Based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name, The Godfather (1972) is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. It is certainly, at the very least, one of the most influential. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the pitch-perfect screen play was co-written by Coppola and Mario Puzo. From the now classic opening scene to the equally classic finale, all anchored by an unforgettable musical score, The Godfather is full of timeless moments... including the now legendary line, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." Coppola's unconventional choices in casting, though protested at the time, proved to be a stroke of genius. Marlon Brando's performance is often cited to be the benchmark, and pinnacle of acting ability. The film also placed newcomer Al Pacino on the map. The supporting cast of Robert Duvall, James Caan, Sterling Hayden, Talia Shire, John Cazale and Diane Keaton deliver admirable, spot-on performances as well. The Godfather won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay... and Best Actor, which Marlon Brando famously refused to accept. Two sequels followed.
1945: Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the patriarch of the powerful Corleone crime family in New York...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Marlon Brando |
His daughter is getting married, and the whole family is present...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Marlon Brando and Al Pacino |
including Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) a war hero out on military leave, accompanied by his girlfriend Kay Adams (Diane Keaton). Michael tends to distance himself from the criminal aspects of his family...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Diane Keaton and Al Pacino |
Don Corleone is gunned down, after his refusal to join the other Mafia crime families in the drug trade, but survives...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Marlon Brando |
Michael vows revenge on those responsible...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Al Pacino |
After the killings, Michael must flee America for Sicily, where he meets the lovely Appolonia...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972 |
Meanwhile, Sonny Corleone (James Caan) has taken over the family operation, with the assistance of his trusted adopted brother Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall)...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972 |
Sonny doesn't fare well, though, and is murdered...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972 |
leaving Michael to return to America to take over...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Al Pacino |
with the ailing Don staying on as his advisor...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Marlon Brando and Al Pacino |
Michael must tie up all the loose ends, to ensure that his family will continue to thrive in their endeavors...
 |
| The Godfather. 1972: Marlon Brando and Al Pacino |
