Saturday 7 January 2012

The Godfather Review



With some of the best cast choices, an amazing director, and an amazing script, was there any doubt this film would be amazing? It's completely mind blowing on what Francis Ford Coppola did, as well as the every single person who worked on it. No wonder it's said to be one of the best films of all time! It's completely outstanding. I wouldn't even be afraid to call this movie perfect. It really pushes the limits of a mob film, and every film following a concept even slightly similar to this has taken points from this film. Firstly, let's talk about the plot, because there's not much to say without giving away anything, but I'll do my best. It's about the Corleone family, a "Mafia" family and their struggle with the leader of the family, Don, grows aged, and Michael, his son, is to take his place when he passes away. I would say more, but it's very complex and long, and I'd spoil some of the surprises, so just trust me on this, the plot is very well done. Now, something very important, the violence. The violence is gruesome, disturbing, and very intense, absolutely NOT recommended for kids, even with adults around. Now, something I must warn, as it really confused me for the first while: The first half of the film is why many consider the film boring, and I have a reason for that. It seems that Francis Ford Coppola wanted to really develop the characters and make them as important in the film is possible, so he seems to take the entire first half of the film to develop the characters, which is about an hour and thirty minutes. So, I shall warn you, if you hate slow movies, and don't care much about these types of characters, don't watch this movie, you'll be bored to death. As for everyone else, you can definitely enjoy the first half, especially because it makes the second half more intense and significant. So, don't be surprised if the movie seems very slow, it's worth it. Now, because this might be known as my most viewed post ever, as the film is well known, I shall do The Best and Worst of "The Godfather". The best was difficult for me to decide. I had to choose between the acting and the editing, so I've decided to pick the one I think is more important to a film, and acting edges out. The acting was outstanding. Al Pacino was the best by far, with his unlimited emotions and amazing delivery, he was tremendous in this performance. Also, James Caan and John Cazale were amazing, Marlon Brando made the character feel real, as if he wasn't Marlon Brando, he was the character, and Robert Duvall... awesome. Even the minor characters were portrayed wonderfully by their actors. Now the worst part of the film, which was extremely hard for me, but I decided to go with the ending, not because it was bad, far from it, I actually really liked the ending, but unlike everything else in the movie, it has a flaw. It feels empty, like it made you care so much for the characters, you were so interested in them, and right at the last few seconds, it literally shuts the door on them, basically saying "That's all you get, I don't care if you want more, you'll just have to wait 2 years for the sequel". I mean, it's a good ending, but it's the only thing in this movie I can complain about. So, overall, what would I say about this movie? Well, it's one of the best, check it out, you will not regret it.


5/5