We're beyond excited to dive deep into the Mafia/Mob cinematic universe! Let us know which films we should react to and review next. Also, all full uncut reactions can be found on our Patreon (MentallyGoneStudios), link is in the description. Appreciate the ongoing support, much love and positivity to all! - Gabi and Caley
As far as mob movies: the holy quartet of mob movies is "The Godfather", "The Godfather Part 2", Goodfellas" and "Casino". The Godfather and Godfather Part 2 take the Italian mob story up to the 1950s. "Goodfellas" and "Casino" do the 50s - 80s. Coppolla did the two Godfathers; Scorsese did "Goodfellas" and "Casino". After that: "Donnie Brasco" with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.....and the movie that put both Scorsese and De Niro on the map: "Mean Streets" (1973). But DEFINITELY "Goodfellas" and "Casino", do not miss those!
Let me tell you some items of interest to me: At the beginning of the movie, Marlon Brando is holding a cat. The cat was a cat from the neighborhood. He was obviously a cat that belonged to one of the wealthy families in the community, for he was extremely friendly. Coppola and Marlon Brando decided to change the script and include the cat. This is why the cat was seen only time in the movie. The actor that played Luca Brazi was a former wrestler. He was hired to play in the movie because he was a giant of a man. The actor was very nervous about meeting Marlon Brando, thus his shakey speech. Francis Ford Coppola saw him practicing his lines, and included it in the movie to make the Godfather more intimidating. Nicholas Cage is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and Talia Shire, she played Connie Corleone. Coppola and Shire are siblings. Nicholas Cage's father, Carmine Coppola, wrote the main theme song for the movie.
Another thing - the character of Johnny Fontaine was fictional depiction of Frank Sinatra. The story portrayed in the movie is a perfect depiction as to what us said to have actually happened. Frank Sinatra disputed this til he died.
The 1970's were considered the second "Golden Age" of Hollywood. Lots of great movies were made in the 70's. Star Wars in 1977 would ultimately change the film industry for the worse insofar as studios afterwards just wanted to make lots of money rather than put out films with artistic credibility.
In the book it was explained that the cop who beat up Michael broke his cheek bone and eye socket and that it wasn't properly treated until he returned to America. That's why he still has bruising a year later.
12:08 “I don’t know ‘70s artistes”. It’s not the 1970s… it’s the 1940s. The film was made in the ‘70s… 1972. The film is set in 1945. Also, “Johnny Cash”…??? Johnny Cash would be 13 years old in 1945. His music career hadn’t even started then.
I believe Michael's motivation was this: Michael knew the weaknesses of his brothers (Sonny the hot head, Freddo the simple minded, Tom wasn't blood, Connie was a woman). Michael was college educated, had military training, and the way he handled things at the hospital just proved to himself that if the family was going to survive, he was the only one in the family with the combination of strength, intelligence, and temperament to do it.
I second this. If I may add, the scene where he uses the lighter at hospital does for me. He realises he's not shivering even though it's an intense situation.
At the hospital, Michael also realized his hands weren't shaking at all when he helped the baker light a cigarette. Michael has sociopathic tendencies, like his father. Thinking of how Vito can kill with ease, go home and play with his children in godfather 2 which was presumably his first kill
@@soumyapanigrahi21 Seeing plenty of combat in WW2 and being a decorated war hero, the hospital incident wouldn't have rattled his nerves much. In fact that situation would have been familiar to him, as many instances during his combat tour, Michael as an experienced soldier would often have helped the FNG (F'ing New Guy) get through his first contact with the enemy with a cigarette and reassuring words. As an Army Brat my Dad, who was a platoon a Sgt in Nam, and Drill Sgt after the war would often pair an experienced guy with an FNG (when ever the situation would arise) to help him get through his first contact. It not only helps the new guy, but helping someone more frightend than your self cope, also helps the experienced guy stay calm himself. It's a little psychological trick dad tried to teach me in case I ever saw combat myself. I wonder if that scene was written that way because it is so common of an occurrence in war, and Michael would have found that situation familiar as a vet
good points but i feel that mike was swimming against the current, he tried everything to distance himself, but he was the only one that knew the threat would persist thats why he says "im with you now" to his dad in the hospital, he knows only his involvement can save his father it was just unfortunate that he didnt recover quick enough to save sonny, im sure mike had hoped for his dads recovery but sonny getting killed then his wife made him go all in the fact that he was a war hero, heavily decorated and all the experts within the family laugh when he says he will do them both at the peace talk, it wasnt malicious laughing, they all knew mike was capable, but it doubles back to the start of the film when the don was saying to the undertaker you believed in society and that provided you with justice, why come to me? mike seen since the top cop was brought off that society was all bullshit
Two things: Carlo was in with Barzini from before he even got married to Connie, and he was frustrated all along because his attempts to infiltrate the family in service of Barzini were always getting him nowhere. He pursued and married Connie with the aim to betray the Corleones from day one. Also, while the cat in Don Corleone's lap is a good symbol, it only occurred because Marlon Brando ran into a stray cat at the studio that really liked him so he incorporated it into the scene, and Coppola thought it was a nice touch.
I don’t know if you’re right or wrong about Carlo. It made more sense to me that Barzini got to him after the beat down Sonny gave him in front of his gambling house. They found out through informants that Sonny was in town. When they missed their chance to take him out, they decided to use Carlo to draw him out again.
In the book , he was ordered to abuse Connie, by barzini the as soon as sonny was killed he stopped and was a good husband. But yes he was an enemy from day one , and it was a long term plan . He dated Connie for years before the wedding. And vito was opposed to the match. But consented because she wants it do much
I liked that you picked up on Michael's military experience being important. Michael's nature was to be more thoughtful like his father and he was college educated so all that matters. But during World War II he was a Marine serving in the Pacific theater which means he was in a lot of heavy, brutal, even hand to hand combat. And he was awarded a Navy Cross which is second only to the Medal of Honor. I always say Michael essentially applied military mindset, combat ruthlessness, and his Father's teachings to being the most badass Don ever
THAT'S the movie I want to see - Micheal Corleone in the military. What did Michael actually do? (if the answer is in the Book, I didn't read it so I apologize.)
@@curtismartin2866 it doesn't give any details in the book either. Just that he was a "war hero" that he was awarded a Navy Cross, and in the movie he wears a Marine Corps Captain uniform. But you're right that would make an awesome prequel movie! There is a book by Mario Puzo called the Sicilian that is a story of Michael when he was in Sicily getting involved with a local rebel. It's not Godfather level good but it is a fun read.
If I recall correctly, Michael was a pilot (fighter pilot) in the Marine Corps during WWII. I think he was in the Pacific Theatre. I could be mistaken as it has been some decades since I read the book. This was the reason everyone laughed when Michael said he'd kill both Salozzo and McCluskey. There's a difference between shooting at another airplane at hundreds of yards' distance and pulling the trigger when a man's face is just five feet away from your own.
@@slickjack2618 I found nothing that indicates Michael was a pilot. Wouldn't his uniform have some kind of medal or ribbon indicating he was a pilot? Some kind of wings?
Haha. Your girl has a Italian mob soul. She predicts almost everything and understands the movie perfectly. Can't wait for you to watch second part. My favorite.
It was James Caan ( Sonny Corleone) whom most recently passed away, r.i.p. The making of the film was recently turned into a TV miniseries, too. The Godfather was groundbreaking. It was so popular that real life mobsters got into it .Some of the events were loosely based on real life mob history. Moe Greene was based on Jewish mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel.
The series made to cover the making of this movie is appropriately called The Offer. It's a wonderful series too. There are so many nods to the movie without literally showing you any scene from the movie.
The Johnny Fontaine character was indeed based loosely on Frank Sinatra. Early in his career, Frank Sinatra was in a contract with a band leader, but wanted out of the band. The mob "convinced" the bandleader to release Sinatra from his commitment and "helped" him get a part in the war movie "From Here to Eternity", in which Frank Sinatra won an Academy Award.
True. Actually Johnny Fontaine was portrayed by a famous singer of the 1960's Al Martino (you can Google it). He said he was very nervous when asked to be in the Movie. Al was well known, and had quite a few hit Songs.
Sinatra certainly thought it was in reference to him because he threw a fit when the book came out. Since the movie came out, any weak child was usually referred to as "Fredo" because of the indelible connection.
The guy is irritating: 1. Mocking diane keaton's voice, 2. Saying the actor's acting is bad, 3. Thinking fredo/cazale doesn't look italian, does he think caan looks italian? Lol, 4. Saying sonny's death was too melodramatic. The girl was surprisingly observant and quick to pick up things
I thought the first "No phones!" comment was just a bad joke. But then a couple minutes later he made another quip about no one having their phones out at the reception. And LOL to "I don't know those 70's artists" when the movie has already shown 1940's cars at the wedding. There is a difference between when the movie was made and when the story takes place.
Past it being set in the 40s, the cellphone wasn't invented until the year after the movie was made, and didn't begin showing up in public until the 90s.
Being an old timer, I really like watching young people look at and enjoy classics. Hollywood really doesn't make films in the style of The GF anymore, the attention to cinematography, the long scene, tight screenplays, actors being allowed to demonstrate what good acting is all about. It's not a film you can fully appreciate with your brain turned off. The fact that someone from this generation can watch it and enjoy it proves that cinema isn't dead. But you two have to watch Godfather II while this is still fresh in your mind.
@@rajch2000Marvel movies are good movies. They're not great or genius works of art. But they tell stories that are effective and compelling in simple ways
@@rajch2000 The big studios are run by corporations now, they focus on "what can we make for less money that will sell?"( and avoid paying writers for original work ) rather than art. Back in the golden era, studios had a "B pictures" dept. making films they knew would not be huge. Actors & Writers strike: #PayThemFairlyForTheirWork
here's a short list of some of the BEST movies ever made in no particular order: "the bridge on the river kwai" (1957), "the seventh seal" (1957), "Ihe seven samuri" (1954), "the african queen" (1950), "the treasure of the sierra madre" (1948), "the bicyle thieves" (1948), "the snake pit" (1948), "out of the past" (1947), "its a wonderful life" (1946), "citizen kane" (1941). 1939, alone, released as many as 10 classics including "gone with the wind," "mr. smith goes to washington," "the roaring twenties," "of mice and men," "the wizard of oz," "wuthering heights" and others. this is only a short list that includes no hitchcock films or any films after 1960 or before 1939. ALL THE MOVIES MENTIONED ARE TOP NOTCH CLASSICS and deserving of a look!
I think it might just be me, but part 1 is better than part 2. I can watch part 1 again and again without getting bored of it, but part 2 is like a 1 time thing for me.
Even though the movie was made in the 70’s, it is set in the 1940’s, starting after WW2 (Michael is still in his uniform and notice the car styles.) Yes, the Italian singer is supposed to be a Frank Sinatra-like performer who was super popular (especially at that time, with young women.) Johnny Cash was a country-western performer who gained fame long after the time period of this film. Diane Keaton played Kay, and is not an “old-school” actress; she won the Oscar for her role in “Annie Hall” and is still making films today. She does have a high voice and is known for her fashion sense and her quirky qualities. Her character at the beginning of this story is of a more naive, innocent, sensitive person so her line readings reflect this.
Yes, and spoiler alert for them to watch Godfather Part II for the rest of the story arc on Kay Corleone. The reactors also stated confusion by the reference by Tatalia to “pre-War” vintage alcohol when serving Luca. That too supports your comment to them regarding the 1940’s setting.
Definitely continue with Part II.....and the somewhat maligned but still worth watching Part III. Great insights - more than I ever considered in some cases.
Yep, Godfather III is a good, arguably even great movie, it just gets automatically (and understandably) compared to the masterpieces that I and II are, and in that comparison, it doesn't stand up...
I hated Godfather III when it came out and haven't watched it since. I prefer to pretend it never happened. Godfather II is vital, however. When people say the Godfather is the 'best movie ever,' they are generally referring to parts one and two as a whole. At least, I am.
@@Wolf-ln1ml Not only that but the mass majority of people don't understand Godfather 3 because they have no idea about the evil, corrupt banks (IMF, central banks, Federal Reserve, etc.), international financiers and "banksters", Vatican, CIA, etc. and all their evil, corrupt collusion/conspiracies and such.
Good God... I dunno if you guys even realize this film was made in the 1970's, let alone SET in the 1940's. Y'all's generation Z commentary is a bit insufferable. Sorry.
What's always gets me is the final scene of The GF part II, the flashback to Vito's birthday party, when you realize that everybody in that scene is dead except for Michael.
@@NelsonStJamesMostly true; but Connie and Tom and Tom's wife are still alive. (Tom died before the third movie came out, but Connie is very much alive and has quite a significant role in that part of the saga.)
Fun fact: the guy luca brazi is not an actor he is actually person sent by the mob to watch over the movie and the director added him in maybe that why his lines didnt seem natural also before the movie was film the direct went to the one of the real mob family to ask permission to shoot the film in the first place
Actually the guy who Played Luca Brazi apparently kept screwing up his lines in front of Marlon Brando he was so nervous. So after several takes he couldn’t get it right so the director went with it and put the scenes in where Luca is practicing before going to see the Don makes him screwing up his lines was part of the story.
A good way to look at the sons is that they each personify an aspect of the Don - Sonny is his passion, Fredo is his heart and Michael is his intellect. You should definitely consider watching "The Godfather: Part 2" as it provides a clear contrast between the lives and motivations of Vito and Michael. BTW - the film only briefly alludes to Michael's military service. He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Silver Star while serving in the Pacific Theatre as a Captain in the USMC.
19:48 First, the horse's head was real (from a Mexican dog food factory). It was kept on ice before the scene. Second, actor John Marley didn't know they were using a real horse's head until they shot the scene, so those screams were very real in the moment.
I loved the analysis discussion at the end of the reaction. --------- Gabriella complemented Caley's comments so well. Gabriella made her focus the symbolism of all the physical objects throughout the movie and I love her comparison of Vito to a Rose. He's so shiny and attractive to get his help but he has torns. -------- CAley was no slouch on his points as well. I knew you guys would love this movie.
The actor that played Fredo. Also played in Dog Day Afternoon, and the deer hunter, every movie he was in we're Academy Award winners for Best Picture. Oh and by the way he was also Meryl Streep's husband. Died of cancer right after the deer hunter. He was an incredible method actor.
John Çazale starred in five movies. The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter. All five were nominated for best picture but only three one.
"Their acting skills are questionable". Are you people joking? It's the acting skills of MODERN actors that stink. You have it completely backwards. The acting in this movie is outstanding. I can't think of any actor who doesn't give a good performance in this movie. You must be on a steady of modern CRAP movies not to appreciate this.
Luca Brasi speaks like that because he was a real mafia enforcer and not an experienced actor. He was extremely nervous to share a scene with the legendary Marlon Brando. The director kept his takes because he found it realistic, since Brasi is written as an extremely intimidating and cruel man, who ONLY respects and fears the Godfather. Johnny is loosely based on Frank Sinatra, to the point that he got angry about it and tried to get the production of the movie cancelled with help from his mafia friends, supposedly.
At first, the mafia tried to stop production of the movie, but after the movie came out, the mafia loved it. They felt that it elevated the mafia to celebrity status and glamorized them as sort of "Robin Hood" heroes. Many mafia watched the movie countless times and some even in real life imitated the on-screen characters.
According to "the Offer" after he had convinced a mobster to approve of the movie getting made, when the studio removed him as producer, the mob forced a strike of the behind the scenes film workers and they finally caved and brought him back on.
Great reaction, and it’s the first of yours I’ve watched. The next one, Part II, is another must-see movie. The story is intercut to show both the Corleone move to Las Vegas, and the backstory of how Vito came to America as a child in the early 1900’s. It’s a real masterpiece. But most people will probably agree that Part III is unfortunately lacking.
The actor that played Luca Brasi was an enforcer for the Colombo crime family and was starstruck in his scene with Marlon Brando, so they shot the scene of him reading his lines to make up for it.
I'm SO EMBARRASSED, I have seen this movie like 30x and I never thought about Vito's phrasing when he said "I will not be the one to break the peace here today" as he knew full well that he was about to pass control of the family onto his son. Gabriella is ON it!
@@soup3097 no that's the correct interpretation. The Godfather knew he would retire soon and his successor would take revenge. You can argue whether he expected that to be Michael as Michael was still a relative newcomer and unknown, but the overall interpretation is correct.
@@billhicks808 I don't think so. I think he said this knowing that the real enemy was Barzini. Taking action against him would not be breaking the peace with Tataglia.
You said that the acting skills are questionable evidently you know nothing about acting, these are all multi multi award-winning over their career is some of the most famous movies ever
Mario Puzio did a spectacular job of pulling together stories and rumours from the Italian neighbourhood and crafted it into the Godfather. It was a work of art and felt correct because it was based on truth
Gabrielle, the cat was not scripted 😊 Copola found it wondering around the set, nobody on the crew claimed it as there's and Brando said give it to me. It was not supposed to be in the movie 😂😂
Your comment about the acting skills of actresses "back then" is way off. They didn't just run around squealing, as you've concluded way too early in your movie-watching journey.
They all laughed. What they didn’t realize was that as a Captain in the US Marines, who started out as an enlisted man, he “made his bones” already. It was on some island in the Pacific that had changed memes a dozen times by then. And it wasn’t with a rifle from a mile away, but close enough to smell the stale sake on his enemy’s breath. 38:26
Just to clarify: Tom Hagen could never have been Godfather because he was not Sicilian. Consigliere is the highest position he could ever hold and even that was seen as borderline sacrilegious.
I love how you both picked up on the personalities of the three brothers and why the personality of Michael led his to rise to power and become the Don. -------- Michael is shrewd calculated, playing chess while others play checkers, setting his ego aside to elevate and consolidate the power of his family. Heavy rests the head that wears the crown. Cause in the Game of Thrones. You either win or you die.
@@mo2k638 I was never sold on the case for Tom as a brother. Since he had a higher level of respect with Don Vito. Being his trusted advisor. I more considered Tom to be an uncle. He's part of the family but not embraced like the children of Don Vito.
@@lethaldose2000 in the Godfather part 2 when Michael is handing over power to Tom he states that he’s his brother and that he loves him and kept things secret from him for his own safety he had a lot of admiration for Tom he was adopted by the Corleones as a child and has been with them ever since you’re entitled to your opinion but Tom was certainly a brother although he wasn’t Sicilian
@@mo2k638 I understand that is the case. But I don't believe it as a movie watcher. ------ Just cause they are saying it, doesn't mean I have to believe it. ------- I believe Fredo is the flaky under appreciated brother through his actions and interactions. ------ I don't buy that they treat Tom like a brother. ------ That's just me.
Vito is such a master negotiator. When Sonny gets killed he calls for the beef to be squashed so that business can resume. ------ Sets the meeting with the 5 families so he can get a read on all the positions in the network. There he finds out because of his forwardness that Barzini was the power behind the hit on Sonny.--------- Also when Vito meets with Sollozzo to discuss entering the drug trade. He keeps his motives close to his vest.------ This is why when Sonny expresses interest in the move Solozo knows he would have better luck with the offer if Sonny was in charge.------- As the Saying goes, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer".
James Caan, who played Sonny, died recently. Brando died a fairly long time ago. Another classic that is always among the top two, or three, is Casablanca. For me, it's Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, one through 4.
49:47 "an offer he can't refuse" that's a brilliant insight...that is the first time that we see Michael really manipulate a situation like he's a Don.
really appreciate your post discussion. quite a bit more in depth analysis than most reaction channels. looking forward to you watching Part 2, which in my opinion takes the saga to even greater moviemaking/storytelling. p.s. love your attention to the literary themes and symbolism. when you have a moment, look up the legend of the cat & Marlon Brando during the opening scene. I don’t often use this word, but it was genius.
Outstanding reaction! I particularly enjoyed your thoughtful, perceptive observations. Great chemistry between the two of you, also! Definitely see Parts II & III! This may be my favorite trilogy; and your first-time reaction made my day. It's fascinating that The Godfather in this story is not actually Vito; it's Michael. It's actually his journey we follow. He didn't want this life; but was forced to make a life and death decision because of his love of family. And having been a war hero, he was uniquely equipped to do the job; he just didn't know it. Instinct took over. Substantial critique after the film! You're doing a great job, you two! Have some Italian food next time and party with the Corleones! Keep going!
The first scene shot for this film was the restaurant/shooting and it was the strength of Al Pacino’s performance that made all the studio executives watching it, and everyone else, realize that there was a potential star on their hands, after first doubting that Pacino should have been cast.
@@tml184 Sorry. But it was one of the earliest scenes shot, and it turned everyone from feeling uncertain about the casting of Pacino, and about the film’s potential, to a more positive outlook on the project.
You guys should really use sub titles so you can understand certain parts. Makes the movie story come together, so if you watch part two, please do that for yourselves lol
Michael’s face in the restaurant always hits me in the gut. You can see the fear, the hatered, the resentment… every emotion and feeling of a man who is not just dipping a toe in the family business, he’s diving headfirst. It’s a masterclass in acting from Pachino. Absolute perfection !
I love how Caely had his favorite character in Michael Corlone to reflect his analytical personality and Gabriella gravitated to Vito as he had more heart. ------- Michael inherited his father's intelligence but didn't inherit his heart. ---------- No doubt this is in part because Vito came from nothing and could understand the hardships of everyday people while the Corleone children grew up with everything. ------------ Vito put a lot of faith in Michael to do better than him but Michael has his own enemies to flay and battle to fight and each age needs a different set of skills to survive. ---------- To see how ruthless Michael had to become ruthless to ensure the strength of the Corleone empire, but at the destruction of his family on a personal level.
You're an idiot. Michael had heart, more than enough. It's precisely bc of that heart that he turned himself into a savage animal to protect Kay so what happened in Sicily wouldn't happen to a woman he actually loved Especially after he got advice from his father " Women and children can be careless men can not " .. " Kay, I did what I could to protect you from horrors of this word " " Why was I so feared. What betrayed me was it my heart or my mind " Every murder Michael committed Vito knew about it. Your ability to comprehend the movie is as bad as his. And Michael was In a situation Vio never was..... he had to fight for his life, commit Mass murder and kill him his own brother in law.
Michael has an Eagle Globe and Anchor on his collar (Alpha Jacket.) A Marine from the Pacific theater. We can assume his first action was Tarawa. It explains where he is in the beginning and WHY he carries out his mission so well. "OooRAH!!!"
It truly is a treat to see a lot of young people Like yourselves on TH-cam react to the Godfather it just goes to show just how much this film has really stood the test of time. You guys should really consider checking out. This show called the offer it’s based off of real events and it shows how the Godfather was made and basically what the creators had to go through in order to get the movie made because back in those days mob films were not that very popular and they weren’t very profitable and the studios were not interested in gangster films, but the godfather completely changed all of that. I mean, what else is there to say about the godfather that hasn’t already been said this movie changed my life that’s all I’m gonna say.
The original movie has subtitles for most of the italian scenes. I don't know why yours didn't. It was never something you had to turn on. But you guys seemed to get most of it.
First time seeing you guys. Noticed the girl did not say much during the film but she pointed out two things I have never realized, and I have seen this film more than once. Good job both of you.
The women's acting skills are NOT questionable. The daughter is played by Talia Shire. Google her. Maybe just watch the movie, soak it in, and learn that times were different. You even attempted a Boston accent for a New York film. I stopped watching.
This is one of those movies as good as the Novel it was based on. The only real difference is it gives you a lot of character depth with guys like Clemenza, Tessio, Sonny, and just about everyone.
Much of the character background material from the novel was intentionally left out by the screenwriter Mario Puzo, who authored the novel himself. Much of this backstory material made it's way into The Godfather Part 2, which was also written by Puzo.
The singer was Frank Sinatra and it wasn't the 70s it was the 50s. He was a fictitious character the movie Sinatra got was From Here to Eternity and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Btw everybodies name in this is changed even the Corleones lol
Yeah that's what our assumption was. We know that Sinatra was heavily involved with the mob, we even have a family friend who knew a guy who knew a guy who would tell stories of that involvement lol.
@@SanctusPaulus1962 If it is they are being liberal with times in the movie. The film Sinatra needed the part for was Here to Eternity which was released in 1953 and the novel was written in 1951 so there is a real problem with the time in the movie and reality.
@@tml184 Yes I understand that but the singer the horse head incident is based on couldn't have happened until the 50s because it's based on the part Frank Sinatra got in From Here to Eternity. That book was written in 1951 so hard to imagine Johnny(or Frank Sinatra) complaining about a movie or book that didn't exist yet.
The reason why Luca Brazzi spoke like that was him being genuinely nervous in front of Marlon Brando they decided to keep in the film to portray that The Godfather (Marlon Brando) was feared
LOL, your girlfriend saying she didn't trust the baker at first, but then she heard his Italian accent... The mobsters trying to kill Vito are Italian too
Fantastic reaction and remarks throughout! I will say that it's a great thing you speak enough romance language to understand some of the Italian......but definitely put on the subtitles for Godfather Part 2! There ARE subtitles on Part 1! They intentionally don't have subtitles for the scene where Michael takes out Solozzo and the police captain, but other than that, there are subtitles for all the Italian parts! And you absolutely will need them on for Godfather Part 2. Ideally, there should be a version where the English subtitles pop up ONLY when they're speaking Italian. That's how we all saw it. / Yes: the fictional Johnny Fontaine character is definitely modeled on Frank Sinatra, and specifically his early days as a singer with Tommy Dorsey and then later his role in the classic movie "From Here To Eternity", although neither story is thought to be factually accurate. But Sinatra definitely had mob friends. / Diane Keaton was no "old school actress" , at the same time, she was as cutting edge as the young Pacino at the time, she was in a string of Woody Allen comedies that changed the course of the genre, and she is brilliantly hilarious in all of them. A total comedy genius. Kay, as written, is underwritten, she's there just to ask questions and get the exposition going and link plot points. She made this nothing little part into something completely memorable. She's got more to do in the second one because by then she was a big star. Diane Keaton is one of the greats, right up there with all the other young actors that got discovered off this movie (Pacino, Caan, Duvall, etc). I'm sure "Annie Hall" is on any serious list of "greatest movies ever" that you're working off of, so I'm sure you'll see her in that. And "Reds" from 1981 is another great one that she's incredible in, I'm sure that's on any serious "best of the 80s list" or "best historical epics ever", etc etc. Definitely don't sell Diane Keaton short! Talia Shire, who played Connie, she went on to play Adrian in Rocky. I think what you may be reacting to is not the actresses' performances, but the mannerisms of what women were like. This was the 1970s doing the 1940s, and the acting is appropriate to that, trust me. Oh shit, I've written a BOOK! You guys are GREAT reactors! Can't wait to see what you do next! I'm subscribing!
They're not Italians.They're Sicilians. What everyone fails to realize is that the Mafia originated from Sicili and has...to be Sicilian to be accepted in the Mafia. 🇲🇽🇺🇲💯👍🏼
In Italy, the Mafia is Sicilian, while the Naples mafia is the Camorra and the Calabrian mafia is the Ndrangheta. In America, the mafia families were all known as the Mafia or La Cosa Nostra and had all kinds of culturally Italian mobsters in its ranks.
You're right about the Don's protective detail being inadequate; it's even addressed in the plot: the Don was slipping; ten years earlier, they couldn't have gotten to him that easily.
The 5 families of New York are still active today. The boss of the Gambino family actually got killed out of his house back in 2019. The mafia isn’t as big and powerful as it was back in the day, but they’re still very much active.
We're beyond excited to dive deep into the Mafia/Mob cinematic universe! Let us know which films we should react to and review next. Also, all full uncut reactions can be found on our Patreon (MentallyGoneStudios), link is in the description. Appreciate the ongoing support, much love and positivity to all! - Gabi and Caley
Goodfellas
As far as mob movies: the holy quartet of mob movies is "The Godfather", "The Godfather Part 2", Goodfellas" and "Casino". The Godfather and Godfather Part 2 take the Italian mob story up to the 1950s. "Goodfellas" and "Casino" do the 50s - 80s. Coppolla did the two Godfathers; Scorsese did "Goodfellas" and "Casino". After that: "Donnie Brasco" with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.....and the movie that put both Scorsese and De Niro on the map: "Mean Streets" (1973). But DEFINITELY "Goodfellas" and "Casino", do not miss those!
If nothing else, please watch part II! Best sequel and arguably better than part I.
Let me tell you some items of interest to me:
At the beginning of the movie, Marlon Brando is holding a cat. The cat was a cat from the neighborhood. He was obviously a cat that belonged to one of the wealthy families in the community, for he was extremely friendly. Coppola and Marlon Brando decided to change the script and include the cat. This is why the cat was seen only time in the movie.
The actor that played Luca Brazi was a former wrestler. He was hired to play in the movie because he was a giant of a man. The actor was very nervous about meeting Marlon Brando, thus his shakey speech. Francis Ford Coppola saw him practicing his lines, and included it in the movie to make the Godfather more intimidating.
Nicholas Cage is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and Talia Shire, she played Connie Corleone. Coppola and Shire are siblings. Nicholas Cage's father, Carmine Coppola, wrote the main theme song for the movie.
Another thing - the character of Johnny Fontaine was fictional depiction of Frank Sinatra. The story portrayed in the movie is a perfect depiction as to what us said to have actually happened. Frank Sinatra disputed this til he died.
A movie that changed cinema for the better
We finally understand why it's so highly regarded within the space. It's beautiful art, loved every second and frame!
Not anymore :(
Absolutely.
For a few decades but not in the past decade
The 1970's were considered the second "Golden Age" of Hollywood. Lots of great movies were made in the 70's.
Star Wars in 1977 would ultimately change the film industry for the worse insofar as studios afterwards just wanted to make lots of money rather than put out films with artistic credibility.
Holy shit! Your opinion that these actors skills are "questionable" indicates your ignorance of the arts.
In the book it was explained that the cop who beat up Michael broke his cheek bone and eye socket and that it wasn't properly treated until he returned to America. That's why he still has bruising a year later.
Also wouldn't be able to make trips to doctors and hospitals without being exposed to be killed.
Correct.
12:08 “I don’t know ‘70s artistes”.
It’s not the 1970s… it’s the 1940s. The film was made in the ‘70s… 1972. The film is set in 1945.
Also, “Johnny Cash”…??? Johnny Cash would be 13 years old in 1945. His music career hadn’t even started then.
I believe Michael's motivation was this: Michael knew the weaknesses of his brothers (Sonny the hot head, Freddo the simple minded, Tom wasn't blood, Connie was a woman). Michael was college educated, had military training, and the way he handled things at the hospital just proved to himself that if the family was going to survive, he was the only one in the family with the combination of strength, intelligence, and temperament to do it.
I second this. If I may add, the scene where he uses the lighter at hospital does for me. He realises he's not shivering even though it's an intense situation.
At the hospital, Michael also realized his hands weren't shaking at all when he helped the baker light a cigarette. Michael has sociopathic tendencies, like his father. Thinking of how Vito can kill with ease, go home and play with his children in godfather 2 which was presumably his first kill
@@soumyapanigrahi21 Seeing plenty of combat in WW2 and being a decorated war hero, the hospital incident wouldn't have rattled his nerves much. In fact that situation would have been familiar to him, as many instances during his combat tour, Michael as an experienced soldier would often have helped the FNG (F'ing New Guy) get through his first contact with the enemy with a cigarette and reassuring words. As an Army Brat my Dad, who was a platoon a Sgt in Nam, and Drill Sgt after the war would often pair an experienced guy with an FNG (when ever the situation would arise) to help him get through his first contact. It not only helps the new guy, but helping someone more frightend than your self cope, also helps the experienced guy stay calm himself. It's a little psychological trick dad tried to teach me in case I ever saw combat myself. I wonder if that scene was written that way because it is so common of an occurrence in war, and Michael would have found that situation familiar as a vet
good points but i feel that mike was swimming against the current, he tried everything to distance himself, but he was the only one that knew the threat would persist
thats why he says "im with you now" to his dad in the hospital, he knows only his involvement can save his father it was just unfortunate that he didnt recover quick enough to save sonny, im sure mike had hoped for his dads recovery but sonny getting killed then his wife made him go all in
the fact that he was a war hero, heavily decorated and all the experts within the family laugh when he says he will do them both at the peace talk, it wasnt malicious laughing, they all knew mike was capable, but it doubles back to the start of the film when the don was saying to the undertaker you believed in society and that provided you with justice, why come to me? mike seen since the top cop was brought off that society was all bullshit
@@SEOshogun I think you're spot on. That scene shows his separation from the normal person in dealing with violence
Two things: Carlo was in with Barzini from before he even got married to Connie, and he was frustrated all along because his attempts to infiltrate the family in service of Barzini were always getting him nowhere. He pursued and married Connie with the aim to betray the Corleones from day one. Also, while the cat in Don Corleone's lap is a good symbol, it only occurred because Marlon Brando ran into a stray cat at the studio that really liked him so he incorporated it into the scene, and Coppola thought it was a nice touch.
I don’t know if you’re right or wrong about Carlo. It made more sense to me that Barzini got to him after the beat down Sonny gave him in front of his gambling house. They found out through informants that Sonny was in town. When they missed their chance to take him out, they decided to use Carlo to draw him out again.
@@blakeharris58I dont think this is true. After beating connie the second time he knew sonny would kill him so he looked for help from barzini
In the book , he was ordered to abuse Connie, by barzini the as soon as sonny was killed he stopped and was a good husband. But yes he was an enemy from day one , and it was a long term plan . He dated Connie for years before the wedding. And vito was opposed to the match. But consented because she wants it do much
Pretty sure in both the book and movie Carlo did not turn until after Sonnie beat him and his job was shut down due to the war.
I liked that you picked up on Michael's military experience being important. Michael's nature was to be more thoughtful like his father and he was college educated so all that matters. But during World War II he was a Marine serving in the Pacific theater which means he was in a lot of heavy, brutal, even hand to hand combat. And he was awarded a Navy Cross which is second only to the Medal of Honor. I always say Michael essentially applied military mindset, combat ruthlessness, and his Father's teachings to being the most badass Don ever
THAT'S the movie I want to see - Micheal Corleone in the military. What did Michael actually do? (if the answer is in the Book, I didn't read it so I apologize.)
@@curtismartin2866 it doesn't give any details in the book either. Just that he was a "war hero" that he was awarded a Navy Cross, and in the movie he wears a Marine Corps Captain uniform. But you're right that would make an awesome prequel movie!
There is a book by Mario Puzo called the Sicilian that is a story of Michael when he was in Sicily getting involved with a local rebel. It's not Godfather level good but it is a fun read.
If I recall correctly, Michael was a pilot (fighter pilot) in the Marine Corps during WWII. I think he was in the Pacific Theatre. I could be mistaken as it has been some decades since I read the book.
This was the reason everyone laughed when Michael said he'd kill both Salozzo and McCluskey. There's a difference between shooting at another airplane at hundreds of yards' distance and pulling the trigger when a man's face is just five feet away from your own.
@@slickjack2618 I found nothing that indicates Michael was a pilot. Wouldn't his uniform have some kind of medal or ribbon indicating he was a pilot? Some kind of wings?
@@catherinelw9365 Read the book.
Haha. Your girl has a Italian mob soul. She predicts almost everything and understands the movie perfectly. Can't wait for you to watch second part. My favorite.
You've got yourself a winner there go sir. Don't you dare let her go.
It was James Caan ( Sonny Corleone) whom most recently passed away, r.i.p. The making of the film was recently turned into a TV miniseries, too. The Godfather was groundbreaking. It was so popular that real life mobsters got into it .Some of the events were loosely based on real life mob history. Moe Greene was based on Jewish mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel.
No doubt a typo, Bugsy Siegel.
@@calguy3838 When I responded, the text said Busy Siegel. That's what I was referring to.
The series made to cover the making of this movie is appropriately called The Offer.
It's a wonderful series too. There are so many nods to the movie without literally showing you any scene from the movie.
@@truevulgarian is your name from A Fish Called Wanda?
It shows how some mobsters were against the movie getting made, one mobster got talked into letting it happen instead of blocking it.
The Johnny Fontaine character was indeed based loosely on Frank Sinatra. Early in his career, Frank Sinatra was in a contract with a band leader, but wanted out of the band. The mob "convinced" the bandleader to release Sinatra from his commitment and "helped" him get a part in the war movie "From Here to Eternity", in which Frank Sinatra won an Academy Award.
True. Actually Johnny Fontaine was portrayed by a famous singer of the 1960's Al Martino (you can Google it). He said he was very nervous when asked to be in the Movie. Al was well known, and had quite a few hit Songs.
Sinatra certainly thought it was in reference to him because he threw a fit when the book came out. Since the movie came out, any weak child was usually referred to as "Fredo" because of the indelible connection.
Frank Sinatra inherited the casino business in Las Vegas. In one of these casinos he launched and controlled Elvis Presley.
Mario Puzo denied that he based the character on Sinatra.
@@teastrainer3604 Of course, had he said it, he probably would have gotten sued.
The guy is irritating: 1. Mocking diane keaton's voice, 2. Saying the actor's acting is bad, 3. Thinking fredo/cazale doesn't look italian, does he think caan looks italian? Lol, 4. Saying sonny's death was too melodramatic. The girl was surprisingly observant and quick to pick up things
Youre doing the same thing rn 🤦♂️
@@DCshandlehe's making very valid points in a comment section
Don't put too much stock in this. It's a movie. Also, old boy never raised up around women.
The girl was a tad bit annoying as well
@@jjkcharliewhat’s that got to do with anything?
I thought the first "No phones!" comment was just a bad joke. But then a couple minutes later he made another quip about no one having their phones out at the reception. And LOL to "I don't know those 70's artists" when the movie has already shown 1940's cars at the wedding. There is a difference between when the movie was made and when the story takes place.
Past it being set in the 40s, the cellphone wasn't invented until the year after the movie was made, and didn't begin showing up in public until the 90s.
Being an old timer, I really like watching young people look at and enjoy classics. Hollywood really doesn't make films in the style of The GF anymore, the attention to cinematography, the long scene, tight screenplays, actors being allowed to demonstrate what good acting is all about. It's not a film you can fully appreciate with your brain turned off. The fact that someone from this generation can watch it and enjoy it proves that cinema isn't dead.
But you two have to watch Godfather II while this is still fresh in your mind.
Sir, I beg to differ hollywood does make good movies now but they are often less in number because of these marvel movies.
@@rajch2000Marvel movies are good movies.
They're not great or genius works of art. But they tell stories that are effective and compelling in simple ways
@@rajch2000 The big studios are run by corporations now, they focus on "what can we make for less money that will sell?"( and avoid paying writers for original work ) rather than art. Back in the golden era, studios had a "B pictures" dept. making films they knew would not be huge.
Actors & Writers strike: #PayThemFairlyForTheirWork
here's a short list of some of the BEST movies ever made in no particular order:
"the bridge on the river kwai" (1957), "the seventh seal" (1957), "Ihe seven samuri" (1954), "the african queen" (1950), "the treasure of the sierra madre" (1948), "the bicyle thieves" (1948), "the snake pit" (1948), "out of the past" (1947), "its a wonderful life" (1946), "citizen kane" (1941).
1939, alone, released as many as 10 classics including "gone with the wind," "mr. smith goes to washington," "the roaring twenties," "of mice and men," "the wizard of oz," "wuthering heights" and others.
this is only a short list that includes no hitchcock films or any films after 1960 or before 1939. ALL THE MOVIES MENTIONED ARE TOP NOTCH CLASSICS and deserving of a look!
@@immanuelcunt7296they’re entertaining not good movies
"is this around the crack epidemic?"
Youre off by four DECADES. This is about heroin.
If you two enjoyed The Godfather, you will enjoy the sequel even more.
THAT is sooo true!!!
AMEN AMEN AND AMEN
Part II is a dual story of Michael after he moves the family to Nevada, and the origin story of his father Vito ( played by Robert De Niro ).
I think it might just be me, but part 1 is better than part 2. I can watch part 1 again and again without getting bored of it, but part 2 is like a 1 time thing for me.
Second part is even better than first one. I mean... it's nuts. Sometimes it feels like You watch a documentary. Best movie ever.
Even though the movie was made in the 70’s, it is set in the 1940’s, starting after WW2 (Michael is still in his uniform and notice the car styles.) Yes, the Italian singer is supposed to be a Frank Sinatra-like performer who was super popular (especially at that time, with young women.) Johnny Cash was a country-western performer who gained fame long after the time period of this film. Diane Keaton played Kay, and is not an “old-school” actress; she won the Oscar for her role in “Annie Hall” and is still making films today. She does have a high voice and is known for her fashion sense and her quirky qualities. Her character at the beginning of this story is of a more naive, innocent, sensitive person so her line readings reflect this.
Pretty funny that they thought it was the 70's
@Dej24601 - You should probably explain what "WW2" means. I doubt these two have a clue.
Who is "Old School" depends on your age.
@@dafterite don't act so superior
Yes, and spoiler alert for them to watch Godfather Part II for the rest of the story arc on Kay Corleone.
The reactors also stated confusion by the reference by Tatalia to “pre-War” vintage alcohol when serving Luca. That too supports your comment to them regarding the 1940’s setting.
"Old school actresses are all the same". Umm, what?
Full of barbiturates and penuses
kinda gen z mentality
Definitely continue with Part II.....and the somewhat maligned but still worth watching Part III. Great insights - more than I ever considered in some cases.
Yep, Godfather III is a good, arguably even great movie, it just gets automatically (and understandably) compared to the masterpieces that I and II are, and in that comparison, it doesn't stand up...
I hated Godfather III when it came out and haven't watched it since. I prefer to pretend it never happened.
Godfather II is vital, however. When people say the Godfather is the 'best movie ever,' they are generally referring to parts one and two as a whole.
At least, I am.
Avoid Godfather 3. It's awful.
@@Wolf-ln1ml Not only that but the mass majority of people don't understand Godfather 3 because they have no idea about the evil, corrupt banks (IMF, central banks, Federal Reserve, etc.), international financiers and "banksters", Vatican, CIA, etc. and all their evil, corrupt collusion/conspiracies and such.
3 is not worth watch…stop lying to these people.
Please tell me the "no phones in sight" was a joke. Lol
Good God... I dunno if you guys even realize this film was made in the 1970's, let alone SET in the 1940's. Y'all's generation Z commentary is a bit insufferable. Sorry.
And their reactions are unnecessarily lol. Who needs nearly 2 hours of listening to people who don’t know what they’re talking about?
I wouldnt be too quick to criticize the womens acting, old school Italian women are often very dramatic and reactive, so thats how she was played
That "old school female actress" is the legendary Diane Keaton.
This generation frustrates me dearly sometimes
A true masterpiece. Absolutely great. That final scene is haunting.
What's always gets me is the final scene of The GF part II, the flashback to Vito's birthday party, when you realize that everybody in that scene is dead except for Michael.
@@NelsonStJamesMostly true; but Connie and Tom and Tom's wife are still alive. (Tom died before the third movie came out, but Connie is very much alive and has quite a significant role in that part of the saga.)
@@garytiptin6479 But not the Connie of that scene.🤯
Fun fact: the guy luca brazi is not an actor he is actually person sent by the mob to watch over the movie and the director added him in maybe that why his lines didnt seem natural also before the movie was film the direct went to the one of the real mob family to ask permission to shoot the film in the first place
Lenny montana
Actually the guy who Played Luca Brazi apparently kept screwing up his lines in front of Marlon Brando he was so nervous. So after several takes he couldn’t get it right so the director went with it and put the scenes in where Luca is practicing before going to see the Don makes him screwing up his lines was part of the story.
Godfather II is my favorite of the three!!!!
Great reaction 💯
An all-time classic
Part 2 is so sloppy and off-putting to me. It’s a great movie and an above average sequel.
A good way to look at the sons is that they each personify an aspect of the Don - Sonny is his passion, Fredo is his heart and Michael is his intellect. You should definitely consider watching "The Godfather: Part 2" as it provides a clear contrast between the lives and motivations of Vito and Michael. BTW - the film only briefly alludes to Michael's military service. He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Silver Star while serving in the Pacific Theatre as a Captain in the USMC.
The film was made in 1972 -- it begins in the 1940s after WW II. The "crack epidemic" was during the 1980s.
'Not one phone in sight...' The movie begins in 1945. About 50 years before cell phones.
And Diane's voice is stunning.... she is a singer.
They were very disrespectful to the legendary cast
19:48 First, the horse's head was real (from a Mexican dog food factory). It was kept on ice before the scene.
Second, actor John Marley didn't know they were using a real horse's head until they shot the scene, so those screams were very real in the moment.
According to "the Offer" they told the studio "we'll use a fake horse head" and found a real one to use.
"I don't know 70s singers" he says of a movie set in the '40s
I loved the analysis discussion at the end of the reaction. --------- Gabriella complemented Caley's comments so well. Gabriella made her focus the symbolism of all the physical objects throughout the movie and I love her comparison of Vito to a Rose. He's so shiny and attractive to get his help but he has torns. -------- CAley was no slouch on his points as well. I knew you guys would love this movie.
The actor that played Fredo. Also played in Dog Day Afternoon, and the deer hunter, every movie he was in we're Academy Award winners for Best Picture. Oh and by the way he was also Meryl Streep's husband. Died of cancer right after the deer hunter. He was an incredible method actor.
You are right on everything. But him and Streep never married
But Streep would have married him, but he died before they could be married. Think they were living together. 1:19:48
Al Pacino was the star of "Dog Day" ( based on a true story ).
John Cazale was a great actor. Cancer sucks
John Çazale starred in five movies. The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter. All five were nominated for best picture but only three one.
"Their acting skills are questionable". Are you people joking? It's the acting skills of MODERN actors that stink. You have it completely backwards. The acting in this movie is outstanding. I can't think of any actor who doesn't give a good performance in this movie. You must be on a steady of modern CRAP movies not to appreciate this.
Amen!
Luca Brasi speaks like that because he was a real mafia enforcer and not an experienced actor. He was extremely nervous to share a scene with the legendary Marlon Brando. The director kept his takes because he found it realistic, since Brasi is written as an extremely intimidating and cruel man, who ONLY respects and fears the Godfather.
Johnny is loosely based on Frank Sinatra, to the point that he got angry about it and tried to get the production of the movie cancelled with help from his mafia friends, supposedly.
1:24:51 . . .NAILED IT!! I made the exact same connection!! But it took me several viewings of the movie over many years, to realize it.
Well done!
At first, the mafia tried to stop production of the movie, but after the movie came out, the mafia loved it. They felt that it elevated the mafia to celebrity status and glamorized them as sort of "Robin Hood" heroes. Many mafia watched the movie countless times and some even in real life imitated the on-screen characters.
Yeah, but there's no Robin Hoods in the Mafia.
According to "the Offer" after he had convinced a mobster to approve of the movie getting made, when the studio removed him as producer, the mob forced a strike of the behind the scenes film workers and they finally caved and brought him back on.
Marlon Brando was such a beast of an actor.
Great reaction, and it’s the first of yours I’ve watched. The next one, Part II, is another must-see movie. The story is intercut to show both the Corleone move to Las Vegas, and the backstory of how Vito came to America as a child in the early 1900’s. It’s a real masterpiece. But most people will probably agree that Part III is unfortunately lacking.
The actor that played Luca Brasi was an enforcer for the Colombo crime family and was starstruck in his scene with Marlon Brando, so they shot the scene of him reading his lines to make up for it.
I'm SO EMBARRASSED, I have seen this movie like 30x and I never thought about Vito's phrasing when he said "I will not be the one to break the peace here today" as he knew full well that he was about to pass control of the family onto his son. Gabriella is ON it!
because its the wrong interpretation
@@soup3097 no that's the correct interpretation. The Godfather knew he would retire soon and his successor would take revenge. You can argue whether he expected that to be Michael as Michael was still a relative newcomer and unknown, but the overall interpretation is correct.
@@billhicks808 I don't think so. I think he said this knowing that the real enemy was Barzini. Taking action against him would not be breaking the peace with Tataglia.
Vito knew that Barzinni would be the one to break the peace.
@@davidkidd4106 as well.
Michael is freshly home from the military as the movie opens because it's 1945, the year WWII ended.
You said that the acting skills are questionable evidently you know nothing about acting, these are all multi multi award-winning over their career is some of the most famous movies ever
John Cazale had a crazy career in such a short span before he died. 5 movies, all nominated for best picture Oscar, and 3 of them won
Mario Puzio did a spectacular job of pulling together stories and rumours from the Italian neighbourhood and crafted it into the Godfather. It was a work of art and felt correct because it was based on truth
Just stopping by to say the two of you have started something great. Two thumbs up.☝👍 Keep up the good work.
One of the few films I consider a Masterpiece. Great reaction, guys! Great analysis and discussion with some really insightful interesting points.
Nice reaction guys, i like that you are genuine. Not the typical over hyped youtuber you know 😂 cheers from Argentina 🇦🇷🤝🏻
Gabrielle, the cat was not scripted 😊 Copola found it wondering around the set, nobody on the crew claimed it as there's and Brando said give it to me. It was not supposed to be in the movie 😂😂
Wandering.
Theirs. There's means there is.
@@treetopjones737 yeah 👍
Your comment about the acting skills of actresses "back then" is way off. They didn't just run around squealing, as you've concluded way too early in your movie-watching journey.
Guys this takes place in the 40s. No phones and Johnny Fontaine is really Frank Sinatra and the picture was From Here to Eternity. C'mon now.
"Not a phone in sight...." JESUS!
Every time just before a death happens, there is a scene with oranges.
They all laughed. What they didn’t realize was that as a Captain in the US Marines, who started out as an enlisted man, he “made his bones” already. It was on some island in the Pacific that had changed memes a dozen times by then. And it wasn’t with a rifle from a mile away, but close enough to smell the stale sake on his enemy’s breath. 38:26
Just to clarify: Tom Hagen could never have been Godfather because he was not Sicilian. Consigliere is the highest position he could ever hold and even that was seen as borderline sacrilegious.
Tom Hagen was the classic example of a man who knows where all the bodies are buried.
Gotta watch your reaction to second part! Hard to believe this movie is 51 years old, and its still soo good and iconic.
Their speaking patterns are all about showing respect.
I love how you both picked up on the personalities of the three brothers and why the personality of Michael led his to rise to power and become the Don. -------- Michael is shrewd calculated, playing chess while others play checkers, setting his ego aside to elevate and consolidate the power of his family. Heavy rests the head that wears the crown. Cause in the Game of Thrones. You either win or you die.
4 brothers don’t forget Tom
@@mo2k638 I was never sold on the case for Tom as a brother. Since he had a higher level of respect with Don Vito. Being his trusted advisor. I more considered Tom to be an uncle. He's part of the family but not embraced like the children of Don Vito.
@@lethaldose2000 in the Godfather part 2 when Michael is handing over power to Tom he states that he’s his brother and that he loves him and kept things secret from him for his own safety he had a lot of admiration for Tom he was adopted by the Corleones as a child and has been with them ever since you’re entitled to your opinion but Tom was certainly a brother although he wasn’t Sicilian
@@mo2k638 I understand that is the case. But I don't believe it as a movie watcher. ------ Just cause they are saying it, doesn't mean I have to believe it. ------- I believe Fredo is the flaky under appreciated brother through his actions and interactions. ------ I don't buy that they treat Tom like a brother. ------ That's just me.
@@lethaldose2000 I feel like you just like to be a contrarian but agree to disagree peace ✌🏽
Vito is such a master negotiator. When Sonny gets killed he calls for the beef to be squashed so that business can resume. ------ Sets the meeting with the 5 families so he can get a read on all the positions in the network. There he finds out because of his forwardness that Barzini was the power behind the hit on Sonny.--------- Also when Vito meets with Sollozzo to discuss entering the drug trade. He keeps his motives close to his vest.------ This is why when Sonny expresses interest in the move Solozo knows he would have better luck with the offer if Sonny was in charge.------- As the Saying goes, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer".
I just discovered you guys and really enjoyed your reaction. Thank you!
James Caan, who played Sonny, died recently. Brando died a fairly long time ago. Another classic that is always among the top two, or three, is Casablanca. For me, it's Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, one through 4.
A great Bogie movie is "the Big Sleep." It also has a scene of old Hollywood in it.
The two of youth's did this Classic Justly deserved great reaction and accurately diagnosing this Classic Masterpiece.
49:47 "an offer he can't refuse" that's a brilliant insight...that is the first time that we see Michael really manipulate a situation like he's a Don.
1:20 It was James Caan, the actor who played Sonny, who died recently. Marlon Brando died in 2004.
really appreciate your post discussion. quite a bit more in depth analysis than most reaction channels. looking forward to you watching Part 2, which in my opinion takes the saga to even greater moviemaking/storytelling.
p.s. love your attention to the literary themes and symbolism. when you have a moment, look up the legend of the cat & Marlon Brando during the opening scene. I don’t often use this word, but it was genius.
I got to the point where the dude started to impersonate Diane Keaton, and it was a struggle to watch that much of this hatchet job.
Outstanding reaction! I particularly enjoyed your thoughtful, perceptive observations. Great chemistry between the two of you, also! Definitely see Parts II & III! This may be my favorite trilogy; and your first-time reaction made my day. It's fascinating that The Godfather in this story is not actually Vito; it's Michael. It's actually his journey we follow. He didn't want this life; but was forced to make a life and death decision because of his love of family. And having been a war hero, he was uniquely equipped to do the job; he just didn't know it. Instinct took over. Substantial critique after the film! You're doing a great job, you two! Have some Italian food next time and party with the Corleones! Keep going!
The first scene shot for this film was the restaurant/shooting and it was the strength of Al Pacino’s performance that made all the studio executives watching it, and everyone else, realize that there was a potential star on their hands, after first doubting that Pacino should have been cast.
Not true. The restaurant scene was shot after the reception scene.
@@tml184 Sorry. But it was one of the earliest scenes shot, and it turned everyone from feeling uncertain about the casting of Pacino, and about the film’s potential, to a more positive outlook on the project.
Al Pacino is the son of Sicilian Italian-American parents.
@@treetopjones737 His maternal grandmother is from Corleone.
I lovin the commentary and analysis of each film you guys do!
You guys should really use sub titles so you can understand certain parts. Makes the movie story come together, so if you watch part two, please do that for yourselves lol
Michael’s face in the restaurant always hits me in the gut. You can see the fear, the hatered, the resentment… every emotion and feeling of a man who is not just dipping a toe in the family business, he’s diving headfirst. It’s a masterclass in acting from Pachino. Absolute perfection !
I love how Caely had his favorite character in Michael Corlone to reflect his analytical personality and Gabriella gravitated to Vito as he had more heart. ------- Michael inherited his father's intelligence but didn't inherit his heart. ---------- No doubt this is in part because Vito came from nothing and could understand the hardships of everyday people while the Corleone children grew up with everything. ------------ Vito put a lot of faith in Michael to do better than him but Michael has his own enemies to flay and battle to fight and each age needs a different set of skills to survive. ---------- To see how ruthless Michael had to become ruthless to ensure the strength of the Corleone empire, but at the destruction of his family on a personal level.
You're an idiot.
Michael had heart, more than enough.
It's precisely bc of that heart that he turned himself into a savage animal to protect Kay so what happened in Sicily wouldn't happen to a woman he actually loved Especially after he got advice from his father " Women and children can be careless men can not " ..
" Kay, I did what I could to protect you from horrors of this word "
" Why was I so feared. What betrayed me was it my heart or my mind "
Every murder Michael committed Vito knew about it.
Your ability to comprehend the movie is as bad as his.
And Michael was In a situation Vio never was..... he had to fight for his life, commit Mass murder and kill him his own brother in law.
That's shown about Vito in Part II.
52:31 [re the wedding] “It’s because they can’t have sex before marriage”. 🤣 You’re saying they got married just so they could have sex??? 👏🏻🤣
Michael has an Eagle Globe and Anchor on his collar (Alpha Jacket.) A Marine from the Pacific theater. We can assume his first action was Tarawa. It explains where he is in the beginning and WHY he carries out his mission so well. "OooRAH!!!"
It truly is a treat to see a lot of young people Like yourselves on TH-cam react to the Godfather it just goes to show just how much this film has really stood the test of time. You guys should really consider checking out. This show called the offer it’s based off of real events and it shows how the Godfather was made and basically what the creators had to go through in order to get the movie made because back in those days mob films were not that very popular and they weren’t very profitable and the studios were not interested in gangster films, but the godfather completely changed all of that. I mean, what else is there to say about the godfather that hasn’t already been said this movie changed my life that’s all I’m gonna say.
The original movie has subtitles for most of the italian scenes. I don't know why yours didn't. It was never something you had to turn on. But you guys seemed to get most of it.
Epic movie, great reaction. Enjoyed it!
No phone in sight ??? WTF
Yeah that comment cracked me up 😅
And in the theme of actual singers included in the cast, Mama Corleone was played by jazz singer Morgana King, born in the US but of Sicilian parents.
First time seeing you guys. Noticed the girl did not say much during the film but she pointed out two things I have never realized, and I have seen this film more than once. Good job both of you.
Fun fact Clemenza was Sonny’s godfather. So him killing Carlo was poetic justice
The women's acting skills are NOT questionable. The daughter is played by Talia Shire. Google her. Maybe just watch the movie, soak it in, and learn that times were different. You even attempted a Boston accent for a New York film. I stopped watching.
You really can't beat these old classics .. There are so much more wonderful movies to see yet.
This is one of those movies as good as the Novel it was based on. The only real difference is it gives you a lot of character depth with guys like Clemenza, Tessio, Sonny, and just about everyone.
It exceeds the novel in my opinion. To be fair, I only read it once and have seen the movie countless times.
@@Th3Downz in the Novel it fully shows Sonny’s character as well as gives good backstory on Vito and his friendship with Tessio and Clemenza
Much of the character background material from the novel was intentionally left out by the screenwriter Mario Puzo, who authored the novel himself. Much of this backstory material made it's way into The Godfather Part 2, which was also written by Puzo.
@@Al_NERi very true. It’s tough to fit all of the Novel elements into a movie but this film is very close.
Good insight. I enjoyed your discussion afterwards
35:02 “He was in the trenches, probably”… what???!!!
Michael served in WWII, not WWI…! 🤷🏻♂️
Very good review and conclusions of this movie. I will subscribe!
The singer was Frank Sinatra and it wasn't the 70s it was the 50s. He was a fictitious character the movie Sinatra got was From Here to Eternity and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Btw everybodies name in this is changed even the Corleones lol
Yeah that's what our assumption was. We know that Sinatra was heavily involved with the mob, we even have a family friend who knew a guy who knew a guy who would tell stories of that involvement lol.
The beginning of the film when the wedding occurs is based in 1946
@@SanctusPaulus1962 If it is they are being liberal with times in the movie. The film Sinatra needed the part for was Here to Eternity which was released in 1953 and the novel was written in 1951 so there is a real problem with the time in the movie and reality.
Actually the movie starts in the 40's right after the war.
@@tml184 Yes I understand that but the singer the horse head incident is based on couldn't have happened until the 50s because it's based on the part Frank Sinatra got in From Here to Eternity. That book was written in 1951 so hard to imagine Johnny(or Frank Sinatra) complaining about a movie or book that didn't exist yet.
Love your in-deep analysis, cant wait for Part II...
Also, the original film had subtitles for almost all of the conversations in Italian/Sicilian, so I'm not sure why they weren't showing on your copy.
The reason why Luca Brazzi spoke like that was him being genuinely nervous in front of Marlon Brando they decided to keep in the film to portray that The Godfather (Marlon Brando) was feared
The singer "Johnny Fontaine" (Frank Sinatra) is the real-life singer Al Martino.
LOL, your girlfriend saying she didn't trust the baker at first, but then she heard his Italian accent...
The mobsters trying to kill Vito are Italian too
Fantastic reaction and remarks throughout! I will say that it's a great thing you speak enough romance language to understand some of the Italian......but definitely put on the subtitles for Godfather Part 2! There ARE subtitles on Part 1! They intentionally don't have subtitles for the scene where Michael takes out Solozzo and the police captain, but other than that, there are subtitles for all the Italian parts! And you absolutely will need them on for Godfather Part 2. Ideally, there should be a version where the English subtitles pop up ONLY when they're speaking Italian. That's how we all saw it. / Yes: the fictional Johnny Fontaine character is definitely modeled on Frank Sinatra, and specifically his early days as a singer with Tommy Dorsey and then later his role in the classic movie "From Here To Eternity", although neither story is thought to be factually accurate. But Sinatra definitely had mob friends. / Diane Keaton was no "old school actress" , at the same time, she was as cutting edge as the young Pacino at the time, she was in a string of Woody Allen comedies that changed the course of the genre, and she is brilliantly hilarious in all of them. A total comedy genius. Kay, as written, is underwritten, she's there just to ask questions and get the exposition going and link plot points. She made this nothing little part into something completely memorable. She's got more to do in the second one because by then she was a big star. Diane Keaton is one of the greats, right up there with all the other young actors that got discovered off this movie (Pacino, Caan, Duvall, etc). I'm sure "Annie Hall" is on any serious list of "greatest movies ever" that you're working off of, so I'm sure you'll see her in that. And "Reds" from 1981 is another great one that she's incredible in, I'm sure that's on any serious "best of the 80s list" or "best historical epics ever", etc etc. Definitely don't sell Diane Keaton short! Talia Shire, who played Connie, she went on to play Adrian in Rocky. I think what you may be reacting to is not the actresses' performances, but the mannerisms of what women were like. This was the 1970s doing the 1940s, and the acting is appropriate to that, trust me. Oh shit, I've written a BOOK! You guys are GREAT reactors! Can't wait to see what you do next! I'm subscribing!
So enjoyable movie reaction by you two. So nourishing to hear your insights.
They're not Italians.They're Sicilians. What everyone fails to realize is that the Mafia originated from Sicili and has...to be Sicilian to be accepted in the Mafia. 🇲🇽🇺🇲💯👍🏼
That’s not totally true, b/c what era are you talking about, and what family? Lucky Luciano was from Naples.
In Italy, the Mafia is Sicilian, while the Naples mafia is the Camorra and the Calabrian mafia is the Ndrangheta. In America, the mafia families were all known as the Mafia or La Cosa Nostra and had all kinds of culturally Italian mobsters in its ranks.
You're right about the Don's protective detail being inadequate; it's even addressed in the plot: the Don was slipping; ten years earlier, they couldn't have gotten to him that easily.
Dude do the cars look like the 70s? Cmon guys!
The 5 families of New York are still active today. The boss of the Gambino family actually got killed out of his house back in 2019. The mafia isn’t as big and powerful as it was back in the day, but they’re still very much active.