Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18884 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-09-13
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English, Italian, Latin
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 167 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Generally acknowledged as a bona fide classic, this Francis Ford Coppola film is one of those rare experiences that feels perfectly right from beginning to end--almost as if everyone involved had been born to participate in it. Based on Mario Puzo's bestselling novel about a Mafia dynasty, Coppola's Godfather extracted and enhanced the most universal themes of immigrant experience in America: the plotting-out of hopes and dreams for one's successors, the raising of children to carry on the good work, etc. In the midst of generational strife during the Vietnam years, the film somehow struck a chord with a nation fascinated by the metamorphosis of a rebellious son (Al Pacino) into the keeper of his father's dream. Marlon Brando played against Puzo's own conception of patriarch Vito Corleone, and time has certainly proven the actor correct. The rest of the cast, particularly James Caan, John Cazale, and Robert Duvall as the rest of Vito's male brood--all coping with how to take the mantle of responsibility from their father--is seamless and wonderful. --Tom Keogh

Special Features

• Running Time: 167 mins
  
• Region Code: 2

Synopsis
Based on the best-selling novel by Mario Puzo (who co-wrote the screenplay with director Francis Ford Coppola), THE GODFATHER is an epic tale of Mafia life in America during the 1940s and '50s. Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the family patriarch balancing a love of his family with an ambitious criminal instinct. At the wedding of the Don's daughter Connie (Talia Shire), youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) is reunited with his family. After an assassination attempt leaves the Don too ill to run the family business, Michael and Sonny (James Caan), with the help of consigliere Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), lead the Corleones into a vendetta-filled war with other mob families. Violent revenge ensues as the family tries to change from its old criminal ways into legitimacy. Diane Keaton, in a stark departure from her usual comedic roles, plays Kay, the long-suffering wife of Michael Corleone. Brilliant casting, music, and storytelling help make THE GODFATHER a classic.

Customer Reviews

Quality
You can't help but come to watch the Godfather with a lot of preconceptions. It was always a film I just never got around to watching, but when I saw it was Number 1 in the Internet Movie Database Chart of greatest ever films I just had to watch it. Now I've seen it, I don't know if I'd call it the greatest ever, but it is certainly a dazzling film that stands up to repeated viewings and has quality stamped all over it from beginning to end. I never realised how big an impact the film had, for example, I didn't realise that 'swim with the fishes' and 'I'll make him an offer he can't refuse' came from the Godfather.

All of the acting performances are great. Al Pacino really surprised me with his charismatic performance as Michael Corleone, the man who changes from a war hero not involved in the family business to a man at the very heart of his crime family. By the end of the film I literally could not drag my eyes away from him, he has such a strong and powerful presence, which is amazing considering that I didn't think he was the most imposing of men at first glance. There is something inevitable about Michael's transformation, and to me it was his own decision - what he does, he does willingly, with his eyes wide open to the consequences. Perhaps that is the most chilling - and tragic - thing of all about this film.

Marlon Brando was also great as Don Vito Corleone. He gives truly a unique performance and somehow manages to make his whole face, body, voice and general demeanour take on the persona of his character - something that, unfortunately, few actors achieve. As I said, all the performances were great, but I just have to mention Robert Duvall, who plays Tom Hagen, the Don's adopted son and right hand man, with a seriousness and depth that was very impressive. James Caan was also great at the short-tempered son who was never going to be suitable to become Don. Finally, it was great to see Talia Shire, who was so good in Rocky, play a completely different character with the same level of competence.

One of my only criticisms of the film is that after the wonderful intense love story between Michael and Appollina ends so sadly, the movie seems to speed up and the years go by too quickly. I would have liked more explanation about why Michael goes back to Kay and what he was feeling at the time. I kind of felt that was left unresolved to some extent.

The 'Godfather' also highlights the utter futility of a life of murder and crime. If someone kills a member of your family, you must kill one of theirs, and then they kill someone else and so on...The 'family' must be protected at all costs, but this protection takes the form of violence, vengeance and control, and is ultimately - and ironically - what pulls the family apart. One of the most interesting ideas about the film for me is what the notion of 'respect' and 'honour' actually mean - and whether these things can ever be gained through murder and fear.

The role of women in the film is also fascinating. Kay and Michael are in love at the beginning, but he still leaves her and ends up marrying Appollina, with whom he falls in love with in a very different way. Kay is the wrong woman for Michael as she is too outspoken and doesn't want the Corleone family to continue with a life of crime. She should have said no to his proposal, but she was still 'in love' with the Michael she used to know before he decided to take over from his father. The ideal wife for Michael was Appollina, who would have been exactly like his own mother - quietly raising children and never asking about the business. Michael's power, magnetic presence and protectiveness are undoutedbly very attractive, and I found myself in the weird situation of being repelled by his actions and yet drawn towards these qualities. In the long run, though, being married to that type of man means a woman has to remain childlike - never discussing important matters or asking questions. In addition, the women are complicit to the violence, they know it goes on even if they say nothing - crucially they all know they are raising their own children for more of the same.

Overall, I'd say the Godfather stands up to the hype surrounding it, which is an amazing achievement in itself! It's a serious, entertaining and compelling film that makes you think. Like everybody else, I'm sure, I just wish there were more films made that manage to reach these heights.

Can Pacino do no wrong?
I love this film. It is the best ever gangster movie and i only love one film more (Empire Strikes Back). It spun 2 great sequels and set the guidelines for this kinda film. i was grossed out beyond belief at the whole horses head bit but i still love it. I did read the book first so expected a good viewing but really was blown away.

Al Pacino has won a life long fan as well. He is fantastic as Michael throughout. His taking over from Vito Corleone is fantastic and it all goes his way really.

The supporting cast were amazing. Robert Duvall was excellent as Tom and Sonny and Fredo were both portrayed magnificently. Perfect setting perfect music and perfect actors. This film is great.

Oh and as for the missing year after Mike gets back from Sicily, you'll just have to live with it. its a long film so i do advise copious amounts of popcorn etc.

***il padrino***
I remember the first time I saw this film, I was 12. My house was in the middle of a loft conversion meaning I was temporarily kicked out of my room into the sitting room. It was a Saturday. The mantelpiece clock struck ten. However, I couldn't get too sleep so I did what any self-respecting human being would do when you can not get to sleep I turned on the TV. I switched to ITV and I heard '...and now for a real classic, The Godfather.' I could not believe it. I had heard of this film as being one of the best but I never knew anything about it and here it was on screen without a single advertisement leading up to it that week. So, I settled down and I watched... and watched... and watched, it was only at the end of the film I looked at the mantelpiece clock and realised that three hours had gone in what seemed like the blink of an eye.
This film is a masterpiece. Forget about rating this review. Get up and rent this film now! Heck, buy this film now. Or, I will make you an offer you can not refuse ;o)