweater
I hope you review once upon time in America one day
The GOAT of films
Essentially a perfect movie, and even better than the sequel.
Excellent review my friend!
I love this film. And the score as well.
What disturbs is that so many viewers identify sympathetically with that which is a gang of murderers.
I really want to watch scar face for some reason now
my friends ex-gf watched the trilogy with him while he was dying in the hospital.
Didn't like the prank scene. It wasn't very nice to cut off the horse head & put it in the old dude's bed. A bag of flaming dog poop at his front door would have been cool, but the horse head was too much. Impractical Jokers could have handled the old guy better. Leave the horse out of it, Vito!
I enjoyed this review i just disagree with with the apocalypse now remaek i hate that movie lol but i love yor review its great!
I’ve never seen a single episode of the Sopranos
See Pacino in "Donnie Brasco".
Its really a family picture isnt it? Just never go against it.
i hated the fact that Michel in this movie cheated on his girlfriend after going into hiding. He married that Italian girl and then after she gets killed, he goes back to New York and to his old girlfriend who he later married and has a kid with. I hated those scenes. I’m a woman who believes in moral values.
The Godfather is the best film ever made.
Love the sweater, super cool!!
I simultaneously think The Godfather is a great movie and that there are just too many damned Mafia movies.
Southern Italy dominates the American cinematic imagination almost as completely as the old west does. It's funny that in the 1930s recent Italian immigrants like Frank Capra made films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Meet John Doe. But thoroughly assimilated Italian Americans like Coppola and Scorsese make films about one criminal organization that was only important in one little corner of the Mediterranean. I suppose it's a legacy of the fact that the 1970s may have been the last great decade in American cinema and that the "white ethnic" was all in vogue back then.
As close to a perfect film as it gets
goodfellas next?
U could also start reviewing music as well.
the Movie has agred gracefully so that's a good thing.
Such a piece
I like the first half or two thirds of goodfellas. more like The Godfather.
Not my type of movie, too long, but I could tell it was very well made. never seen the sequels and this film is getting a remake, Johnny Depp is going to play Vito Corleone. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled because of his issues with Amber Heard.