The Godfather

Rating:
Summary: A shining example of the power of cinema
Review: The Godfather is--without a doubt--the best movie I have ever seen. Never has a movie had such an impact on me. From that first memorable line ("I believe in America") to the final shot with that brilliant look of sudden understanding on Diane Keaton's face I was completely enthralled.

What the editorial review says at the top of the page puts it perfectly: "...this Francis Ford Coppola film is one of those rare experiences that feels perfectly right from beginning to end..."

That is very true. The cinematography is crisp and clean, even more so now that it has been released in the DVD format. The lengths that Coppola went to in order to make this 70's film look like it took place in the 40's are truly admirable. This is made even more apparent by the little details that Coppola points out in the commentary.

The film is absolutley brimming with memorable scenes. I could even go as far as to say that every scene is a memorable scene. The diner scene of course, the ambush at the railroad tracks, the murder of the traitorous bodyguard within view of the Statue of Liberty, the horse head in Tom Woltz's bed, tricking the assassins at the hospital, Vito Corleone passing away while playing with his grandson in the tomato garden (brilliant!), etc.

By far the strongest part of the Godfather is in the acting, the highlight of course being on Marlon Brando's superb performance as Vito Corleone. Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall also give excellent performances. Not one of the roles were miscast.

What more can be said about such a spectacular film?