The Godfather isn’t your typical American gangster movie. Instead of endless street fights and car chases, the movie takes a more subdued look at mafia life, spending time exploring characters’ lives and their relationships with one another. It exposes the weakness and fragility of powerful criminal figures, and adds a touch of humanity to their endeavors. Instead of portraying them as immoral mob bosses, they are shown to have values and a set of rules to follow. They do what they do to support their families, just like any other member of society. This is what makes The Godfather so great; the intimate and personal depiction of seemingly invulnerable people.
Marlon Brando plays the title character, a man nearing the end of his career. He is looking to transfer power over to his sons, and wants them to take over the family business. There is Sonny, his hot-headed eldest, Fredo, the not-so-bright second child, and Michael, the war-hero who is reluctant to be involved in the business. Despite their differences they work together as one family, which is an important theme in the movie. Family comes above all else, and family members must do their best to protect one another. Only when they stand together can they succeed in competing against other powerful New York families.
The relationships between these characters are meticulously drawn out. The film takes its time developing them, which adds emotional depth to the story. Ultimately we are drawn to care for them, despite knowing about the dirty nature of their businesses. And that’s exactly what the film wants to achieve. The Godfather is just another portrayal of the American dream, and at its roots it symbolizes what each and every one of us work for.
Grade: A+
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