Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) runs a family Known simply as the Corleone Family. Bu this is no ordinary family. It is a HUGE mob family with a great deal of wealth and power.
Don Vito has three sons: Sonny (James Caan), Fredo, and Michael (Al Pacino). He also has a daughter, Connie (Talia Shire).
Sonny is Vito's oldest son, and the one who is first in line to take the helm of the family business. Fredo isn't all there some of the time, and Michael doesn't want ANY part of the business. That is, untill Don Vito is shot five times.
The attempted "hit" on Vito puts a scare into the family. Vito Survives, but an all out war begins against the other Five Families.
However, Micheal, exacting revenge on a police captain and the man behind his father's shooting, shoots them both in a restaurant in the Bronx. He is forced into exile in Sicilly where he meets his first wife (who is mistakeinly killed instead of Michael).
Michael soon returns to New York where he takes over the family business he didn't want after his brother Sonny is brutally gunned down...
The Godfather is one of those movies that made motion picture history. Not only has it been spoofed countless times, but is now part of our culture. The line "Make him an offer he can't refuse" has been used in every which way possible; the image of Don Corleone sitting in the chair... same deal.
Even I have used quotes from The Godfather at some points or another. Heck, who hasn't?
The Godfather shies away from the violence end of the mafia, and instead examines the "crime family" if you will, and how one man, a "puppet master" controles the whole kit and kaboodle.
I thought Marlon Brando's performance was exceptional and there have been no other better mobster on screen (except maybe Joe Pesci in Goodfellas). For the life of me, I don't know why ANYONE would want to give up such a great reward as the Oscar. Heck, I would be at the podium so fast... (it is a dream of mine to win an oscar).
Plot: 
Visual Effects:
No really to speak of. However, the death of Sonny Corleone was well done. As well, Director Francis Ford Coppola used great camera techniques, angles, shots, etc. to benefit the film.
Sound:
Awesome score. Exceptional.
Character Development:
Atmosphere: 
The opening scene will grab you instantly. It's really that good.
Realism:
The movie has a subtle "unhollywood" tone to it, but the again, most mob movies are embelished a bit.
Warren’s Rating:
Movies it beat out for Best Picture:
Cabaret, (1972); Deliverance, (1972); Sounder, (1972);
Utvandrarna, (1971)
8.86/10 Is the movie worth your time to watch?
1-05-04
