The Goodfather

Rating: Null/10 (21 May 2004)

The Godfather is arguably the greatest American movie ever made. A film with all the classic movie elements that's perfectly created and executed. Highly regarded by critics and thoroughly studied by film students and movie lovers alike, The Godfather is a masterpiece. It's such a classic that it is still a strong contender in the `Best Movie Ever' debate.	No other movie has told such an involved story of the mafia. Only could a director like Francis Ford Coppola and writer Mario Puzo, create such an atmosphere of believability. By the end of this epic film, the audience has a newfound respect for some notorious mobsters and unexpected sympathy becomes apparent. Never has such a movie before or since told the story of important values among common criminals so well as here.	Only with fantastic actors could you pull off such a reversal of feelings toward the mafia. Marlon Brando does a fantastic job as the lovable patriarch, whose swollen growl makes him feel like the `Mafia Santa Clause'. The always-good Al Pacino creates a deep character full of turmoil and ultimate greed. His role of Michael, `the heir to the thrown', goes through an extreme transformation of personality and values. Such superb actors like these, and others such as Robert Duvall and James Caan, create an environment full of complex and intriguing characters.	The technical execution of this film is stunning. From the first frame to the end credits, this movie is film production at its finest. Unique and smooth camera movements pair nicely with the story; the score is the quintessential piece to such a gripping plot; and I have never seen a more entertaining murder than in this movie.	A flawless piece of cinema throughout. Great writing, directing and acting make it a classic for the ages. Never have I felt more connected to such ruthless and villainous individuals than in this film. The `climax' of The Godfather sums up all the feelings in the movie: countless murders over the sounds of a child's Catholic Baptism. Outstanding.

Overall Grade for The Godfather: A+