The Good Father

"The Godfather" (1972) is a drama starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Plot: When a Mafia boss is hit, one of his sons must take over. Rated R.

Approval Rate: 86%

86%Approval ratio

Reviews 47

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  • by

    irishgit

    Tue Jul 13 2010

    I believe, from the description that this is supposed to be "The Godfather" not "The Good Father" which is the picture shown next to the description and is an entirely different film. The Godfather is a finely crafted movie, with not a weak performance to be seen. Caan is perfect as Sonny, and Pacino has his breakout performance as Michael. The script is near flawless and the cinematography and set design is breathtaking. One of the best American films ever made, and the only film in the top 10 on this list that deserves to be there.

  • by

    taddybear

    Wed Nov 11 2009

    So over rated - its a genre that I just find it hard to appreciate. Chacun a son gout.

  • by

    drwoowoocl

    Tue Nov 10 2009

    This would be No.2 with Pt.2 No. 1

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    edt4226d

    Fri Feb 27 2009

    If pressed, I'd probably have to list this as my personal favorite movie of all time, and it has to rank up there as one of the 2 or 3 greatest American movies ever. I've watched it countless times and it fascinates me every time, at this point for what went on behind the scenes during the filming rather than for the film itself. Potentially, it could have starred Laurence Olivier as Don Corleone, Robert Redford as Michael, and Robert De Niro as Sonny. Although the Corleone compound was supposed to be in Long Island, it was actually filmed in Staten Island. Real life Mafia Boss Joe Colombo was active in a well-publicized campaign against perceived anti-Italian prejudice in the entertainment industry (among other places) and he forced Francis Ford Coppola to refrain from using the word "Mafia" at all in the movie. Colombo Family members became involved in the making of the film, and Lenny Montana, who played "Luca Brasi", was allegedly a close associate of the Colombo Family. The cemete... Read more

  • by

    oakinski

    Sat Dec 27 2008

    One of my top 5 movies.

  • by

    louiethe20th

    Tue Apr 29 2008

    Top-notch movie making at it's finest! Marlon Brando, James Caan and Al Pacino, what a cast, what a story and what a wonderful movie! There is a reason why this film is regarded as one of the best of all time.

  • by

    cindobindo

    Wed Mar 26 2008

    Beautifully photographed, but so very graphically VIOLENT!! A man wakes up to a severed horse's head in his bed, men age machine-gunned down on camera while the scene switches back and forth between them an a baby's christening.Just 2 of the cinematic pleasures of this beautifully-filmed BLOODFEST, with its message that murder is the appropriate response to betrayal,shame or disappointment due to another's behavior. DISGUSTING.Marlon Brando must've been desperate for money to take a role in this rotten movie.

  • by

    34moviesmu_sicthea

    Sun Nov 18 2007

    The 1987 UK film THE GOOD FATHER'S cast and crew reads like a who's who of British Cinema creme de la creme: Mike Newell directed (HARRY POTTER GOBLET OF FIRE,MONA LISA SMILE,AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE);Christopher Hampton screenplay (Oscar for DANGEROUS LIAISONS,QUIET AMERICAN,TOTAL ECLIPSE) and actors such as Anthony Hopkins,Jim Broadbent,Simon Callow,Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry.BIG NAMES...but a small an independent film that looks at the complex emotions of couples breaking up and the bitter wars that develop over the children.This is NOT a simple,straightforward story;it is full of very complex emotionally charged material that does not try to give easy answers to these issues;instead Christopher Hampton is willing to simply let the "chips fall where they may" and let "the doodoo hit the fan" in order to show that divorce simply is not cut and dry.People get hurt and often intense misunderstanding and vengeance rears its ugly head.Much of this films narrative is told in small ... Read more

  • by

    viva4719

    Wed Oct 24 2007

    Had the screenwriter and director handled this better, this story could have been stronger, more complete, and more organized. Even the performances could have been better than they were. By the end, Hopkins' character realizes that attacking people is not the way to get what one truly desires, especially when custody of a child is involved, but this is not handled in a very smooth way. Also, the weird fantasies and nightmares he has about smothering his son are not dealt with in a coherent fashion. As well, the movie comes off as strident rather than profound. I gave it three stars just because of the cast members and the attempt, which is so so but not terrible.

  • by

    donnalvoytek

    Wed Jul 05 2006

    I loved the film. Anthony Hopkins never ceases to amaze me with his performances. If you're a fan of his, it's a must see.

  • by

    oscargamblesfr_o

    Sun Feb 19 2006

    Greatest American movie since the forties in my opinion, on a sad note, today character actor Richard Bright, who played enforcer Al Neri, and also appeared in stuff like "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid' and "Marathon Man" was struck and killed by a bus in N.Y.C.

  • by

    jmj3702e

    Thu Nov 10 2005

    If God had not created dog,this would then be classified man's best friend.The source of all wisdom(well..for buisness at least)for men?...I feel no man makes decisions in life without first contemplating what the'Don'would do in a perticular situation.Using quotes from this movie has landed me in hotwater many times with the boss...sometimes it becomes a reflex to apply a quote in certain circumstances example:after been yelled at my reflex quote to my boss was thus"I promise you either your signature or,your brains will be on this contract...."ooops!

  • by

    goldilocks

    Tue Oct 11 2005

    I love the whole dialogue in this film. I think most people agree that this is one of the BEST films ever made. I have yet to become tired of it. I love it.

  • by

    dclough

    Thu Jul 28 2005

    Christopher Hampton is a superb diagnostician when it comes to the war between the sexes and his scripts (ie. "Treats" or "Les Liaisons Dangereuses") examine the viciousness and the paradoxes of gender relationships like no other. "The Good Father" hinges on just such a paradox (no spoilers here) but it's also a deft picture of where things stood between the sexes in the self-centred 80's. Men are encouraged to identify with the angry hero's sense of outrage over agressive feminism and the absurdities of political correcteness but then the film cleverly changes gear and makes us realise that more is at stake. Not a classic perhaps - or a good date movie - but thought provoking and well acted.

  • by

    genghisthehun

    Mon Jul 11 2005

    This is one of the top ten American movies.

  • by

    kattwoman

    Sun May 15 2005

    classic. marlon brando is perfect as vito corleone. james caan as hotheaded sonny corleone was memorable.this movie was done with class it didnt need violence and blood to make it exciting. it was well written and the book is just as good if not just a little bit better.

  • by

    keithbernardco_ok

    Fri Mar 18 2005

    can't stand gangster-type films

  • by

    paul1963

    Fri Jan 21 2005

    Best movie of all time! It has it all, even Clemenza's great red sauce recipe...

  • by

    callitdownthel_ine75

    Wed Jul 07 2004

    'The Godfather' is simply one of the greatest (if not the greatest ever). This movie has it all, and anyone who has ever sat down to watch it is immediately pulled into the world of the Corleones for the entire length of the movie. With the mixture of storyline and casting, along with the light and dark, this movie captures the very essence of what filmmaking is all about and more. 'The Godfather' is art at its finest- MAGNIFICENT!!!

  • by

    bird808

    Tue Jul 06 2004

    When someone told me this was the best gangster film ever written I laughed in their face. Once I watched it, my mouth literally hit the floor as I heard my laughter come back to haunt me in what I can only describe as a resounding I told you so. This film is near genius accompanied with perfect casting, clear settings and a now very familiar famous soundtrack this all aids a very detailed account of the Corleone family, especially the Don who serves as the main patriarch of the family he loves whilst trying to balance the criminal instinct inside. We don't get to see the real Don Corleone until The Godfather Part 2 - played brilliantly by Robert Deniro. Definitely worth watching.

  • by

    jaa2xecc

    Tue Jun 22 2004

    One of the five best films of all time. It has has many great moments as any film does.

  • by

    icanrate

    Wed Jun 02 2004

    the best movie ever

  • by

    larry_biz

    Tue Jan 13 2004

    the best of the best

  • by

    tvtator

    Thu Dec 18 2003

    This is a movie that any true and dedicated movie fan should watch. It is one of the finest movies in terms of character and story ever put on screen. Superb performances by Al Pacino, James Caan, Marlon Brando, Robert Duval, John Cazale and more. The movie is dark, gritty and violent the way it should be. It just isn't about the mafia, it's about a family. The Godfather and The Godfather Part II is recommended to anyone who likes to watch great art.

  • by

    pawnster

    Sun Dec 14 2003

    It makes you care about horrible people...great.

  • by

    classictvfan47

    Wed Nov 26 2003

    You have GOT to be kidding me. THis movie is so boring, so violent, so nihilistic and acted so terribly that it seems like no one would like it, but everyone does. It glorifies criminals who kill not just one, but hundreds. It also has protagonists that beat their wives, cuss up a storm and are apathetic towards moral, good people. Also, the length of the movie is insanely long. The movie is re-aired so much on television that it gets terribly annoying to even hear it is coming on the tele. It lacks the energy, creativity, and optimism of masterpieces like Star Trek, Star Wars, Pokemon, Toy Story and so many more great, underrated franchises. Get out of here bad movie, it's a deal you can't refuse.

  • by

    ponerse

    Mon Jun 02 2003

    I won't ever go against the family. This movie gets 5 stars from me and a place in my heart as one of my favorite movies of all time.

  • by

    mema1f64

    Sat May 17 2003

    I just saw it and am in loss for words. One of the best movies I've ever watched. It's amazing!

  • by

    southga

    Wed Apr 09 2003

    The best movie of all time -- music, acting, and adapted story.

  • by

    uhhh_dude24

    Sun Apr 06 2003

    Way too overrated!!! The only people who would like this are mafia wannabee's!!

  • by

    angusmacpherso_n

    Sat Mar 15 2003

    Nothing better has ever come out of Hollywood. An incredibly poignant story of family loyalty and betrayal.

  • by

    callmetootie

    Fri Jan 17 2003

    Meaningful and great direction, but I felt that it went on for too long, and that the screenplay couldn't decide whether it was a drama or crime-picture. Marlon Brando is amazing, and for him...***.

  • by

    claudio

    Tue Jan 07 2003

    BEST MOVIE

  • by

    zuchinibut

    Mon Dec 09 2002

    I wish the mafia would put a hit out on Callmetootie

  • by

    psycho_mom

    Sat Nov 16 2002

    Read the book, the movie left a bunch of stuff out that is fascinating. Yes, part 2 helped to fill in what the first movie left out from the book, but it still wasn't enough. I read the book first (yes, I'm probably the only 35 year old who didn't see this movie until 1999) because it was assigned in my criminology class. After I read the book, I rented the movie and was really disappointed. If you thought Michael's relationship with his Sicillian wife was intense from the movie, just read the book. The movie didn't give it nearly enough passion and intensity.

  • by

    antondatree

    Sat May 11 2002

    This is one of the greatest films EVER MADE. Such raw brilliance, such magnificent acting, wonderful story, script, direction from Coppola, this IS the movie to watch. And they did it again with The Godfather Part II! Anybody who gave this anything other than 5 stars (maybe 4 stars is OK), cannot call themselves fans of movies. The music is the best I've ever heard in a movie. Wow! WOW! This film is so damn good! Al Pacino's Michael Corleone and Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone performances are the stuff of legends. Robert Duvall, James Caan and Diane Keaton are brilliant as well. See this movie. Don't walk...but RUN down to the video store. I cannot recommend it enough. Summary: ONE OF THE TOP 5 GREATEST MOVIES EVER MADE.

  • by

    chaotician23

    Mon May 06 2002

    On the list of truly, historic, great films of all time you may see movies like Saving Private Ryan, Back To The Future, Jurassic Park, Shogun, Citizen Kane, Star Wars, or Rocky. But, no matter the movie critic of the list, The Godfather is always near the top. IN this four hour mafia epic.....never mind. Who needs to describe the Godfather!? It's filled with power and lust, greed and ignorance, law and crime. A true masterpiece of the American Film.

  • by

    sexystreif

    Mon Feb 04 2002

    what can I say? incredible! Pachino and Brando are genius together. a masterpiece! anyone who has the guts to can this movie is a bigger man than me. a must see

  • by

    david_warren

    Thu Nov 29 2001

    This is on my Top 10 list.

  • by

    cde1970

    Wed Oct 24 2001

    The greatest gangster film ever made. Magnificent direction, masterly acting, superb cinematography and editing. Music matches the film perfectly. Tension is palpable.

  • by

    lord_of_the_waves

    Mon Oct 22 2001

    The Godfather is mario Puzzo's best creation. It being turned into a movie is even better. The corleonne family was to good to not be televised. A must see if you have not. Very powerful. Outstanding preformance by marlon brando and al pacino.

  • by

    jayiijay

    Thu Sep 27 2001

    Most overrated film ever made. Overlong, mostly dull glorification of crime. Nobody in the family resembles anybody else either.

  • by

    medgarevers

    Fri Aug 24 2001

    I'm writing this review for every "part" of the movie. So many things happen throughout the whole saga! And it's one of the few movies where at times I completely forgot that the people were acting. It was so real. The actors were amazing. Too bad I don't have a drop of Italian blood in me; this remarkable film would make me proud in an odd sort of way...

  • by

    manny_monford

    Sat Jun 23 2001

    What is great about this film is that it has to be the most perfectly cast movie of all time.

  • by

    rm2200

    Thu Jun 14 2001

    Dear Rudy, are you kidding? The Godfather well done? This is one of the best movies ever made. And the BEST move ie eve made for this genre. A must for any collection. I have it in BETA (A special editon that was reedited by Coppala with Godfather 2 so that the story of Vito Corleone is told in proper chronelogical order.)and VHS and hopefully soon in DVD.

  • by

    jbiscuit1

    Fri Jun 01 2001

    The movie that started it all. What can be said that has not been said already about this movie? It is undeniably the best modern mafia movie ever made, and is briliantly adapted from Mario Puzo's book. Al Pacino and Marlon Brando play their parts exquisitely. If you haven't seen this already, you should.

  • by

    fire_god

    Mon May 28 2001

    One of the most over-rated movies of all time.

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