"The Godfather" (1972) is based upon the 1969 novel by Mario Puzo depicting an Italian immigrant that rises from the most
humble of beginnings to become the powerful head of a New York City crime family. Directed by
Francis Ford Coppola,
The Godfather presents an incredible cast of heavy hitters in the acting community, blended flawlessly with a wonderful screenplay by Coppola and Puzo, an appropriate musical score and realistic scenary.
The cast is led by Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone, with sons Michael (Al Pacino), and Sonny (James Caan), and adopted street urchin Tom Hagan (Robert Duval), with Talia Shire as Don Corleone's only daughter. Other great character actors like Abe Vigoda fill out the cast.
Mixed with realistic violence and plot lines from the activities of real life organized crime families, The Godfather is without question the most realistic offering concerning the Mafia in cinematic history. The film won three Academy Awards - Marlon Brando for best actor, Albert S. Ruddy for best picture, and Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola for best screenplay. In addition, The Godfather represents the opportunity to view some of the greatest actors of the current generation in their early roles.
To anyone who views movies as a viable art form The Godfather is a must see - at least five times.