The Godfather is in no short supply of action and suspense.

Rating: 8/10 (21 May 2004)

The Godfather
Smart. That's how I describe `The Godfather'. Every aspect of this film is dripping with intellect. The directing, the writing, the cinematography, and the acting. And all the elements of the film are woven tightly together to make a very entertaining package.	The intricate plot follows the development of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and the enthralling drama that pursues his `family'. The script does the impossible task of capturing the complex politics of organized crime, and makes it interesting to boot. The plot leads the audience along its windy path where it comes across many peaks until it finally builds to the fantastic finale.	To achieve this famous finish, the director employs the use of some pretty clever technical tricks. To achieve suspense, he cleverly places the camera at angles that leads the audience one way, until he surprises them with the real result later on. He also infuses the sound of the church organ music and the crying baby, and then gradually increases the decibels subtly and effectively. That technique pulled the viewers in and made their knuckles white during the climax of the film. The director was skillful in his mastery of all the film's techniques and in getting what he needed from the actors.	This strong cast of cast of actors included Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and James Conn. Each actor portrayed their characters profoundly. Marlon Brando executed method acting techniques in a way that only a veteran like Marlon could. Al Pacino clearly shows his character (Michael Corleone) grow and change. His acting is subtle, confident and quiet until it explodes in an awesome rage.	Michael Corleone is much like the entire movie. `The Godfather' is subtle and complex, and it builds to the memorable finish. `The Godfather' stimulates the mind and starts the blood and adrenaline pumping in anyone who watches it. That is why I recommend this beautiful masterpiece to anyone and everyone with a thirst for quality film.