A Movie Review on The Godfather by Frank Coppola

Recently, it has come to my realization that there are certain movie classics that I haven't watched probably due to the unavailability of time or it could be because I'm currently watching other movies or contemporary movies. These movies which were released in the 1970s have gotten so much recognition over time and yet they haven't been forgotten and their lessons can still be applied in the world of today. One of these movies happens to be The Godfather directed by Francis Coppola.

Yeah, I know what you're about to say who is this guy or probably this latecomer who just got to watch The Godfather? Yeah, that latecomer happens to be me.

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How I came across the movie

I remember getting a recommendation about the movie from a friend during a hangout. I don't even remember what we were talking about cause this was about a year ago if I am not mistaken. But all I can remember is how he mentioned two movies that changed his way of thinking, which were American Gangster and The Godfather and how he even went the extra mile in convincing me to watch the movie by putting our friendship on the line when he said

Make sure you watch these movies if not you are not qualified to be my friend.

It sounded very funny but from the look on his face, I could tell that he was damn serious. So I took it upon myself to watch these movies. I started with the American Gangster because it had Dennis Washington as the lead character and it's no joke when I say I am a huge fan of this exceptional American Actor, right from the moment I set my eye on the movie Safe House with Ryan Reynolds. The movie American Gangster is nothing more than exceptional, in fact, a masterpiece, and every human being on this earth should watch the movie.

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Although I promised my friend to watch both movies, I didn't. All I can say is I have work to blame but that's a flimsy excuse cause the movie I left out and failed to watch is the best crime-syndicate movie ever made based on my perception and I regret watching it late cause it feels like I am the last person on earth to watch it. I must confess that what ignited my desire to watch this movie recently is the fact that a Tech Founder mentioned the movie during a Twitter space about Tech and career opportunities, which I attended. What he said that made me to make up my mind about watching the movie is

The Godfather is a movie that taught him life lessons.

It stuck with me and all I could think of at that moment was the fact that if a movie like this could teach a Tech Founder lessons, then I should watch it too. So I had to pick up my mobile phone and open my streaming app and start watching as soon as possible.

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The Plot

The Godfather is a 1972 movie directed by Francis Coppola, the Director of Paramount Pictures when the movie was produced. The movie stars classic actors known for their huge contribution to the field of theatre and filmmaking, namely:

1. Marlon Brando
2. Al Pacino
3. James Caan
4. Diane Keaton
5. Talia Shire and more.

From the first scene, I got hooked immediately then I knew this movie is what I should be watching with my time. The first scene began with an elderly-looking Italian man who later turned out to be a surgeon known as Bonasera. Bonasera was seeking a favor from the Don, Mr. Corleone, the head of the mafia family Corleone. All Bonasera was asking for was Mr. Corleone should take care of the boys who raped his daughter since the police and judicial system have not done anything about it yet. It felt like these guys were going to get away with it, but it was exactly what Bonasera did not want to happen. So he consults Mr. Corleone since he is the man in control of the city of New York and everyone feared him and what he could do.

What drew my attention immediately was how Mr. Corleone remained calm throughout the conversion but got furious when the favor came up. He made Bonasera aware of the fact that what he was asking for wasn't really justice since his daughter is still alive but he wants the boys dead. It even got more intense when Bonasera said he was willing to offer anything just for him to do this favor but Mr. Corleone backlashed at him by saying

Bonasera, Bonasera, what have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? If you'd come to me in friendship, this scum who ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And if by some chance an honest man like yourself made enemies they would become my enemies
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Through this scene, I got a glimpse into the world of the Corleone Family and how they run their business behind closed doors. The movie begins to take a new twist after Mr. Corleone refuses to go into the narcotic drug business with Mr. Sollozzo and the Tattaglia Family. This leads to the failed assassination of Mr Corleone by his rival Mr. Sollozzo.

As an Italian mafia family, you can't carry out a hit on their family member and not expect retaliation. After their father got hit, Santiago and Micheal became a vital part of the running of the family business and the planned retaliation. This made Micheal, Mr. Corleone's youngest son give up his peaceful life away from the family and come back in planning a coup on Mr. Sollozzo and the dirty cop involved in their father's attempt murder.

In addition, I must add that in writing this review, I had to fight so hard not to give out too many spoilers, in case of those that might still want to watch.

The very first lesson that stuck with me is

Family interest first above all
This simply means, as a man or an individual, no matter what you are doing, most especially business, always put the best interest of your family into consideration before any self-need. And Mr. Corleone did a good job in this aspect from the way he always made sure that his children and wife were well taken care of and how he did not mix business time with family time. He also inculcated this notion and behavior into his kids.

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The second lesson

Stay calm and focus with the long-term plan and goal in mind, even in times of adversity.

This lesson is something Micheal exhibited in the movie and the way the director brought it to the limelight is something that shows true mastery of a work of art and I was extremely marveled.

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In my final words, The Godfather remains my number one movie when it comes to crime syndicate drama and the most cherished movie classic out there for me. Watch it and you will know why.