The Godfather (1972)
Spanning the years 1945 to 1955, a chronicle of the fictional Italian-American Corleone crime family. When organized crime family patriarch, Vito Corleone barely survives an attempt on his life, his youngest son, Michael steps in to take care of the would-be killers, launching a campaign of bloody revenge.
Details
Budget
$6,000,000
Rating
9/10 (21172 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions
About The Godfather
Set between 1945 and 1955, "The Godfather" explores the Italian-American Corleone crime family. The story begins when an assassination attempt on Vito Corleone, the family patriarch, leads his youngest son, Michael, to take violent action, initiating a cycle of retribution. The film's narrative focuses on the internal lives of its characters within the broader context of organized crime, showing how family loyalty and violent enterprise intertwine.
The film delves into themes of power, family ties, and the corrosive nature of violence, all presented through the lens of a crime drama. Its exploration of symbols, religious hypocrisy, and the rise to power within a crime family gives the narrative added layers. With a runtime of 175 minutes, it is an intense story that covers a decade of events involving the Sicilian mafia and the repercussions of their decisions.
Why you might be searching for The Godfather
People are often searching for details related to specific, sometimes violent, scenes in "The Godfather," such as a character apologizing before killing someone, or a son confronting his father. Queries also cover the lead characters like Al Pacino's role and the evolution of the Corleone family dynamics into a mafia war.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer identifies the film as a masterpiece of cinema, pointing to its widespread recognition as one of the greatest movies ever made and an exceptional crime drama.
Read the full reviewA review praises Francis Ford Coppola's direction and the film's storytelling, noting the acting is generally strong, though one performance might be slightly exaggerated.
Read the full reviewA reviewer credits Mario Puzo's story and Coppola's directing, along with the cast, for creating a film that balances guile, loyalty, and brutality, although the audio mix could be improved as some dialogue is hard to hear.
Read the full reviewOne critic calls the film a cinematic masterpiece for its blend of crime drama with themes of power, loyalty, and family, crediting Marlon Brando and Al Pacino for their performances.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Godfather" on FuboTV, Paramount+ Premium, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. It's also available to buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango.
"The Godfather" is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Mario Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same name.
At the end of "The Godfather," Michael Corleone solidifies his position as the new Don by orchestrating the murders of the heads of the other New York crime families. He also has his brother-in-law, Carlo, killed for conspiring against the family. The film concludes with Michael's wife, Kay, watching as the caporegimes pledge their allegiance to Michael, addressing him as "Don Corleone," and the door is closed on her, visually emphasizing her exclusion from his new life.
Yes, "The Godfather" is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, especially within the gangster genre. It received widespread critical acclaim, winning three Academy Awards including Best Picture, and is praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay.