Why this film is the greatest American film ever made!

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 1999)

I've read the book.....I've seen the movie, and, trust me, I've been more entertained by stories before and since. What makes this movie the classic that it is is the "life" brought to the screen by this group of fine actors. After seeing the film, I don't think that anyone could imagine Don Vito Corleone being played by anyone other than Marlon Brando, who is possibly the greatest actor in film history. Same with Al Pacino in the role on Michael. The cold hearted and hot headed bastard that is Michael could not have been portrayed better by any other actor. James Caan as Sonny and Robert Duvall as Tom Hagan....these men were born to play these parts. Even Talia Shire, who I really don't care for much as an actress, delivers one hell of a stellar performance. Diane Keaton, too. It's performances like these that you only see once in a lifetime. These actors and actresses create real lives for Mario Puzo's characters, each with such distinct personality that after watching the film, I refer to the characters by their first names, almost as if I know them. The characters are portrayed so well that one could create a mock situation in ones head and accurately determine how a specific character would respond to it. Don't get me wrong, I love the story line here, but it's acting which makes this film a classic.