REVIEW: The Godfather (1972)

Let’s cut to the chase: This movie lives up to the hype. Tonight was my first time seeing the classic, as part of a special theatre screening to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The story is deeply character-focused, offering studies on not only the film’s leads like Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael (Al Pacino)—both of whom performed spectacularly in their respective roles—but also on the character of “the family” itself.

It offers a smooth blend of compelling storylines that all tie into one another, and leans heavily into the 1940s New York setting in a very effective manner, transporting this viewer to that world in a way I’ve not often experienced.

The cast as a whole is also extremely strong, and that’s aided by a terrific script penned by Mario Puzo (the author of the original book) and director Francis Ford Coppola. It felt biblical, relatable and intimate watching the development of each character’s arc.

It makes sense why this movie has been so heavily celebrated for a half-century, and it was fascinating and exciting to see the origin of so many cinematic staples and iconic lines.

In some ways, I’m embarrassed I’ve been so late to the party on this film since I’ve had many opportunities over the years to view it. But I’m also extremely grateful I got to see it for the first time the way Coppola intended: on the big screen (and remastered, in fact).

Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised that the expectations that had been built in my head (“best movie ever”) were generally met—though I don’t necessarily have it that high on my all-time list, and still need to see The Godfather: Part II.

The one thing that distracted me in the movie was some of the editing choices, particularly cross dissolves or fades that maybe would have been better served as straight cuts—but that’s me just being nit-picky.

The bottom line: Just watch it. 9.5/10