and to think that it is almost done without the music; in the comments the director said that it was done almost at the end. In addition to having his daughter Sofía Copolla as a baptized child.
The bit at the end where Michael shouts at Kay is brilliant. It's the only big emotion that Michael has expressed in the entire movie. He knows that she'll believe the lie more easily if she has to drag the answer out of him, so he puts up just enough of a fight to let her think she's won. And then he lies to her. Genius.
Bonasera, who dreaded, even having nightmares about what 'service' would be required of him, was so moved by the Don showing his vulnerability, comes to fully understand the 'friendship' lesson from the first scene. Brilliant. I highly recommend reading the book, where there are plenty of audio books on RUclips that act out the characters.
@@stephenglasse9756 No, he definitely says "Look how they massacred my boy". It's such an unusual turn of phrase that I can see how it might not land with some people, though, simply because it's not something you might reasonably expect to hear said today, so the mind sort of fills in the gap with something more common. But a check of the subtitles should clarify things (if you Google the phrase, it's now apparently become something of a meme, because of course it has).
“Was that a setup?” I am *SO* proud of you! I think you’re the only first-time reactor I’ve seen catch that so quickly. You might have trouble with the names, but you’re doing great with the story. Well done, Cassie!
To be honest, the first time I watched the movie I really struggled with the names too. There's a lot of characters, it's hard to keep track. I enjoyed the movie more the second time I watched it, I was less lost.
@@ericthomas917 yeah, it was Apollonia. Sonny was always in danger and he was hypocritical in betraying his wife but not liking his sister being beaten by her husband
@@stephenglasse9756 Two different universes. Cheating on your wife is not the same as brutally beating your pregnant wife. There is NO hypocrisy there. They are not equivalent.
Michaels change from straight guy who didnt want to get mixed up in the family business to the stone cold "businessman" in the end is done masterfully by Pacino. What a cast, legendary actors, legendary movie! You absolutely MUST watch the second one, it is even better in my opinion! It also has Robert DeNiro in it, hes absolutely brilliant as the younger Vito Corleone.
Well, you can't really blame Michael. You put any straight-laced, tenacious man in that position and he's going to do a lot of the same things as Michael. The fact that he didn't cheat on his wife is a feat in and of itself.
@@peterk7931 And that translated extremely well in the business world for Michael. Same aggression, similar concepts, just different stakes and weapons.
Yes! The second movie is the best in my opinion. I grew up watching these with my dad and they will always be favorites of mine, but 2 tells the whole story and has so much more depth than the others.
Fun Fact: When the grandson Anthony gets scared by Vito Corleone with the orange peel in his mouth, that boy's reaction was unscripted and so was Marlon Brando's reaction to the boy actually being frightened. It fit the scene so well, they left it in. Also, the baptism scene intertwined with the hit montage is one of my favorite scenes in cinema. It plays out just so perfectly and it gives me chills every time I watch it. There's so many scenes in this film that are amazing, but that one in particular is just so genius.
It’s such a tragic story. Everything Michael does is for his family. That’s honorable in a sense, however it turns him into a monster. Vito saw that Michael was the good one and didn’t want it to happen, hence his look of heartbreak when he found out what Michael did. Such a good movie!
What to do when your own family is toxic and dangerous? But also they're immigrants and probably feel trapped in the lifestyle. It's tough. But eventually you just gotta accept that murder is bad, and live by that commandment.
How is he a monster he literally did what anyone would do in that entire movie, Tried to murder his father, his brother in law betrayed and got his brother killed. If it was me I go exterminatus no one walks away except my guys. Family is everything
"Look how they massacred my boy." Beautiful acting from Brando. I didn't see the fearsome, larger than life Don Corleone in that moment; I saw a frail, weary old man grieving for his son.
You definitely get bonus points for figuring out how Sonny was set up. That was super observant. Godfather part II is considered (though not by me) as an even better movie. It's certainly exceptional. Watching both actually makes the original even better. There is also a version that combines them together called the Godfather Saga. It's the best version IMO.
I thought it was obvious to everyone how he was setup but when Cassie dialed it back to "the woman calling Connie", that was a special moment in 'oh, she really got it on the first watch!" Haha
yeah i watched the special edition that plays the films in time order so we see vito colreone when hes young and his rise to power first and its by the 2nd film that we see what happens here
That final scene between Vito and Michael is one that never fails to make me cry. Likewise, the baptism sequence takes my breath away every single time I see it.
In my humble opinion, still to this day it’s the greatest scene ever filmed. With a possible exception being the entire final episode of Breaking Bad. 🤷🏻
Agreed Thomas, but then they are capped off by the scene between Michael and Kay… (lying to her but also protecting her). Michael’s transformation complete.
@@julesvincent1113 It's my understanding that George Lucas (who's been a friend & colleague of Coppola's for decades) based the intercutting of Palpatine declaring the Empire and Anakin slaughtering the Trade Federation leaders in "Revenge of the Sith" on the Baptism scene.
@@drg3712 The ending is all about the fantastic performances by the actors. It gives the final shot so much power. The double baptism is amazing visual storytelling-Michael’s baptism by blood. I think people are justifiably blown away over by the cinematic skill of the baptism. But I agree that the last scene is where the power is.
Obviously the overall story is about Michael. The son who didn't want to be part of it and you learn that his father didn't want that either. But in the end he's actually more ruthless and cutthroat than his father. It's so revered because it's a masterclass in acting, writing and directing.
@@Alfonso88279 It's kind of ironic that real mobsters like this movie now, when at the time of filming, the mafia was completely against this book being adapted into this classic film.
Connie, the daughter who got married in the beginning, is played by Talia Shire. She is also known for her role as Adrian in the Rocky films. Great video! It's a very long movie. We appreciate your work
Also, the guy who played Willie Cicci (Joe Spinell), the mustache guy who shot the guy in the revolving door, played Gazzo the loan shark that Rocky worked for in Rocky I. He has a bigger part in Godfather II. He is the buttonman who testifies at the Congressional hearing.
Fun fact: The baby that was baptized at the end is, in fact, director/actress Sofia Coppola (daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola). I hope you continue this journey. Godfather II is one of those rare sequels that many fans feel is better than the original. I look forward to hearing your opinion on this. Keep up the great work!
In the Mad Magazine parody of this movie, Sonny's death was chalked up to the toll keepers being real sticklers for exact change. A little more seriously, I think we can all agree that Robert Duvall, who's been around forever and turns 92 in January, is an awesome actor. Thanks, Cassie.
I think you'll like Vito even more after seeing Part 2. De Niro really plays the part well, and you can see how much more honourable Vito behaved compared to Michael.
I feel like Vito was able to be honourable and successful because he came up during an honourable time.... by the time Michael took control, there was no more honour, just power hungry foes who you must kill before they kill you.
John Cazale, who played Fredo, died way too soon at the age of 42. He has a short but incredible resume. Godfather pt. I & 11, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter.
Michael never would have become the monster he became if Apollonia never was killed. She was such a bright star in his dark sky of life. He lost all care and humanity the moment that car blew up.
Actually I think that happens when his father is shot, and he comes "home" to the family to take care of business. When he decides he will kill for the familiy, his fate is sealed and he lost his soul. If you think of his own end later, this is all a straight line.
I think Apollonia would have understood the assignment (Don's wife) better than Kay ever did. Kay loved the war hero college Michael, Apollonia loved the powerful, dangerous and dominant Michael who fled America because he killed someone for honor/revenge.
@@screenwriter7094 Not the same thing. As Sonny said, Michael was a mile away and not up close to get blood on his suit. And secondly, it's not the same moral dilemma. Killing an enemy to defend your country is one thing. Killing somebody point blank in a public restaurant is another. For one you get a medal, for the other you go to jail for murder.
Mike had the mindset of "revenge is a dish best served cold..." He waited for YEARS to settle the Family business, and yes he did wait until his old man died so nobody could stop him from icing Carlo...love him or hate him he's one of the Greatest Characters in the History of Cinema....
He plotted the revenge with his father, but couldn’t act because the Godfather had made a promise to the 5 families that he wouldn’t be the one to break the peace. Once his father had died, he didn’t waste a moment
Connie, the daughter who got married at the start, is actually Francis Ford Coppola's sister. She was also Adrian in the Rocky movies. Coppola's daughter, Sophia Coppola, is also a director. You should watch Lost in Translation, one of her best movies. Coppola's nephew is Nicolas Kim Coppola who is an actor but decided to change his name so as not to take advantage of his famous uncle. He changed it to Nicolas Cage.
Another member of the Coppola dynasty is the cinematographer, John Schwartzman, Francis Ford Coppola’ nephew. He tells the tale that at one Christmas family get-together when he was younger, he was playing Risk with Coppola and George Lucas. He bet them that if he won, they had to write him letters of recommendation to film school. He won. What a way to get a foot in the door of the business!
Whoever edited this reaction did a fantastic job. They obviously knew the movie well! The break between these two parts was exactly where the intermission was. Great job.
It's also worth noting the "gosh" that follows and the pained expression that goes with it. Cassie doesn't always get things right - especially names that are difficult at first to remember - but that shows how much she respects the movie and those who already love it. It's funny to hear, but she's not doing it for a cheap laugh.
Part Two will give you a much better understanding of how Vito came to be the Don. The scenes of a young Vito in New York are among my very favorite in the history of film. The original Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the best movies ever made. Part Two is the better film imo. I really enjoy your reactions. Thank you for sharing.
The greatest sequel of all time. I have always considered the two as on six hour film. And I definitely agree. Godfather II is far better than the first. The deleted scenes really tie together a couple of very important plot lines that really should’ve been left in.
I think Part II is roughly equal in quality to Part 1, not better. However, it is more grand in its scope. Which makes sense because the first film was such a massive hit, so Paramount gave the creators all of the money, resources and creative freedom they wanted. Coppola & co. definitely did not disappoint.
I don't get why people never point out it's 1 book called "The Godfather" that takes 2 movies to cover. I hate to compare this example to Godfather, but it's today's equivalent of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2...1 book, takes 2 movies to fit the entire story in. The Godfather 1 and 2 is basically 1 film, of course they have to structure it differently for a film adaptation so that both can have a beginning and an end. The current Dune is no different, the book has to be split into 2 films because it's too immense to trim down into 1 film. They could have just adapted the book as a whole into a 6 hr film where, like the book, we cover Michael's story from the wedding to the killing of Fredo in part 2, meanwhile periodically cutting back to the rise of Vito. Basically the Godfather III would be the sequel to this. Also keep in mind you can watch the Godfather Saga which puts both films together, though in chronological order (which is not how the book structures it), as the Godfather Legacy which combines all 3 films into chronological order.
The second film gives you the backstory of how things got this way. The whole story is quite Shakespearean in its scope and character development. But keep in mind that this is all very romanticized. The reason Coppola was hard to get for this film at first is that he grew up around guys like this, and he knew they were definitely not the warm, family-oriented characters you see here. They were gangsters - violent, unpleasant men he never wanted to be around. It wasn't until he twigged to the whole family aspect of the story (the book didn't concentrate on that), and then he found a way in. But he still worried about glamorizing it all, which is one of the justifications for the intense grittiness of the film. It's a great film about awful people. The scene with the little boy was completely improvised. Coppola realized it would be impossible to direct such a little kid, so he discussed a few point with Brando and then just let them play. It's a mark of how good Brando was that the whole thing is so smooth and natural, with no indication that there's any acting going on.
I think it's based on Augustan Rome. It's not identical but key plot points match up with key events in history. Caesar didn't groom Octavian intentionally but none the less he turned out to be the greatest political mind in history. Did a lot of horrible stuff but so many people benefitted from it. Some leaders are willing to break eggs.
Was wondering if he had any experience with the mob. Maybe an ignorant question, but did most American Italians of that time have some kind of tie or experience with The Family?
@@ct6852 Simple answer is no. Many Italians moved across New York and Jersey and the rest of the Northeast with no affiliation to the mob. I can't speak for the ones that stayed in the five Burroughs.
@@alswearengen6427 Watching these movies makes you realize how important it is to have honest jobs and opportunities available for gainful employment. No one should should be forced into that lifestyle.
It's funny that this story seems to be about Michael's slow degradation into a monster, but if you consider that he was in the marines in WWII and probably personally killed more people than his whole family put together, and that his family is under attack in much the same way that his country was attacked by Japan and Germany, then his story makes more sense. Under the surface he probably already was this guy when he returned from the war, and he only needed a slight tweak to his moral compass, like someone trying to kill his father, or actually killing his new wife.
Completely agree, yea! Michael is different from his father this way. He is an efficient cold blooded operator like a sharp shooter on a battlefield. He has faced death and understands it. He knows what needs to be done.
Most combat soldiers never kill anybody. In WWII, most never even fired a weapon at a person they could see. Most combat casualties are caused by artillery, not small arms fire, and only a small fraction of soldiers are killed in action, so ... do the math. Michael is described as a "war hero", so who knows, maybe he took out a machine gun nest single-handedly or something, but it's unlikely that he killed as many people in WWII as were killed on his orders during the baptism.
The final scene with Michael and his father is one of the saddest moments I’ve ever seen in a movie. Just the music and how he says there wasn’t enough time. 😢
The Godfather is not every guy's favorite movie because of action/shoot out scenes, there's not that much of it in the movie, but rather, is a favorite amongst a lot of people because of the story telling and character arcs, something you don't see very much anymore in modern movies. And yes, the Italian Mafia is very much like depicted in this movie. The Godfather is not just a mafia movie, but an American story.
I feel I need to give a special shout out to an under appreciated actor in this film and that is Al Lettieri who played Virgil “The Turk” Solozzo. I think I can honestly say it’s my favorite character portrayal. May he RIP
AGREED! So happy to see someone mention that! It's nobody's fault, this movie is so stacked with great acting and great actors. But you're right, nobody ever talks about him and he is FANTASTIC. I love it when he bites his lip and looks like a snake when he says "Let me worry about Luca."
I think it's interesting how most people tend to think this movie is more action-packed with killings, but in reality it's a slow-burn character study with "Greek tragedy"-level undertones.
People looked at this movie thinking it was about Vito Corleone but it was really about his son Michael's evolution from an innocent man to the murderous head of the family. Fantastic script, casting, production, direction. Thanks for posting.
This was the first movie where I got to witness character development take someone on a downward spiral. Michael was unrecognizable from the beginning of the story.
I saw the Godfather long before seeing "Empire of the Sun" but Christian Bales evolution in Empire really clued me in to an actor / character changing so dramatically from the beginning to the end of a film. I agree with your point, Keto.
The symbolism of that last shot of Diane Keaton as the door closes on her is pretty epic. She's starting to see what the hell she got into by marrying Michael. From what I've seen and read, it took a lot to get the real Mafia to not try to "kill" the filming of the movie. The Johnny Fontaine storyline is loosely based on Frank Sinatra, who was so-called friends with Mafia guys and had gotten out of a band contract as a young singer and then went on to star in movies. Allegedly, he saw the book author, Mario Puzo, at a Hollywood lunch counter and belted him in the face. He was not happy with the insinuations portrayed in the movie. Director Coppola said he fought the studio at every turn. After the success of the film, of course everyone wanted credit. As they say, "success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan".
It is alleged bigredtic, but it didn't happen...Sinatra never hit him. There was an awkward introduction by a mutual acquaintance in a Hollywood restaurant - a meeting that neither of them really wanted. Due to a misunderstanding, Sinatra got the wrong end of the stick, so to speak. He did shout at Puzo but they never came to blows. Too long to quote the passage here, but it was covered in James Kaplan's extensive biography titled 'Sinatra, The Chairman' (pages 820-823). Highly recommended book - very detailed.
@@bigredtlc1828 Well, a lot of genuine stuff did happen around that period. Around 1967, Carl Cohen (casino manager at the Sands) punched Sinatra straight in the mouth and took the caps off his two front teeth...
Thank you so much for this. Wanted to say John Cazale, the actor who played Fredo, was married to Meryl Streep. He only made five movies and all four were nominated Best Picture: The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather Part Two, The Conversation and The Deer Hunter. In his last movie he was dying of cancer so they filmed his scenes first. Meryl Streep appeared in the movie with him so as to be near him.
@@crankfastle8138 Yeah they weren’t married but they became involved two years before his death and she was devoted to him even when he was sick and dying.
Tessio betrayed Michael because he didn't know that Michael was letting the other families attack Corleone businesses to get them to let their guards down so they wouldn't see it coming when he wiped them out all at once. But Tessio just thought Michael was too weak to lead so he agreed to help Barzini kill him in exchange for being given leadership after Michael's death.
Congrats, Cassie! Only you, Michael and I (and a few other thousands of viewers) knew that Carlo had set up Sonny for the massacre. I CANT BELIEVE HOW MANY ORHER REACTORS MISS IT ENTIRELY. You’re just way more on the ball than most!
I honestly don't understand how anyone older than eight could miss it. Why would a group of hitmen be randomly waiting at a toll booth unless it was a trap?
Love how you figured out that Carlo was involved in setting up Sonny. Most people miss that. Your reactions are priceless and fun to watch. I’m looking forward to your Godfather 2 reaction.
The Godfather 2 is even better. Keep going! You won't be disappointed! By the way did you recognize Connie, Michaels sister? That's Adrian, Rocky's wife. She's also the real life sister of the director Francis Ford Coppola who is also the real uncle to Nicholas Cage. 🙂
I love that each of Vito Corleones children have wildly different personalities that reflect their father in different ways. Sonny is savage and hot-headed, Fredo is very charismatic and charming, and Michael has Vitos cunning and wits. He was a loving man who wanted to be different than his father but I think after his father being shot, killing two men, and losing Apollonia while being betrayed by one of the two men he thought were his closest guards he lost all of Vitos warmth and eventually becomes an even more ruthless man because of it.
The baptism scene is the Godfather of all parallel montages. But it wasn't Coppola's idea. Coppola had filmed tons of great material but he felt it led nowhere and had no rythm. There were four, five different stories and Coppola was stumped how to make them work. Legend has it, that he left his editor Peter Zinner for the night. Unhappy, frustrated and despirited. Zinner took the footage, had a go and created this masterpiece of a montage. Coppola loved it. It was decided not to use additional music, only what was happening at the church. It was a shame that Zinner didn't win the Oscar for "The Godfather". He deserved it for this scene alone.
That's the way that I've always felt about them. In addition to being fantastic movies, it's a treat just to look at them. I'm just fascinated by how rich every scene is. There's always something going on in the background, the foreground, or in the wings.
The story, the directing, the acting ... Yes, I think this is one of best movies ever made. You mentioned the men in the movie. I loved the fact that Talia Shire played Connie. A few years later she went on to portray Adriane in Rocky. Fantastic!
The scene near the end when the guy gets shot through the revolving door was filmed at exactly the same moment that a genuine Mafia hit was taking place a few blocks away.
@@joshe465 GF 3 is rough, but the ending is fairly good and symbolic. He cannot escape his past and it still is costing him. In this case, the most precious thing in his life. He will not receive redemption, at least in this life! His attempt to make up with Kay and his son seamed within reach, but no. His daughter, unlike the others, never gave up on him. Michael lives out the rest of his miserable life alone in a once beautiful but not dilapidated villa from his past and dies, literally with and like a dog.
In any other film, The Baptism Sequence would be the end-all be-all stand out moment but in The Godfather, it's just another scene. 😆 That's how iconic this film is!
I disagree. That scene is the end-all-be-all stand out moment. There are a lot of classic scenes I grant you, but even among those it is the stand out moment.
I've NEVER laughed at the the "Sonny massacre" before. It's pretty traumatic. However, when you screamed, "I THINK YOU GOT 'EM!" That's was a long hearty laugh that I needed. Your one of the best reactors (Sis too.)
@@Vinterfrid Nothing like a troll, taking something out of context and completely ignorant of the minutia to jump in as if anyone could care less about an opinion derived from some personal problem and a pathological knee jerk reaction issued just to be combative, hostile and most importantly get that desperately needed attention. Now that is a sad little life. Please reinforce my initial analysis.
Cassie, I loved that you were so happy to have English subtitles when Michael was in Sicily. 😂 I had the pleasure of watching this with my Italian father & grandfather when I was a teenager and they translated the appropriate parts 😜 They also discussed the big similarities between some of the characters and real-life people, including the glaring Johnny Fontaine/Frank Sinatra connection. So, Cassie, your, is it really like that? In many ways, yes, especially during that period.
I kinda knew this wasn't a movie she was going to go crazy about. It's just not her style. But I have to give her a lot of credit for quickly and accurately assessing the Carlo connection to Sonny's assassination, that the whole thing with Connie was a set-up from the start. So many reactors never really connect the dots on that one.
Yes, you get MAJOR points for figuring it all out, and catching so much on just a first viewing, and for a person who does not love watching mob movies. VERY impressive! You're catching stuff it took me repeated viewings to understand (to be fair, I was 11 when I first saw it!) Yes, you most definitely get points!!!!
More Cassie doing Brando impressions, please! I feel like The Godfather always takes new viewers by surprise. It’s rarely what anyone expects! Such a masterpiece of narrative filmmaking… I think I need to watch Part 2 in anticipation of Cassie’s inevitable reaction!
The story arcs in this movie are what makes it so compelling. Wait until you watch The Godfather Part 2. It perfectly gives you the backstory of the Corleone Family while also forwarding the story of the family in Las Vegas.
This is one of Al Pacino's greatest performance; he got Robbed of an Oscar for "Best Supporting" actor. At the beginning of the film, Michael was "Water" by the end of the movie he was stone cold "Ice." Incidentally that is the only Oscar that the Godfather did not win in 1972.
I know the feeling, I didn't watch this movie until I was about 24 or so, and didn't know what to expect. Afterwards I was just floored, it's an absolute work of art.
@@TheGnolla I was not aware of that connection, but thanks for pointing it out. Everything is almost always more connected than we think! I know that the baby in the baptism scene grows up to play Michael's daughter in Godfather lll. Isn't she also related to the director?
I'm glad you were able to appreciate this film despite the fact that it has a theme and content that you are not used to watching. This movie has a unique way of pulling in the viewer into a dark underworld because it depicts a "code of honor" we can "relate" to (e.g. the importance of family, loyalty, etc) and before you know it, we are part of this world because we can sympathize and loathe their environment at the same time which is part of the many ironic aspects of the story, that I find so fascinating. Also the movie was done in such an artistic and engaging way, where the mood, the lighting, the dialogue and the framing of scenes are so mesmerizing whether you are aware of them or not. It's no wonder that "The Godfather" has become a timeless classic.
Theres been three times that brought me the most joy watching this movie with someone..my wife, my son,....and now this. Double points awarded for figuring out, and for the pronunciations of names half points for making me smile.
So the initial reception for The Godfather can be quite amusing because what happened is that actual gangster families didn't want the film to be shown since the public would get a glimpse into their secret underground world. In a humorous twist, they then watched a bit of the film and enjoyed it themselves, even going so far as to get a secret showing exclusive for them in the theaters. Among other neat details, the man who acted as Luca Brasi was an ex-gangster and that scene in the beginning where he was practicing his speech for Don Corleone was him actually practicing and caught on camera. The director decided to include that part in the release.
Another tidbit: the actor playing Sal Tessio, the guy who set up the meeting with Barzini, was Abe Vigoda. He had a long successful career which was launched with this role. Copella was willing to hold an open casting call for some of the roles, and Abe Vigoda was hired that way.
Very few people realize that the most successful actress of our generation is Talia Rose Shire who played roles as Connie Corleone in the Godfather films and Adrian Balboa in the Rocky series. Just those two series alone are not only two of the most iconic films ever, but made billions for the film studios. ✋🏻
The most successful actress of our generation or any other generation for that matter is Meryl Streep. I love Talia Shire but she's nowhere close to actresses like Streep, Shirley MacLean, Faye Dunaway or even Sally Fields who were all contemporaries when the Godfather and Rocky came out.
Hi Cassie, this was James Caan`s breakthrough role. As well as Sonny, my other favourites of his roles were SSgt. Eddie Dohun, Mississippi & Jonathan E. with a special mention for Walter, in Elf. R.I.P. James Caan, thanks for all your great performances.
Michael was ready to become part of the family business as soon as he lost his brother and Apollonia, ever since then he had to adopt a new method of dealing with affairs.
The miniseries The Offer that came out this year is a drama series about the making of the godfather and it's pretty terrific. For anyone that is a massive fan it's definitely worth a watch.
In the book, Tom Hagen makes a phone call to Carlo after Sonny's death instructing him to make up with Connie and be an ideal husband until at least after the baby comes and he'll be taken care of. Carlo got the message that he was one screw-up away from death.
Fredo is such a fantastic actor. The scene where he mentions he's going to learn the Casino business is just so fantastic. He's a small part, but it's really a gem of a story line thanks to his acting.
You watched this movie in the era WE live in, you have to remember the time this movie was set in. Michael was always the most like his father. He'll never share his business with his wife, to keep her safe really, the less the knows the better. This is my favorite movie of ALL time, I've seen it about 50 times and I'm a huge movie buff. The Godfather II is excellent too.
Part 2 helps explain a lot of their origins and motivations for how and why the family started in America, absolutely incredible film that is a must watch.
A complication from Michael's broken jaw was that it didn't properly heal, and affected his sinuses causing his nose to drip. He eventually got it fixed in Vegas by a doctor connected with the family.
That's clearly explained in the book, but does the movies ever address Michael sinuses? I mean beyond showing him in several scenes with a handkerchief.
Being the huge Rocky fan, I'm shocked that you didn't call Adrienne! But also...you kind of have to do Part II now. It's not much happier, but it will answer some of the questions you had in this one.
Michael's transformation from straight laiced war hero to cold hearted Don is some of the greatest character development in cinema history. Even more so in parts 2 and 3.
Oh you must give The Godfather Part 2 a chance. It’s one of those sequels that are so good that fans debate which one is the greater movie of the two. In my opinion, this one is amazing, but Part Two is my personal favorite and it picks up 5 years later and goes from there. It is often considered one of the greatest movies ever made. You’ll see it high up there on the IMBD 250 list. 🙂
This was my favorite reaction of your so far. This being one of my top 5 movies of all time. It's a perfect film in every aspect, and your reactions were perfect for what each scene brought emotionally. Your reactions are a true treasure. Keep up the outstanding videos. You have to see Godfather II next.
Part 2 show Michael so dark that it is almost unbearable, but also tells the history of Vito with a young Robert Deniro as the future Don. The second movie really shows the difference between father and son, and why Michael is beyond any redemption.
Not Part II, Godfather II. A seperate Movie. The Original Godfather movie was split into two parts for purposes of this reaction, both parts are the first movie. Godfather II is a seperate movie that Cassie hasn't reviewed yet, and might not, but we can hope. Databyter
Im of the same opinion, first one is a masterpiece, second one just ups the ante, the better one in my opinion but they are both legends. De Niro is at top of his game in the second one.
Yeah, the third one sucks, especially when it came out the same year as "Goodfellas" and "The Freshman", where Brando parodies his Don Corleone performance. When I saw the third Godfather in the theatre, the audience was howling with laughter, which is not what you want in a Godfather movie! "The Freshman" is even funnier! (lol) Would rather reactors watch the first two, "the Freshman" and (of course) Goodfellas, Casino and Donnie Brasco.
I have to say, I agree. I liked all three, but I think I liked II the bast. Of course, you have to watch them in order. It's really like one big megamovie. I liked the history and flashbacks in II. Databyter
Loved the reaction Cassie. You picked up all the plot twists very well. I'm sure you're kicking yourself for not recognising Talia Shire. She plays a stronger role in Godfather II.
It is essentially a movie about a family. Yes, a powerful mob family, but a story about their relationships, love, loyalties, etc. You might recognize the actress playing Connie Corleone. She's Talia Shire, and also plays the part of Adrian in the 'Rocky' movies.
I still love watching this movie, again and again. It took me a few times to piece the whole thing together. Cassie, how quickly you figured out the Sonny hit was incredible. Thanks for watching it Cassie,for me it was better the second time around. Can’t wait to see you watch the 2nd one.
The Godfather is my favorite, like sooooo many other guys, but it can only be truly appreciated on repeated viewings. There is so much to take in. You miss so many of the subtleties only watching it once or twice.
Actually he changed the schedule so Coppola shot the scene in the restaurant with Michael, Solozzo and the police captain. When the studio saw the footage, they changed their minds. Coppola kept doing this every week or so to be able to make the film he wanted. Thank God he did, otherwise we would have some other movie with Robert Redford as Michael Corleone. Can you imagine? I don't think Redford would have done it to be honest.
Michael was in the Marines in WW2, fighting in the Pacific, where the fighting was the most Savage in the war. He got the Navy- Marine cross, second only to the Medal of Honor and, to Marines, surpassing it. Michael had to have done things very brave and up close, because the fighting in the Pacific often came down to hand to hand. And then he came home. Michael started training for his role in the family when he became a Marine. Clearly he had PTSD, which made him cold and impersonal. All combat veterans from the Pacific had problems when they suddenly found themselves back in polite society.
And it meant he fought the Mob war differently. His father and Tom knew how to play the politics, but Michael saw enemies that had to be dealt with as you would in war. Swiftly and violently.
Really impressed by the amount of plot points you caught. You get a lot of points! I had to read the novel to fully wrap my head around this masterpiece!
Nothing like watching a movie reaction to a great classic movie with a really intelligent and sensitive person doing the reacting. This was very enjoyable. Thank you!
Another great reaction! Glad you finally tackled this! Hope you do part II. In terms of you asking how true the "five families" part was, that was based on a very real thing of a few crime families forming what they called the "Commission" around the 30s.
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The baptism sequence is some of the most impeccable cinema in all of film history.
its a fact!
and to think that it is almost done without the music; in the comments the director said that it was done almost at the end. In addition to having his daughter Sofía Copolla as a baptized child.
Real talk
They recreated it on Breaking Bad!
@@Teezythadon was it that scene where Walter has Mike’s guys killed in prison?
The bit at the end where Michael shouts at Kay is brilliant. It's the only big emotion that Michael has expressed in the entire movie. He knows that she'll believe the lie more easily if she has to drag the answer out of him, so he puts up just enough of a fight to let her think she's won. And then he lies to her. Genius.
But then when she sees him through the door being called The Godfather she KNEW he lied to her. That's what makes it brilliant.
only in this viewing did i notice diane keaton's almost silent "is it", so good.
Yes! How he went from calm and collected to enraged in the blink of an eye.
Love the way Coppola frames Michaels eyes in dark shadow in that scene
That way, he's only lied to her once.
"Look how they massacred my boy."
The way Marlon Brando delivers that line where he sees Sonny's dead body, you can hear the pain in his voice.
Hmm .. I always understood "Look how they messed up my boy" !? Did he really said "massacred"??
Brando was incredible in that scene: "but you needed a drink first"
@@heiko3169 I think he said "messed with/up my boy"
Bonasera, who dreaded, even having nightmares about what 'service' would be required of him, was so moved by the Don showing his vulnerability, comes to fully understand the 'friendship' lesson from the first scene. Brilliant. I highly recommend reading the book, where there are plenty of audio books on RUclips that act out the characters.
@@stephenglasse9756 No, he definitely says "Look how they massacred my boy". It's such an unusual turn of phrase that I can see how it might not land with some people, though, simply because it's not something you might reasonably expect to hear said today, so the mind sort of fills in the gap with something more common. But a check of the subtitles should clarify things (if you Google the phrase, it's now apparently become something of a meme, because of course it has).
‘Who’s being naive, Kay?’ is one of my all time favorite movie lines.
The dialogue is so good. Another favorite of my is Michael lying about killing Carlo.
It is. I use it on my girlfriend all the time. She hates it.
Especially now. We're accustomed to having criminals in positions of power and assassinations happen all the time.
"Leave the gun; take the cannoli"
@ S C G: Pssh. EXTREMELY👍🏾naive👍🏾 HA!!
“Was that a setup?”
I am *SO* proud of you! I think you’re the only first-time reactor I’ve seen catch that so quickly. You might have trouble with the names, but you’re doing great with the story. Well done, Cassie!
Holy Shit said the same before I saw this..glad I'm not the only one
To be honest, the first time I watched the movie I really struggled with the names too. There's a lot of characters, it's hard to keep track. I enjoyed the movie more the second time I watched it, I was less lost.
CASSIE would like to watch Al Pacino in SCARFACE (1983 film). 😁 "malicious" grin.
@@hughjorg4008 I wanna see a reaction to Boyz in the hood and Menace to society haha
@@hughjorg4008 Or maybe Carlitos Way...
I feel sad for Sonny and Apollonia. That pushed Michael over the edge
It’s more tragic when you read the book
I don't think he was surprised about what happened to Sonny
@@ericthomas917 yeah, it was Apollonia. Sonny was always in danger and he was hypocritical in betraying his wife but not liking his sister being beaten by her husband
@@stephenglasse9756 The hypocrisy is the worst thing.
@@stephenglasse9756 Two different universes. Cheating on your wife is not the same as brutally beating your pregnant wife. There is NO hypocrisy there. They are not equivalent.
Michaels change from straight guy who didnt want to get mixed up in the family business to the stone cold "businessman" in the end is done masterfully by Pacino. What a cast, legendary actors, legendary movie! You absolutely MUST watch the second one, it is even better in my opinion! It also has Robert DeNiro in it, hes absolutely brilliant as the younger Vito Corleone.
Well, you can't really blame Michael. You put any straight-laced, tenacious man in that position and he's going to do a lot of the same things as Michael. The fact that he didn't cheat on his wife is a feat in and of itself.
@@shanekeenaNYC Also Michael wasn't trained by Vito, but by the US Marines. He's a military leader, not a businessman.
@@peterk7931 And that translated extremely well in the business world for Michael. Same aggression, similar concepts, just different stakes and weapons.
Yes! The second movie is the best in my opinion. I grew up watching these with my dad and they will always be favorites of mine, but 2 tells the whole story and has so much more depth than the others.
Her enjoyment for the 2nd movie would be just as much as this one, which is not very much.
Fun Fact: When the grandson Anthony gets scared by Vito Corleone with the orange peel in his mouth, that boy's reaction was unscripted and so was Marlon Brando's reaction to the boy actually being frightened. It fit the scene so well, they left it in.
Also, the baptism scene intertwined with the hit montage is one of my favorite scenes in cinema. It plays out just so perfectly and it gives me chills every time I watch it. There's so many scenes in this film that are amazing, but that one in particular is just so genius.
And the baby in the baptism? That's not a boy. It's Francis Copola's daughter and now producer in her own right, Sophia Copola.
So was the orange. When yo see an orange in these movies someone dies.
In my opinion, the baptism of blood sequence is the single best example of cross-cutting in cinema history. It's absolutely brilliant
What's fun about that?
@@Jutrzen Never mind.
It’s such a tragic story. Everything Michael does is for his family. That’s honorable in a sense, however it turns him into a monster. Vito saw that Michael was the good one and didn’t want it to happen, hence his look of heartbreak when he found out what Michael did. Such a good movie!
What to do when your own family is toxic and dangerous? But also they're immigrants and probably feel trapped in the lifestyle. It's tough. But eventually you just gotta accept that murder is bad, and live by that commandment.
One of the best tragedies in fiction.
As bad as part 3 is, it is why it should be recommended to her after she watches the second.
How is he a monster he literally did what anyone would do in that entire movie, Tried to murder his father, his brother in law betrayed and got his brother killed. If it was me I go exterminatus no one walks away except my guys. Family is everything
@@RK-zf1jm Well, no.
"Look how they massacred my boy." Beautiful acting from Brando. I didn't see the fearsome, larger than life Don Corleone in that moment; I saw a frail, weary old man grieving for his son.
You definitely get bonus points for figuring out how Sonny was set up. That was super observant. Godfather part II is considered (though not by me) as an even better movie. It's certainly exceptional. Watching both actually makes the original even better. There is also a version that combines them together called the Godfather Saga. It's the best version IMO.
The saga ruins part 2..the whole point of part 2 is comparing father and son at similar times in their lives.
I thought it was obvious to everyone how he was setup but when Cassie dialed it back to "the woman calling Connie", that was a special moment in 'oh, she really got it on the first watch!" Haha
You must see Robert DeNiro playing the young Vito ....
She said she wasn’t eager to see this movie again, so she may decide to wait a while before seeing the second movie.
yeah i watched the special edition that plays the films in time order so we see vito colreone when hes young and his rise to power first and its by the 2nd film that we see what happens here
That final scene between Vito and Michael is one that never fails to make me cry. Likewise, the baptism sequence takes my breath away every single time I see it.
In my humble opinion, still to this day it’s the greatest scene ever filmed.
With a possible exception being the entire final episode of Breaking Bad. 🤷🏻
Agreed Thomas, but then they are capped off by the scene between Michael and Kay… (lying to her but also protecting her). Michael’s transformation complete.
@@julesvincent1113 It's my understanding that George Lucas (who's been a friend & colleague of Coppola's for decades) based the intercutting of Palpatine declaring the Empire and Anakin slaughtering the Trade Federation leaders in "Revenge of the Sith" on the Baptism scene.
@@greenmonsterprod Yes, that's correct. Lucas staged that sequence in Revenge of the Sith as a tribute to the baptism sequence in The Godfather.
@@drg3712 The ending is all about the fantastic performances by the actors. It gives the final shot so much power. The double baptism is amazing visual storytelling-Michael’s baptism by blood. I think people are justifiably blown away over by the cinematic skill of the baptism. But I agree that the last scene is where the power is.
Obviously the overall story is about Michael. The son who didn't want to be part of it and you learn that his father didn't want that either. But in the end he's actually more ruthless and cutthroat than his father.
It's so revered because it's a masterclass in acting, writing and directing.
It parallels the story of Caesar Augustus
It's incredibly well done, I love it. Sadly, it idealizes quite a bit the mobs. Mobsters tend to love this movie for that reason.
@@Alfonso88279 It's kind of ironic that real mobsters like this movie now, when at the time of filming, the mafia was completely against this book being adapted into this classic film.
Connie, the daughter who got married in the beginning, is played by Talia Shire. She is also known for her role as Adrian in the Rocky films. Great video! It's a very long movie. We appreciate your work
Also, the guy who played Willie Cicci (Joe Spinell), the mustache guy who shot the guy in the revolving door, played Gazzo the loan shark that Rocky worked for in Rocky I. He has a bigger part in Godfather II. He is the buttonman who testifies at the Congressional hearing.
Talia Shire had two amazing, iconic rolls. Both Connie and Adrian grow into such strong characters.
I can't believe she missed that, I thought she would pick that up right away
She is also the Godfather director's, Francis Ford Coppola, sister. Nicolas Cage is his nephew. ;-)
I came to point out that she missed that it’s Adrian y’all beat me to it
Fun fact: The baby that was baptized at the end is, in fact, director/actress Sofia Coppola (daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola).
I hope you continue this journey. Godfather II is one of those rare sequels that many fans feel is better than the original. I look forward to hearing your opinion on this.
Keep up the great work!
Also fun fact: that same baby plays michaels daughter in the 3rd movie.
In the Mad Magazine parody of this movie, Sonny's death was chalked up to the toll keepers being real sticklers for exact change. A little more seriously, I think we can all agree that Robert Duvall, who's been around forever and turns 92 in January, is an awesome actor. Thanks, Cassie.
That's awesome! 🤣 I always loved MAD as a kid!
Cassie should watch To Kill A Mockingbird for Duvall's debut 🙂
Mad Magazine had amazing parodies of all the movies of their time.
@@gregall2178 Yes, a must-see!
Ah yes..."The Oddfather". I read that in MAD back when it came out somewhere in the 70s. I still quote parts of it.
I think you'll like Vito even more after seeing Part 2. De Niro really plays the part well, and you can see how much more honourable Vito behaved compared to Michael.
You definitely need to watch Part 2 now. If nothing else, just for Vito's backstory.
@@OldRod99 Agreed, It will answer the questions you had about the backstory. It is really one movie. Plus Di Niro's portrayal of a young Vito.
And how gorgeous a young De Niro is.
Part 2 is emotionally and literally much darker.
I feel like Vito was able to be honourable and successful because he came up during an honourable time.... by the time Michael took control, there was no more honour, just power hungry foes who you must kill before they kill you.
John Cazale, who played Fredo, died way too soon at the age of 42. He has a short but incredible resume. Godfather pt. I & 11, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter.
If Cassie is smart, she'll react to all these films.
@@penfold7455 Cassie is smart, regardless of what she chooses to watch. 🤨
John Cazale was an amazing actor. He was so convincing in his roles. I loved him in Dog Day.
@@brentfugett2700 deer hunter might be a bit much for her, unfortunately.
Five movies, five best picture noms. Good track record.
Michael never would have become the monster he became if Apollonia never was killed. She was such a bright star in his dark sky of life. He lost all care and humanity the moment that car blew up.
Actually I think that happens when his father is shot, and he comes "home" to the family to take care of business. When he decides he will kill for the familiy, his fate is sealed and he lost his soul. If you think of his own end later, this is all a straight line.
I think Apollonia would have understood the assignment (Don's wife) better than Kay ever did. Kay loved the war hero college Michael, Apollonia loved the powerful, dangerous and dominant Michael who fled America because he killed someone for honor/revenge.
Actually he never would have become the monster he became if he hadn't had to kill in order to save his father.
@@lynnturman8157 You don't think he killed in war? They didn't give him a medal for knitting...
@@screenwriter7094 Not the same thing. As Sonny said, Michael was a mile away and not up close to get blood on his suit. And secondly, it's not the same moral dilemma. Killing an enemy to defend your country is one thing. Killing somebody point blank in a public restaurant is another. For one you get a medal, for the other you go to jail for murder.
Mike had the mindset of "revenge is a dish best served cold..." He waited for YEARS to settle the Family business, and yes he did wait until his old man died so nobody could stop him from icing Carlo...love him or hate him he's one of the Greatest Characters in the History of Cinema....
He plotted the revenge with his father, but couldn’t act because the Godfather had made a promise to the 5 families that he wouldn’t be the one to break the peace. Once his father had died, he didn’t waste a moment
Connie, the daughter who got married at the start, is actually Francis Ford Coppola's sister. She was also Adrian in the Rocky movies. Coppola's daughter, Sophia Coppola, is also a director. You should watch Lost in Translation, one of her best movies. Coppola's nephew is Nicolas Kim Coppola who is an actor but decided to change his name so as not to take advantage of his famous uncle. He changed it to Nicolas Cage.
Another member of the Coppola dynasty is the cinematographer, John Schwartzman, Francis Ford Coppola’ nephew. He tells the tale that at one Christmas family get-together when he was younger, he was playing Risk with Coppola and George Lucas. He bet them that if he won, they had to write him letters of recommendation to film school. He won. What a way to get a foot in the door of the business!
Sophia Coppola played the baby being baptized. Some would say she gave a better performance in this movie than in Part 3.
@@nrkgalt She wasn't a great actress, but she is an amazing director. Lost in Translation is a masterpiece.
Fast Times is the only movie that had Nicholas Coppola I think....
Familij first
Whoever edited this reaction did a fantastic job. They obviously knew the movie well! The break between these two parts was exactly where the intermission was. Great job.
Totally agree.
Isn't there a big title screen that reads "Intermission" during the movie?
@@richcheckmaker9789 thats in "The Godfather Part II"
@@richcheckmaker9789 PS: My compliment to the editor wasn't limited to the intermission break, by the way.
@@richcheckmaker9789 Trying to think if I've ever seen a DVD that kept the Intermission card.
"Michael you've changed" is up there with "How could anyone vote for him after this" among the most classic Popcorn quotes.
Whats the second one from? lol!
@@AlexG1020 The Terminator, just watch her reaction for full context. :)
"They seem like they have a cute marriage" about Jack and Wendy in The Shining
Cassie struggling to pronounce all of the Italian names in this movie needs to be made into a short. It's so damn funny.
Brilliant acting by Pacino to demonstrate that change.
“Who did it? Talagaita?” 😂. You had me hysterically laughing at that one. I love your reactions. I feel like I’m watching a movie with my sister.
It was different every time😂. Like a newcomer to pasta.😊
It got old real quick. The names really aren’t that hard to remember.
It's also worth noting the "gosh" that follows and the pained expression that goes with it. Cassie doesn't always get things right - especially names that are difficult at first to remember - but that shows how much she respects the movie and those who already love it. It's funny to hear, but she's not doing it for a cheap laugh.
Part Two will give you a much better understanding of how Vito came to be the Don. The scenes of a young Vito in New York are among my very favorite in the history of film.
The original Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the best movies ever made.
Part Two is the better film imo.
I really enjoy your reactions. Thank you for sharing.
The greatest sequel of all time. I have always considered the two as on six hour film. And I definitely agree. Godfather II is far better than the first. The deleted scenes really tie together a couple of very important plot lines that really should’ve been left in.
Part 2 is vastly inferior to Part 1 in every possible way and the whole story feels more unnecessary compared to Godfather.
I think Part II is roughly equal in quality to Part 1, not better. However, it is more grand in its scope. Which makes sense because the first film was such a massive hit, so Paramount gave the creators all of the money, resources and creative freedom they wanted. Coppola & co. definitely did not disappoint.
@@FuzzyDlop You're wrong. Part 2 is the masterpiece because Coppola had everything he needed to make the film unlike the first one.
I don't get why people never point out it's 1 book called "The Godfather" that takes 2 movies to cover. I hate to compare this example to Godfather, but it's today's equivalent of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2...1 book, takes 2 movies to fit the entire story in. The Godfather 1 and 2 is basically 1 film, of course they have to structure it differently for a film adaptation so that both can have a beginning and an end. The current Dune is no different, the book has to be split into 2 films because it's too immense to trim down into 1 film. They could have just adapted the book as a whole into a 6 hr film where, like the book, we cover Michael's story from the wedding to the killing of Fredo in part 2, meanwhile periodically cutting back to the rise of Vito. Basically the Godfather III would be the sequel to this. Also keep in mind you can watch the Godfather Saga which puts both films together, though in chronological order (which is not how the book structures it), as the Godfather Legacy which combines all 3 films into chronological order.
The second film gives you the backstory of how things got this way. The whole story is quite Shakespearean in its scope and character development. But keep in mind that this is all very romanticized. The reason Coppola was hard to get for this film at first is that he grew up around guys like this, and he knew they were definitely not the warm, family-oriented characters you see here. They were gangsters - violent, unpleasant men he never wanted to be around. It wasn't until he twigged to the whole family aspect of the story (the book didn't concentrate on that), and then he found a way in. But he still worried about glamorizing it all, which is one of the justifications for the intense grittiness of the film. It's a great film about awful people.
The scene with the little boy was completely improvised. Coppola realized it would be impossible to direct such a little kid, so he discussed a few point with Brando and then just let them play. It's a mark of how good Brando was that the whole thing is so smooth and natural, with no indication that there's any acting going on.
I think it's based on Augustan Rome. It's not identical but key plot points match up with key events in history. Caesar didn't groom Octavian intentionally but none the less he turned out to be the greatest political mind in history. Did a lot of horrible stuff but so many people benefitted from it. Some leaders are willing to break eggs.
Was wondering if he had any experience with the mob. Maybe an ignorant question, but did most American Italians of that time have some kind of tie or experience with The Family?
@@ct6852 Simple answer is no. Many Italians moved across New York and Jersey and the rest of the Northeast with no affiliation to the mob. I can't speak for the ones that stayed in the five Burroughs.
@@alswearengen6427 Watching these movies makes you realize how important it is to have honest jobs and opportunities available for gainful employment. No one should should be forced into that lifestyle.
It's funny that this story seems to be about Michael's slow degradation into a monster, but if you consider that he was in the marines in WWII and probably personally killed more people than his whole family put together, and that his family is under attack in much the same way that his country was attacked by Japan and Germany, then his story makes more sense. Under the surface he probably already was this guy when he returned from the war, and he only needed a slight tweak to his moral compass, like someone trying to kill his father, or actually killing his new wife.
I've always wanted a movie about Michael in WWII.
Completely agree, yea! Michael is different from his father this way. He is an efficient cold blooded operator like a sharp shooter on a battlefield. He has faced death and understands it. He knows what needs to be done.
@@curtismartin2866how he goes from a war hero to a crime boss is interesting.
Best Mafia film ever
Most combat soldiers never kill anybody. In WWII, most never even fired a weapon at a person they could see. Most combat casualties are caused by artillery, not small arms fire, and only a small fraction of soldiers are killed in action, so ... do the math. Michael is described as a "war hero", so who knows, maybe he took out a machine gun nest single-handedly or something, but it's unlikely that he killed as many people in WWII as were killed on his orders during the baptism.
You can't cross nothin off your list till you watch part 2 😲
Yes! Thank you! The saga continues in part 2 & 3 but she has to see 2, at least!
The Baptism murder montage is an absolute masterpiece of film making and a masterclass on how to end a film
Michael's transformation and the baptism scene 👌👌👌👌👌👌. Him renouncing bad while getting all the murders done is pure irony and pure genius 🤣
That and it is really his baptism into being reborn as The Godfather.
The final scene with Michael and his father is one of the saddest moments I’ve ever seen in a movie. Just the music and how he says there wasn’t enough time. 😢
The Godfather is not every guy's favorite movie because of action/shoot out scenes, there's not that much of it in the movie, but rather, is a favorite amongst a lot of people because of the story telling and character arcs, something you don't see very much anymore in modern movies. And yes, the Italian Mafia is very much like depicted in this movie. The Godfather is not just a mafia movie, but an American story.
I have autism are be 19 next month I think this film will be too tragic for me
I feel I need to give a special shout out to an under appreciated actor in this film and that is Al Lettieri who played Virgil “The Turk” Solozzo. I think I can honestly say it’s my favorite character portrayal. May he RIP
A great performance surrounded by great performances.
AGREED! So happy to see someone mention that! It's nobody's fault, this movie is so stacked with great acting and great actors. But you're right, nobody ever talks about him and he is FANTASTIC. I love it when he bites his lip and looks like a snake when he says "Let me worry about Luca."
Yes! His performance was brilliant! I wish we could have seen him more.
I think it's interesting how most people tend to think this movie is more action-packed with killings, but in reality it's a slow-burn character study with "Greek tragedy"-level undertones.
People looked at this movie thinking it was about Vito Corleone but it was really about his son Michael's evolution from an innocent man to the murderous head of the family. Fantastic script, casting, production, direction. Thanks for posting.
Origin story of a super villain
This was the first movie where I got to witness character development take someone on a downward spiral. Michael was unrecognizable from the beginning of the story.
You would swear that it's two different actors.
I saw the Godfather long before seeing "Empire of the Sun" but Christian Bales evolution in Empire really clued me in to an actor / character changing so dramatically from the beginning to the end of a film. I agree with your point, Keto.
The symbolism of that last shot of Diane Keaton as the door closes on her is pretty epic. She's starting to see what the hell she got into by marrying Michael. From what I've seen and read, it took a lot to get the real Mafia to not try to "kill" the filming of the movie. The Johnny Fontaine storyline is loosely based on Frank Sinatra, who was so-called friends with Mafia guys and had gotten out of a band contract as a young singer and then went on to star in movies. Allegedly, he saw the book author, Mario Puzo, at a Hollywood lunch counter and belted him in the face. He was not happy with the insinuations portrayed in the movie. Director Coppola said he fought the studio at every turn. After the success of the film, of course everyone wanted credit. As they say, "success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan".
"If you can keep your head while those around you can't, then you're--"
_gunshots_
🙂
It is alleged bigredtic, but it didn't happen...Sinatra never hit him. There was an awkward introduction by a mutual acquaintance in a Hollywood restaurant - a meeting that neither of them really wanted. Due to a misunderstanding, Sinatra got the wrong end of the stick, so to speak. He did shout at Puzo but they never came to blows. Too long to quote the passage here, but it was covered in James Kaplan's extensive biography titled 'Sinatra, The Chairman' (pages 820-823). Highly recommended book - very detailed.
One of the best scenes and ending to a film ever!
@@johnnyonenote376 Yeh, I think Albert S. Ruddy has embellished a lot of what happened around that time. That doesn't surprise me what you said.
@@bigredtlc1828 Well, a lot of genuine stuff did happen around that period. Around 1967, Carl Cohen (casino manager at the Sands) punched Sinatra straight in the mouth and took the caps off his two front teeth...
Thank you so much for this. Wanted to say John Cazale, the actor who played Fredo, was married to Meryl Streep. He only made five movies and all four were nominated Best Picture: The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather Part Two, The Conversation and The Deer Hunter. In his last movie he was dying of cancer so they filmed his scenes first. Meryl Streep appeared in the movie with him so as to be near him.
I dont think they were married.
@@crankfastle8138 Yeah they weren’t married but they became involved two years before his death and she was devoted to him even when he was sick and dying.
When Duvall says "they shot sonny on the causeway" it's so gutwrenching
Tessio betrayed Michael because he didn't know that Michael was letting the other families attack Corleone businesses to get them to let their guards down so they wouldn't see it coming when he wiped them out all at once. But Tessio just thought Michael was too weak to lead so he agreed to help Barzini kill him in exchange for being given leadership after Michael's death.
Congrats, Cassie! Only you, Michael and I (and a few other thousands of viewers) knew that Carlo had set up Sonny for the massacre. I CANT BELIEVE HOW MANY ORHER REACTORS MISS IT ENTIRELY.
You’re just way more on the ball than most!
I honestly don't understand how anyone older than eight could miss it. Why would a group of hitmen be randomly waiting at a toll booth unless it was a trap?
I,ve watched others regarding Sonny's deathe . Not one of them got it.
@@richardpappas7800Yeah, it’s like they think it’s a coincidence.
Love how you figured out that Carlo was involved in setting up Sonny. Most people miss that. Your reactions are priceless and fun to watch. I’m looking forward to your Godfather 2 reaction.
The Godfather 2 is even better. Keep going! You won't be disappointed! By the way did you recognize Connie, Michaels sister? That's Adrian, Rocky's wife. She's also the real life sister of the director Francis Ford Coppola who is also the real uncle to Nicholas Cage. 🙂
And she’s Jason Schwartzmam’s mother.
@@chaddnewman2699 Jason Oy Vey Schwatrzman.
I love that each of Vito Corleones children have wildly different personalities that reflect their father in different ways. Sonny is savage and hot-headed, Fredo is very charismatic and charming, and Michael has Vitos cunning and wits. He was a loving man who wanted to be different than his father but I think after his father being shot, killing two men, and losing Apollonia while being betrayed by one of the two men he thought were his closest guards he lost all of Vitos warmth and eventually becomes an even more ruthless man because of it.
The baptism scene is the Godfather of all parallel montages. But it wasn't Coppola's idea. Coppola had filmed tons of great material but he felt it led nowhere and had no rythm. There were four, five different stories and Coppola was stumped how to make them work.
Legend has it, that he left his editor Peter Zinner for the night. Unhappy, frustrated and despirited.
Zinner took the footage, had a go and created this masterpiece of a montage. Coppola loved it. It was decided not to use additional music, only what was happening at the church.
It was a shame that Zinner didn't win the Oscar for "The Godfather". He deserved it for this scene alone.
The Godfather movies are just so visually stunning 😍
That's the way that I've always felt about them. In addition to being fantastic movies, it's a treat just to look at them. I'm just fascinated by how rich every scene is. There's always something going on in the background, the foreground, or in the wings.
Even just the way the scenes are LIT un this is a testament to the genius of Gordon Willis.
It was a true joy to watch someone so innocent as you, watching such a masterpiece like The Godfather. I hope you will continue the trilogy.
The story, the directing, the acting ... Yes, I think this is one of best movies ever made. You mentioned the men in the movie. I loved the fact that Talia Shire played Connie. A few years later she went on to portray Adriane in Rocky. Fantastic!
And she's Francis Ford Coppola's sister.
And the actor who played Willie Sicci played the capo in Rocky.
@@kendane2001 His name was Joe Spinell. Sylvester Stallone auditioned for a role in this film, but was rejected.
@@jackprescott9652 they told him he didn't look Italian enough lol
The scene near the end when the guy gets shot through the revolving door was filmed at exactly the same moment that a genuine Mafia hit was taking place a few blocks away.
Yes, you get a LOT of points for figuring out who setup Sonny. I really hope you watch the whole trilogy. It’s an amazing and well written story
No. Just part 2. 3 is terrible by comparison
@An Sionnach Beag Ríoga The only good parts of Part 3 imo are anything to do with Michael and his redemption. Literally everything else is bleh.
Part 3 is rough
@@joshe465 GF 3 is rough, but the ending is fairly good and symbolic. He cannot escape his past and it still is costing him. In this case, the most precious thing in his life. He will not receive redemption, at least in this life! His attempt to make up with Kay and his son seamed within reach, but no. His daughter, unlike the others, never gave up on him. Michael lives out the rest of his miserable life alone in a once beautiful but not dilapidated villa from his past and dies, literally with and like a dog.
In any other film, The Baptism Sequence would be the end-all be-all stand out moment but in The Godfather, it's just another scene. 😆 That's how iconic this film is!
I disagree. That scene is the end-all-be-all stand out moment. There are a lot of classic scenes I grant you, but even among those it is the stand out moment.
@@Meine.Postma greatest scene ever filmed for a movie.
🤷🏻
Mike went over the edge from the punch by the Police Captain.
@@julesvincent1113 Let's say one of the greatest scenes ever filmed
No way dude. The baptism scene, as well as Sonny’s death at the toll booth, are iconic. Neither of them can be considered “just another scene.”
I've NEVER laughed at the the "Sonny massacre" before. It's pretty traumatic. However, when you screamed, "I THINK YOU GOT 'EM!" That's was a long hearty laugh that I needed. Your one of the best reactors (Sis too.)
Jesus, really?
If you laughed at that scene there's really something wrong with your head. Talk to a psychiatrist immediately.
@@Vinterfrid Nothing like a troll, taking something out of context and completely ignorant of the minutia to jump in as if anyone could care less about an opinion derived from some personal problem and a pathological knee jerk reaction issued just to be combative, hostile and most importantly get that desperately needed attention. Now that is a sad little life. Please reinforce my initial analysis.
I love the Godfather comforting Tom and thanking him for bringing him the news despite the pain he must be feeling
Cassie, I loved that you were so happy to have English subtitles when Michael was in Sicily. 😂 I had the pleasure of watching this with my Italian father & grandfather when I was a teenager and they translated the appropriate parts 😜
They also discussed the big similarities between some of the characters and real-life people, including the glaring Johnny Fontaine/Frank Sinatra connection.
So, Cassie, your, is it really like that? In many ways, yes, especially during that period.
I kinda knew this wasn't a movie she was going to go crazy about. It's just not her style. But I have to give her a lot of credit for quickly and accurately assessing the Carlo connection to Sonny's assassination, that the whole thing with Connie was a set-up from the start. So many reactors never really connect the dots on that one.
Yes, you get MAJOR points for figuring it all out, and catching so much on just a first viewing, and for a person who does not love watching mob movies. VERY impressive! You're catching stuff it took me repeated viewings to understand (to be fair, I was 11 when I first saw it!) Yes, you most definitely get points!!!!
More Cassie doing Brando impressions, please!
I feel like The Godfather always takes new viewers by surprise. It’s rarely what anyone expects! Such a masterpiece of narrative filmmaking… I think I need to watch Part 2 in anticipation of Cassie’s inevitable reaction!
The story arcs in this movie are what makes it so compelling. Wait until you watch The Godfather Part 2. It perfectly gives you the backstory of the Corleone Family while also forwarding the story of the family in Las Vegas.
This is one of Al Pacino's greatest performance; he got Robbed of an Oscar for "Best Supporting" actor. At the beginning of the film, Michael was "Water" by the end of the movie he was stone cold "Ice." Incidentally that is the only Oscar that the Godfather did not win in 1972.
Duvall and Caan were also nominated with Pacino and all three lost.
I know the feeling, I didn't watch this movie until I was about 24 or so, and didn't know what to expect. Afterwards I was just floored, it's an absolute work of art.
I do not recall a mention of this in your part 1 reaction, but Talia Shire who plays Connie Corleone is Adrian from the Rocky movies.
And Francis Ford Coppola's sister.
@@TheGnolla I was not aware of that connection, but thanks for pointing it out. Everything is almost always more connected than we think! I know that the baby in the baptism scene grows up to play Michael's daughter in Godfather lll.
Isn't she also related to the director?
His daughter
I'm glad you were able to appreciate this film despite the fact that it has a theme and content that you are not used to watching. This movie has a unique way of pulling in the viewer into a dark underworld because it depicts a "code of honor" we can "relate" to (e.g. the importance of family, loyalty, etc) and before you know it, we are part of this world because we can sympathize and loathe their environment at the same time which is part of the many ironic aspects of the story, that I find so fascinating. Also the movie was done in such an artistic and engaging way, where the mood, the lighting, the dialogue and the framing of scenes are so mesmerizing whether you are aware of them or not. It's no wonder that "The Godfather" has become a timeless classic.
Godfather Part II is a must watch.
Theres been three times that brought me the most joy watching this movie with someone..my wife, my son,....and now this. Double points awarded for figuring out, and for the pronunciations of names half points for making me smile.
So the initial reception for The Godfather can be quite amusing because what happened is that actual gangster families didn't want the film to be shown since the public would get a glimpse into their secret underground world. In a humorous twist, they then watched a bit of the film and enjoyed it themselves, even going so far as to get a secret showing exclusive for them in the theaters. Among other neat details, the man who acted as Luca Brasi was an ex-gangster and that scene in the beginning where he was practicing his speech for Don Corleone was him actually practicing and caught on camera. The director decided to include that part in the release.
Another tidbit: the actor playing Sal Tessio, the guy who set up the meeting with Barzini, was Abe Vigoda. He had a long successful career which was launched with this role. Copella was willing to hold an open casting call for some of the roles, and Abe Vigoda was hired that way.
Look who's talking..great small role...hope that's on her list
Very few people realize that the most successful actress of our generation is Talia Rose Shire who played roles as Connie Corleone in the Godfather films and Adrian Balboa in the Rocky series. Just those two series alone are not only two of the most iconic films ever, but made billions for the film studios. ✋🏻
Yea I’m really surprised she didn’t notice, especially with how much she liked the Rocky series.
It helps being the director’s (Francis Coppola) sister. Can you say nepotism? Wow! An Italian actress playing an Italian character.
@@yourlifeisagreatstory absolutely! I kept expecting her to say “Yo! Adrian!!!”
you're drunk
The most successful actress of our generation or any other generation for that matter is Meryl Streep. I love Talia Shire but she's nowhere close to actresses like Streep, Shirley MacLean, Faye Dunaway or even Sally Fields who were all contemporaries when the Godfather and Rocky came out.
Michael feels he’s doing right by protecting his family. Such an iconic film. Arguably, the greatest movie ever made.
Hi Cassie, this was James Caan`s breakthrough role. As well as Sonny, my other favourites of his roles were SSgt. Eddie Dohun, Mississippi & Jonathan E. with a special mention for Walter, in Elf. R.I.P. James Caan, thanks for all your great performances.
Michael was ready to become part of the family business as soon as he lost his brother and Apollonia, ever since then he had to adopt a new method of dealing with affairs.
The miniseries The Offer that came out this year is a drama series about the making of the godfather and it's pretty terrific. For anyone that is a massive fan it's definitely worth a watch.
I loved that show, it was soooo good! I liked the tone a lot. The actors were amazing. So entertaining and a lot of it was fairly accurate.
Which platform?
@@mshippy19 Paramount +
In the book, Tom Hagen makes a phone call to Carlo after Sonny's death instructing him to make up with Connie and be an ideal husband until at least after the baby comes and he'll be taken care of. Carlo got the message that he was one screw-up away from death.
Quote of the week " which one was Marlon Brando " priceless.
Fredo is such a fantastic actor. The scene where he mentions he's going to learn the Casino business is just so fantastic. He's a small part, but it's really a gem of a story line thanks to his acting.
You watched this movie in the era WE live in, you have to remember the time this movie was set in. Michael was always the most like his father. He'll never share his business with his wife, to keep her safe really, the less the knows the better. This is my favorite movie of ALL time, I've seen it about 50 times and I'm a huge movie buff. The Godfather II is excellent too.
Part 2 helps explain a lot of their origins and motivations for how and why the family started in America, absolutely incredible film that is a must watch.
A complication from Michael's broken jaw was that it didn't properly heal, and affected his sinuses causing his nose to drip. He eventually got it fixed in Vegas by a doctor connected with the family.
The same Dr that fixed Lucy’s gigantic you know what..
That's clearly explained in the book, but does the movies ever address Michael sinuses? I mean beyond showing him in several scenes with a handkerchief.
@@kefkaFollower No, they left that out in the movies. Leaves the audience to assume he fixed it through surgery or it finally healed on its own
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather 1 and 2 is a top 3 performance of all time. Simply legendary.
Being the huge Rocky fan, I'm shocked that you didn't call Adrienne!
But also...you kind of have to do Part II now. It's not much happier, but it will answer some of the questions you had in this one.
Michael's transformation from straight laiced war hero to cold hearted Don is some of the greatest character development in cinema history. Even more so in parts 2 and 3.
Oh you must give The Godfather Part 2 a chance. It’s one of those sequels that are so good that fans debate which one is the greater movie of the two. In my opinion, this one is amazing, but Part Two is my personal favorite and it picks up 5 years later and goes from there. It is often considered one of the greatest movies ever made. You’ll see it high up there on the IMBD 250 list. 🙂
This was my favorite reaction of your so far. This being one of my top 5 movies of all time. It's a perfect film in every aspect, and your reactions were perfect for what each scene brought emotionally. Your reactions are a true treasure. Keep up the outstanding videos. You have to see Godfather II next.
PLEASE 📲
Part 2 show Michael so dark that it is almost unbearable, but also tells the history of Vito with a young Robert Deniro as the future Don. The second movie really shows the difference between father and son, and why Michael is beyond any redemption.
Not Part II, Godfather II. A seperate Movie. The Original Godfather movie was split into two parts for purposes of this reaction, both parts are the first movie. Godfather II is a seperate movie that Cassie hasn't reviewed yet, and might not, but we can hope. Databyter
Please, no spoilers.
@@Databyter We gotta make her an offer she can't refuse ....
@@jamesalexander5623 :)
"Police captain linked with drug rackets" Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so."
Cass trying to mimic Don Corleone is friggin hilarious 😂 😂 😂
Be sure to watch Part II. It's arguably the better of the two. Part III is also very good, but many steps below he first two.
Im of the same opinion, first one is a masterpiece, second one just ups the ante, the better one in my opinion but they are both legends. De Niro is at top of his game in the second one.
Yeah, the third one sucks, especially when it came out the same year as "Goodfellas" and "The Freshman", where Brando parodies his Don Corleone performance. When I saw the third Godfather in the theatre, the audience was howling with laughter, which is not what you want in a Godfather movie! "The Freshman" is even funnier! (lol) Would rather reactors watch the first two, "the Freshman" and (of course) Goodfellas, Casino and Donnie Brasco.
I have to say, I agree. I liked all three, but I think I liked II the bast. Of course, you have to watch them in order. It's really like one big megamovie. I liked the history and flashbacks in II.
Databyter
.
I believe the third one had a recent recut and a different title
As an Italian-American I was both cringing and laughing as you butchered every Italian name. 🤣
Great reaction, as always.
I laughed out loud at all of those too.... but she finally got Corleone right in the end lol
It was the one where she said “coglione” for me 😂
Agreed! “Who did this, Tala-gaita”? Had me rolling!
Badda beb da ba bop🤣
How do you feel about the characterizations in this movie?
Loved the reaction Cassie. You picked up all the plot twists very well. I'm sure you're kicking yourself for not recognising Talia Shire. She plays a stronger role in Godfather II.
It is essentially a movie about a family. Yes, a powerful mob family, but a story about their relationships, love, loyalties, etc. You might recognize the actress playing Connie Corleone. She's Talia Shire, and also plays the part of Adrian in the 'Rocky' movies.
Great story telling along with great acting. A true cinematic masterpiece! You're reactions were great as well.
I still love watching this movie, again and again. It took me a few times to piece the whole thing together. Cassie, how quickly you figured out the Sonny hit was incredible. Thanks for watching it Cassie,for me it was better the second time around. Can’t wait to see you watch the 2nd one.
The Godfather is my favorite, like sooooo many other guys, but it can only be truly appreciated on repeated viewings. There is so much to take in. You miss so many of the subtleties only watching it once or twice.
The baby getting baptized was the daughter of the film's director, Francis Ford Coppola. She is now a prominent director in her own right.
She played Michael's daughter in the 3rd film as well and wasn't very good since she wasn't an actress.
That's sophia, that's awesome
The studio tried to have Al fired but Francis protected him. Then the studio nearly fired Francis. He was saved by getting an Oscar for Patton 🎉
Patton is a great film in its own right.
Yes
PATTON was directed by Franklin Schaffner, who had recently directed PLANET OF THE APES. Coppola didn't direct PATTON.
Thumbs up
Actually he changed the schedule so Coppola shot the scene in the restaurant with Michael, Solozzo and the police captain. When the studio saw the footage, they changed their minds. Coppola kept doing this every week or so to be able to make the film he wanted. Thank God he did, otherwise we would have some other movie with Robert Redford as Michael Corleone. Can you imagine? I don't think Redford would have done it to be honest.
Michael was in the Marines in WW2, fighting in the Pacific, where the fighting was the most Savage in the war. He got the Navy- Marine cross, second only to the Medal of Honor and, to Marines, surpassing it. Michael had to have done things very brave and up close, because the fighting in the Pacific often came down to hand to hand. And then he came home.
Michael started training for his role in the family when he became a Marine. Clearly he had PTSD, which made him cold and impersonal.
All combat veterans from the Pacific had problems when they suddenly found themselves back in polite society.
And it meant he fought the Mob war differently. His father and Tom knew how to play the politics, but Michael saw enemies that had to be dealt with as you would in war. Swiftly and violently.
Exactly@@leojamesclune1730
Really impressed by the amount of plot points you caught. You get a lot of points! I had to read the novel to fully wrap my head around this masterpiece!
"Which one was Marlon Brando?" KILLED me. Pizza crust spat across my coffee table. KILLED me.
Reminded me of her watching The Great Escape and not knowing who Steve McQueen was.
Nothing like watching a movie reaction to a great classic movie with a really intelligent and sensitive person doing the reacting. This was very enjoyable. Thank you!
She is very naive however. Does she even know what the Mafia is? I think she believes they were olive oil salesmen.
One of the greatest movies ever made! Part II is just as brilliant!
This was a great reaction video, Francis Coppola is one of my favorite filmmakers how he inspired Al’s performance was legendary.
Another great reaction! Glad you finally tackled this! Hope you do part II. In terms of you asking how true the "five families" part was, that was based on a very real thing of a few crime families forming what they called the "Commission" around the 30s.