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
Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 crime drama, "The Godfather," is an adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel, chronicling the fictional Corleone crime family between 1945 and 1955. The narrative begins when patriarch Vito Corleone survives an assassination attempt, prompting his youngest son, Michael, to step in and confront those responsible, which leads to a cycle of revenge.
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the corrupting nature of power within the organized crime world. Key elements include the exploration of the mafia and Sicilian mafia, as well as the depiction of gun violence and a focus on a crime family's rise to power. The story also touches on religious hypocrisy and revenge motives, with the 1940s and 1950s serving as the backdrop for a mafia war.
With a runtime of 175 minutes, "The Godfather" is a substantial work that delves into the dynamics of the Corleone family. It also examines the transformation of Michael Corleone as he becomes increasingly involved in the family's illicit activities. The film's critical reception is reflected in its high ratings, with a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and a perfect 100/100 on Metacritic, alongside an IMDb rating of 9.2 from over two million votes.
Why you might be searching for The Godfather
People often search for "The Godfather" to recall specific impactful scenes, such as discussions about the relative ruthlessness of Michael versus Vito, or instances of gun violence. There is also interest in the film's period setting, specifically the 1940s and 1950s, and its portrayal of a powerful crime family.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes "The Godfather" as an exceptional and flawless crime drama, often considered among the greatest films ever made.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praises the film as a masterpiece, highlighting Francis Ford Coppola's direction, the engaging storytelling, and strong acting performances.
Read the full reviewOne review commends the story and Coppola's direction, noting that Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall portray characters with guile, loyalty, and brutality. The reviewer's only minor criticism is that some dialogue, particularly Brando's, is occasionally hard to hear.
Read the full reviewA review hails "The Godfather" as a cinematic masterpiece that redefined storytelling, with Marlon Brando's performance as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino's portrayal of Michael Corleone being particularly noteworthy.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Godfather" on services like Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, and MGM Plus. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, the movie can be purchased on DVD or Blu-ray.
"The Godfather" is a fictional story based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel of the same name. While the Corleone family and their activities are not real, the film portrays a classic tale of a Mafia family set in 1940s New York.
In "The Godfather," Michael Corleone, initially distancing himself from the family's criminal enterprise, ultimately embraces it after his father, Don Vito Corleone, is nearly assassinated. Following a period of revenge and a gang war, Michael returns home, marries Kay, and takes over as the new Don, systematically eliminating all rivals who attacked the Corleone family.
Yes, "The Godfather" is widely considered an epic masterpiece that won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1972. It features acclaimed performances from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, and has a 97% rating, making it a highly regarded film.