The title of the Don is meant to be worn by a man of reason; a man who is able to identify and separate business and personal affairs. But in his attempts to negotiate and conduct business, there is nobody more that the Don trusts than his family— those that he considers friends. In Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 production of The Godfather, there is no greater concept than family and friendship that can exist in a man’s life. Starring Hollywood greats Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, The Godfather and many of its cast members would win 27 awards and earn 28 nominations, being ranked one of the greatest films of all time by AMC Networks’ Filmsite.
In this film, Marlon Brando plays the iconic role of the “Godfather” as Vito Corleone, the founder and Don of the Corleone crime-family. After Vito Corleone is approached by one of the film’s antagonists, Virgil Sollozzo (Al Lettieri), with an opportunity to finance a major narcotics trafficking operation, the Don decides to respectfully pass on “the Turk’s” offer, sparking a feud between the heads of the other New York and New Jersey Mafia families. As Vito Corleone ages and grows increasingly ill throughout the film, transitioning from the role of the Don to that of a loving grandfather, his position is passed to his sons, the youngest of whom embodies the characteristics that every leader should possess– reason, respect, loyalty, and love for family.
A film developed in the 1970s that follows New York and Sicily post-World War II, The Godfather brings you to a world dominated by a different class of criminal, where culture, faith, respect, friendship, and family are fundamental to the identity of a man.
The deep ties to Italian American culture are abundant, as Italian song, dance, language, food, and drink dominate scenes filled with gleeful men, women, and children or are used to convey the seriousness of situations during times of loss. Italian song and dance can be clearly seen in one of the first scenes of the movie, as Vito Corleone’s wife, Carmela, sings “Che la Luna” during their daughter’s wedding. With love and laughter filling the air on a beautiful, sunny day, culture and family are seen as the cornerstones to building a happy and successful life. Building this happy life is furthered by the importance of old fashioned Italian dinners, as friends and family gather in community to eat staple Italian dishes, drink red wine, and have loud, overlapping conversations with each other across the dining table.
Elements of faith and religion are also prevalent as the “Godfather” bears a sacred bond with his godchild and serves as both a spiritual leader and protector. Vito and Michael (Al Pacino) Corleone’s acceptance of the title of “Godfather” emphasizes the importance of faith and protection of children to the Corleone family, shaping the demeanors and decisions that the Don makes for the safety of both his children and the children of others. While the “Godfather” may be attributed with an image of a bright, moral figure, Vito and Michael are often addressed as “Godfather” during times when they face great injustice, surrounded by a dark setting that promotes a grim mood.
Respect and friendship present as major themes of The Godfather as Michael sacrifices a life outside of organized crime to provide for his family, just as his father’s reasons for getting into organized crime were to provide a better future for his children. Although Michael Corleone’s inevitable involvement in the family business was never what his father had planned for him, Michael decides to help his father during his time of need as both a sign of friendship and familial respect, vividly reciprocated by the soft, barely heard words of his father asking “Where’s Michael?,” as his first words spoken after having gone through a major medical crisis. Michael’s character development as a family man is furthered by his commitment to care for his loved ones as he becomes one of the few Corleone brothers to stay in a faithful relationship throughout the film. Through his faithfulness to his wife and time spent playing with his son, Michael embodies the moral character of a real man as described by his father– one who spends time with his family.
Culture. Faith. Respect. Friendship. Family.
The values of the Corleone family are key attributes that any American family should strive to achieve. It is The Godfather that reminds us of these values that we take for granted, making this film a piece of movie history that any father, mother, or child can learn from and relate to– a lesson in family.
By Paul Mastrokostas
I appreciate the sequence of your review. The first line catches the reader’s attention and sparks interest about the man who holds the title of “the Don.” The blending of plot analysis and discussion of the film as a whole add to the power of the piece. While you discussed the plot, you didn’t spoil the film for tentative viewers. You connected “The Godfather” to the reader with the discussion of values, which can be powerful in persuading possible audiences to watch it.
I’ll be honest here – I’ve never seen The Godfather. I was always afraid that it would bore me, because I’m not very interested in crime films. However, your review sheds a new light on this one for me. You manage to pull out so many contextual themes, and you support them well. I had no idea that the theme of family was so central to the story. I also appreciate that you focus in on possibly overlooked themes, such as religion. Your description of Vito as a “spiritual leader” is very interesting to me, and I’ll have to look out for that when I do eventually watch this film. All in all, you’ve thoroughly convinced me that The Godfather is, indeed, worth my time!