An exercise in morality

Rating: Null/10 (21 June 2000)

The acting, directing, and script of The Godfather was excellent and beyond reproach. I cannot think of another movie (esp. one that was 3 hrs.) that captivated me and kept me glued to the screen from start to finish.

However, for me the Godfather is an exercise in morality. And by that I do not mean that they are monsters, etc. Although they are no Mahatma Gandhi, they are moral in their own way.
Eg. most other gangster movies portray their characters, even the protagonists as womanizers, heavy drinkers, people who get pleasure out of causing pain to others. In short they are portrayed as deplorable and morally corrupt individuals who abuse their power and use it to rise above society. For example in Goodfellas, the mobsters park wherever they want without fear of getting a ticket, they can play loud music without consequence etc.
Also, if someone were to insult a Goodfella, then they would be killed or severely injured.
However, the Godfather is not so base. The characters (except for Sonny and poss. Fredo) do not indulge themselves in petty vices. You don't see Michael Corleone chasing women, drinking, indulging in violence, etc. And those who do succumb to sensory pleasures come to an unfortunate end. In the end, although Michael is a "killer" he only survives because he is disciplined and does not excessively use his power for his own benefit, but only for his family.
Also in the Godfather is a Gandhi like forgiveness. Vito, when his son his killed, says "I want no acts of vengeance." Even in part II when he is insulted by the landlord, he is calm. Mike is also calm when he is insulted by others and does not react.

The killing in the Godfather can be considered as that of a soldier. Killing is not looked down upon currently in western society. Warfare is accepted. People kill animals for food. The west frequently engages in warfare to "protect" others. Some even argue that the US never has humanitarian interests in mind when it goes into another far away country, but is only acting to protect its own interests and force its philosophy upon others.

In this way, the killings committed by the Corleone family pale in comparison to what the government does. And what the govt. does is no secret. It is accepted by the American people!
So according to this line of reasoning, it makes no sense to criticize the Godfather for violence, both on the part of the filmmaker and the characters.
This movie helped me realize, when i was much younger, that real power is not boisterous and loud, and does not assert itself even when provoked. On the contrary, the person who does not react when confronted and insulted by others, holds the trump card and is the real victor. Gandhi knew this. And the fictional Corleone family knew this and that is why they were the best!!!!