" Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

  The Godfather

The film chronicles the Corleone family led by "Don" Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), one of the five-mafia families of the New York area. The Don ensures kindness is given to those who give respect and loyalty to the family, and violence used against anyone who stands in the way of the good of the family. When the Don is targeted by one of the other families, his sons Michael (Al Pacino) and Sonny (James Caan) are left to take responsibility of the families affairs. Michael, who had been avoiding the family business, is forced to make a choice for the good of the family. The decision Michael makes ensures he becomes a vital member of the family business.

It's hard to judge movies from different eras, but even harder when the movie has expectations surrounding it such as "the greatest movie of all time". The Godfather, which was directed and jointly written by Francis Ford Coppola, definitely has that timeless feel to it, as it is able to be viewed in the modern day and still warrant the highest degree of appreciation and success. Its themes of corruption, murder, revenge, honour and above all family are as relevant today as they were forty years ago when the film was made. It may not be the best movie ever made but it undisputed as a masterpiece of cinema.

Its worth watching the The Godfather just to see the quotes, scenes and characters that have become part of pop culture. Many references are well known such as the quote "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" and the horse head in the bed (which was actually a real horse head from a meat processing plant) , then there's scenes such as the stroking of the cat and the character of the Godfather himself that have influenced so many movies. Viewers may be unaware of just how influential the film was as it inspired an entire genre of movies and television shows from the likes of Goodfellas and The Sopranos.

The film achieves success in so many areas from the famous score, to the versatile use of the camera, the renowned dialogue and of course with the acting performances. I thought Brando would dominate the film but instead it was Pacino's character Michael who was given the majority of screen time, whilst the Don remained the all-important presence that guided the film. It’s a testament to Brando's acting abilities to create such an iconic character and deliver such a potent performance with his limited amount of screen time. He is well and truly deserving of his Oscar and one can't help but try and imitate his accent after watching the film.

The supporting cast includes Diane Keaton as Michael's partner, James Caan as the fiery and hot-headed Sonny and Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, who serves as the lawyer for the family. The film includes a cast of actors that are now regarded as legends and it's interesting to see many of them as they are just beginning their acting career. Pacino is the standout, and its interesting to note that he was under a lot of pressure during the shooting of the movie as executives were unhappy with his performance. It wasn't until the scene in Louis Restaurant where his potential was realised, which subsequently is one of the best scenes in the film. Pacino went on to prove his abilities as an actor by achieving a nomination for best supporting actor alongside his co-stars, Duvall and Caan.

I definitely believe I would gain a greater appreciation of this film with a second viewing, for one thing I would be able to keep track of the seemingly endless array of characters and be able to view the film without worrying whether or not it will live up to its expectations.. What I found most interesting after watching the Godfather was how we as the viewer support the characters of Michael and the Godfather despite seeing their actions of murder and brutality firsthand. I think Coppola has achieved a sense of admiration and love for these characters by showing their kind, compassionate side as is masterly portrayed in the initial scenes where business is conducted at the wedding. 

I think The Godfather has rightfully earnt its reputation as a movie you have to see before you die, as it is an important part of cinema history and a truly powerful film. In the end the film is more a family saga than a film about gangsters, murder or violence, with the end result an impressive piece of cinema. If I have learnt anything from watching the movie it's to never go against the family.