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The Godfather (1972)

 -  Crime | Drama  -  24 March 1972 (USA)
9.2
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Ratings: 9.2/10 from 677,119 users   Metascore: 100/100
Reviews: 1,585 user | 174 critic | 14 from Metacritic.com

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

Writers:

(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: The Godfather (1972)

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Top 250 #2 | Won 3 Oscars. Another 27 wins & 18 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Clemenza (as Richard Castellano)
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Sollozzo
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Connie
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Carlo
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Rudy Bond ...
Cuneo
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Storyline

The story begins as "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia "family", oversees his daughter's wedding. His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Through Michael's life the nature of the family business becomes clear. The business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in the way of the old country, but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and "family". An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. The clash of the Don's fading old world values and the new ways will demand a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family. Written by Charlie Ness

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Mafia | Drugs | Wedding | Drug Dealer | Lawyer | See more »

Taglines:

An offer you can't refuse.

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

|

Country:

Language:

| |

Release Date:

24 March 1972 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Mario Puzo's The Godfather  »

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$223,758 (USA) (4 April 1997)

Gross:

$134,821,952 (USA) (2 May 1997)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(re-release)|

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

A promotional board game titled "The Godfather Game" was released in 1971. See more »

Goofs

(At 1:29:29) There is blood on the forehead before there is a shot. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Bonasera: I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom but I taught her never to dishonor her family. She found a "boy friend," not an Italian. She went to the movies with him. She stayed out late. I didn't protest. Two months ago he took her for a drive, with another boy friend. They made her drink whiskey and then they tried to take advantage of her. She resisted. She kept her honor. So they beat her. Like an animal...
[...]
See more »

Crazy Credits

In the Blu-Ray version, the Paramount logo is in sepia. See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Angry Video Game Nerd: Atari Sports (2012)
"And watched the whole Godfather trilogy" See more »

Soundtracks

"Mona Lisa"
(1950)
Lyrics by Jay Livingston
Music by Ray Evans
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
This Movie Has Haunted My Life...
9 July 2006 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I love this movie and all of the GF movies. I see something new every time I have seen it (countless, truly). The story of tragedy and (little) comedy that exists in this film is easily understood by people all over the world. This film has been called an American story however I have met others who have seen this movie in other languages and they seem to have the same love and appreciation for it that I do. I love the characters and all of the different personalities that they represent not just in families but in society itself. It seems like the entire cast is part of every other movie that I love as well. The sounds, music, color and light in the film are just as much a part of the film as the people. This could be attributed to the method in which it was filmed. At many parts of the film I can still find myself feeling the emotions conveyed in the film. I never tire of appreciating this film. I thank God that FFC is an American treasure. We are fortunate to have him.


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