[88]

The Godfather has a fantastic plot, with plenty of interest, twists, and turns. It’s the story of a man falling into trouble while trying to keep his humanity and protect the one thing he cares about most—his family. It is also the story of a man unwilling to join the family business until he is left with no choice. It’s an incredible character study into one man's path to self-destruction; for Michael, there is no going back. It’s almost tragic, as Michael’s life could’ve gone a very different way. The film tells its story brilliantly and makes use of its three-hour runtime in the most efficient way possible. Every character is given room to breathe, and the world in which the Corleone family lives is told brilliantly. It’s a fascinating mix of epic, in-depth character study and family drama. The performances are another part of what makes the film so great, as some of the greatest actors of all time appear on screen together in this film. Pacino is amazing as the conflicted Michael. Brando is iconic as the Godfather; just his appearance is enough to sell us on the idea that he is a fading but highly respected and feared leader in the world of crime. His soft, sharp voice and unusual decisions probably created the most well-known character of all time. In the supporting cast, we get Duvall, Caan, Keaton, and Talia Shire, who all manage to be captivating even as they only get small amounts of screen time. Coppola really lets them shine, even if only for a few minutes, and it’s no surprise these actors would go on to be fantastic in other films as well. 

One of the greatest things the film accomplishes is how well the characters are portrayed; we get so many interesting interactions explored and so many characters with rich backstories. Everyone—from Tom Hagen to Sonny Corleone—gets a moment to express some deeper emotion that hints at something from their past, and that was what kept me wondering. Obviously, the most fascinating relationship is that between Michael and Vito, as we see that the son who had been forced to commit to the lifestyle that Vito is engaged with still remains his father’s favorite, even as his other sons are more committed. Coppola packed a lot into a short time; between all the violence and moments of tension, we’re drawn in just by the looks and the intense conversations. Overall, it’s a near-perfect film. It is a phenomenal achievement in the history of film. Every part is working at its best to reach perfection. The storytelling is detailed and incredibly rich on both themes and characters. The performances from the cast are excellent, with some delivering career bests. The direction from Coppola is fantastic and confirms that this is a total technical achievement. It’s a film that has gained the respect of cinephiles for a reason; it is brilliant from start to finish and most deserving of the word “classic.” An easier way to express my feelings—it’s a masterpiece.