- Film Review
- Reviewed By Andrew Collins
-
5 out of 5
This elegiac organised-crime saga from the young Francis Ford Coppola is one of the all-time high watermarks of American cinema, rich with subtle acting and blessed with stunning cinematography from Gordon Willis. It proves that an intelligent, sometimes slow-moving drama with impeccable artistic credentials can create queues around the block. Taken with its 1974 sequel, it manages to define the age in which it was made, while remaining a period piece. Beginning after the Second World War, it traces the handover of power within the Corleone family, from the old world values of Don Vito (a heavily disguised but stately Marlon Brando) to his son, the "white sheep" Michael (Al Pacino, proving that his risky casting was inspired). The Mafia is never mentioned by name, but underneath all the slayings and sinister "offers you can't refuse" this is an immigrant family drama about assimilation, blood loyalty and honour.
Plot Summary
Francis Ford Coppola's epic Oscar-winning crime drama, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan. In New York following the Second World War, Don Corleone is determined that his family should keep control of the American crime world. His daughter Connie is to be married, an occasion that draws guests pledging gifts to the couple in the hope that they will be granted favours by the "Godfather".
Cast and crew
Cast
- Don Vito Corleone
- Marlon Brando
- Michael Corleone
- Al Pacino
- Sonny Corleone
- James Caan
- Clemenza
- Richard Castellano
- Tom Hagen
- Robert Duvall
- McCluskey
- Sterling Hayden
- Jack Woltz
- John Marley
- Barzini
- Richard Conte
- Kay Adams
- Diane Keaton
- Sollozzo
- Al Lettieri
- Tessio
- Abe Vigoda
- Connie Rizzi
- Talia Shire
- Carlo Rizzi
- Gianni Russo
- Fredo Corleone
- John Cazale
- Cuneo
- Rudy Bond
- Johnny Fontane
- Al Martino
- Mama Corleone
- Morgana King
- Luca Brasi
- Lenny Montana
- Paulie Gatto
- John Martino
- Bonasera
- Salvatore Corsitto
- Neri
- Richard Bright
- Moe Greene
- Alex Rocco
- Nazorine
- Vito Scotti
- Apollonia Vitelli Corleone
- Simonetta Stefanelli
- Don Tommasino
- Corrado Gaipa
Crew
- Director
- Francis Ford Coppola
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