I read the other week that The Godfather celebrates its 45th Anniversary year. It inspired me to do this kind of post. Anyone who knows me will be aware of my love for The Godfather, it is after all my favourite movie. I can’t wax lyrical enough about the iconic classic, charting the lives of the Corleone family, that has influenced so many things after it and become a monument of film making. So I thought it interesting to do a post covering the full trilogy. Part II is a masterwork that is up there with the first one on every level. The third one may get heat and does suffer in comparison, but I don’t believe it’s as bad as many make out. There are simply so many moments from the trilogy, directed by the fantastic Francis Ford Coppola and boasting a simply outstanding cast. So I ask you all, which moments really stick out for you in The Godfather Trilogy? I know it’s a difficult question because there’s so many parts to choose from, but please give an answer. I’d love to discuss this amazing trilogy with you all.
The main problem for me was the casting of Sofia Coppola in the third one. Just ruined the movie for me. I do love the “Use your skills” when he visits the undertaker in the first one.
Yes, that one always seems to come up in regard to the third one. At least Sofia has gone on to a successful directing career. That undertaker sequence in the first one is really emotional, you feel the pain of the Don looking at the body of his son.
It made people so mad no surprise she never really acted again. True. And I know it’s not supposed to be funny. But it did raise a smile as he’s asking the undertaker something almost impossible for the open casket.and if there’s one guy you can’t say no to… A great book and even greater two films.
You don’t want to offend or let the Don down, never.
Sofia played the part in the other two movies. And Francis was just being cute with his nepotism. It was a huge mistake. But he had consistency as his excuse.
Yes, she was the baby being baptised in the famous sequence of murder and Michael being made Godfather.
I like the scene where Michael gets his revenge on everyone at once, as he stands as godfather to his sister’s child. Then there is the scene when he gets married in Sicily too. Luca Brazzi being strangled is well done, as are the shootings of the Police Chief and the Turk in the restaurant.
I think Brando’s best scene is when he is receiving the requests for favours at his daughter’s wedding, and I like the moment when de Niro shoots the Black Hand leader, in Part 2. And not forgetting the ‘horse’s head’, of course!
So much to choose from!
Cheers mate. Pete.
The baptism sequence is a masterclass. Love the juxtaposition between the holy and evil, life and death. All amazing. The wedding scene is iconic for so many reasons, mainly for me the cinematography. So many to choose from.
Personally, the original film, was my favorite. I think it’s because it set the standard that the sequels were each measured. Good post. Naked hugs!
If someone asked which did I love more, the first one or second,( though it’s a tough call), I’d have to say the first one for the reasons you stated.
the original isa classic and I like how Godfather II went into Vito’s early years but I could have done without Godfather III.
The back and forth of Part II were majestic. Coppola was on fire bringing us the rise and fall of the family.
I’ve only seen the first one (I know, shame on me). But that won’t stop me from talking about the good stuff! So what do I like? Pretty much everything about it. Though my favorite aspect is probably the acting. So many fantastic performances in one movie… I love it.
You must see Part II. It’s a glorious masterpiece, like the first one. Oh the acting was simply sublime, each character had something to do in the scope of things.
Alas. I’ve never liked mafia movies, so I haven’t seen any of these. I know, I know! I’m probably the only one who hasn’t on the planet!😕
Kim, I’m shocked! No I’m just kidding. But seriously, these movies are must see. They obviously deal with the mafia, but there’s so much more to them. Familial ties, blood honour, respect, redemption, corruption of the soul and of course the nature of family. You must see them!
Sorry Vinnie. They’re just not my cup of tea. Since you recommend them so highly though, I’ll try watching the first one at some point.💁🏻
Oh that’s fantastic Kim, try out the first one and report back.
I will. It may be a while though. Too many movies/tv shows!
I can understand that Kim. But I can tell you that you’ll have a good experience with The Godfather, of that I’m sure.
👍🏻
When you do see it, please let me know what you thought of it Kim. I love discussing the film.
I definitely will Vinnie.
You’re the best.
😊
Don’t worry…neither have I. Sorry Vinnie…. 😦
I still say check this out, it’s so much more than just a mafia movie.
Will definitely do so Vinnie. In my case it isn’t about the Mafia movie but purely because I’ve somehow never gotten around to it…
I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
I promise – I’ll let you know. My parents actually had the first one on Super 8 film…can’t believe I never watched it.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Phew! I thought I was the only one!😊
Nope. I also haven’t watched Forest Gump…
I’ve actually known quite a few people who haven’t seen the movies.
I do hate being all alone!😕
You’re far from alone.
🤗
One of my favourite film trilogies. I like how the first was such a good adaptation of the novel too. I love each film, but my favourite is the first one. The first one is all about family and how sometimes we have to do things we don’t like, the second is about the corruption of power and how Michael’s position is a lonely one, the third is a powerful story of a monstrous man seeking redemption, and realising that violence is sadly going to be always with him.
Favourite moments? Oh there are so many. Connie confronting Michael about what he has done to her husband, Sonny’s reaction when he goes to see Connie and sees she has been beaten up, Mama telling Michael that you can never lose your family, Michael and Mary’s dance, the undertaker asking Don Vitor for justice for his daughter, the fight between Michael and Kay about the abortion, the theatre shootout and Michael’s breakdown on the steps, young Vito watching his mother beg for the rival don to spare him and then her attacking to save him, and of course Connie’s wedding.
The importance of family, trust and deep loyalty is what always struck me about these movies. Yes the characters are criminals, but they have a code of conduct and respect to them. They are a family after all, and that very thing is the foundation of these films. I adore these movies and I liked gearing how passionate you are too. Check the links in this post to my re owes on the films, would love to discuss the movies further.
Spot on! We may hate some of the things these characters do, but those things are part of their work. Who they are at home is very different, this makes us like them while not condoning some things they do.
I also find it important to remember that the Don’s sons(and Connie to some extent)really had no other options in life apart from get drawn into the family business at some point in their lives. Michael stayed away for as long as he could, but when his family needed him to lead he stepped up and got involved.
Exactly, it’s their way of life and we get penetrating glimpses into the workings of it. You make a compelling point about the inevitability of each of the family getting involved in some aspect of crime.
Can’t say why but I haven’t seen anything from those films. But there’s still time
You must rectify that. I can’t recommend this films enough. They are masterworks of cinema.
James Caan having it away against the door with one of the bridesmaids at the wedding, just cause it was the only scene that made me laugh!
Haha, naughty Sonny always up to no good.
Didn’t make me laugh but I’m silly like that.
Wow, there’s so many great moments in the first film such as the horse’s head, Johnny Fontaine crying to Don Corleone before Corleone slaps him, Sonny beating the shit out of Carlo, Sonny being killed, and Michael taking care of all of the family business. In the 2nd film, wow…. there’s so much more. “I know it was you Fredo”. The scene where Fredo felt he had been stepped over. Fredo’s death (why?) The trial, the senator pledging allegiance to the Corleone family. The young Don Corleone killing the guy in the white suit.
In the third film, Vincent killing Joey Zasa. Don Altobello turning to an assassin to kill an old Corleone ally proving how smarmy he really is. Michael’s confession to the priest. That is it. The third film is very flawed. Yes, Sofia Coppola was miscast as she was only brought in the film at the very last minute when Winona Ryder dropped out. Thank goodness Sofia chose to become a filmmaker and my favorite filmmaker.
I watched the first movie again last night and it’s still as fresh as ever. I discover something new every time I view it. These films are very special and simply stand as high watermarks of cinema.
I really just enjoyed some of the dialogue throughout the whole trilogy. Admittedly, it has all become terribly cliche and over used now but the first time I saw these films I just thought the dialogue was perfect.
Yes, the dialogue is very much a big strength. You get a huge understanding of how the family works and how much they care for each other. There is a sense of deep honour there with them all, that unfortunately leads to some dark and brutal moments of betrayal as things unfold.
I tend to think of them all as a whole, one big story. I agree that part III takes a wee bit too much slagging. I didn’t mind it. #1 of course is a classic, but #2 is too. Ah hell, Vinnie, I dunno. I say all of them. All of a piece. I can’t really seperate them too much in my mind.
That’s how I view them all. They’re an experience of rich storytelling and characters. I enjoy how the characters can be very subtle and every cast member finds something unique in them. Everything comes together beautifully in these films. Yes the third one is very flawed, but it has its moments of effectiveness and finally closes the book on the tragedy of Michael.
The entire original Godfather. Loved this movie. It’s awesome! The rest? I could take or leave.
It’s flawless in my eyes. So intricate and informative as a film, delving into the nature of family and respect.
Fantastic film. No doubt. 😃
An all time classic, along with Part II.
So many favorite scenes…but what I loved most about G2 is that it helped to understand how/why the Mafia came to be. And the scenes in old Sicily were beautifully done.
The scene with the most cinematic impact had to be the Baptism/massacre. Amazing choreography.
The cinematography is the key thing and the direction from Coppola that makes the journeys of Vito and Michael have such a power. Their stories are twinned so beautifully as one rises and the other films. And the baptism sequence is all sorts of iconic.
my favourite is the Godfather the first one. Coppola did not want to make this film because I think he was afraid he was going to be type cast as a director and that they will give him script of gangster film only. That is what happened. The second one He bought a vineyard in Napa Valley. the third one he really did not want to make it but he was in financial difficulty with his vineyard so when he refused they (Hollywood) gave him a lot of money and he said yes. The second one I love also but the third one was fine but not as good as the first and second one. There.
I’ve heard so many stories about the making of the first one and the difficulties it ran into. It’s sort of a miracle that everything came together so well. The epic scope of Part II stands out so much, giving us a rich backdrop.
Hi V, yep they did a salute to the movie on our classic station. Ur for me.. it’s one of those movies (never mind that I’m Italian). Such a classic, I don’t need to see it over and over.. it’s ingrained in my brain:) I don’t know about a favorite scene.. I guess. The one where he’s old and sitting in his backyard surrounded by his grapes, and a grandchild, just b4 he dies …. I think ?
They really make deep impressions on the mind because of how rich the story is. That scene you mentioned is a great but melancholy one as Vito is experiencing a moment of joy just before his passing.
Already answered this in a later post but I’ll say it again, the hospital scene where Michael goes to protect Vito in Number 1.
That’s a stellar scene indeed. Then again, which scenes aren’t stellar in the film? For me that last lingering shot of Kay as the door is closed on her is heartbreaking. She knows that Michael had lied to her, but can do nothing but witness the man she loves become Don.
That’s a great scene too and closing shot. So many great scenes!
It’s a movie packed to the top with indelible moments. So is the rest of the trilogy.
I have been a bit busy this week, so am running behind a bit on your posts, but luckily that is why we have weekends 😀 Honestly it really is hard to pick a favorite scene. I love these movies as a whole, and totally agree with you on part 3 not being as awful as it is made out to be. It has been a while ago since I last saw these films. I think it is time to just simply rewatch them again. Reading through all the comments, and the post itself, I realise thst I have forgotten quite a few things. That…or I am just getting old 😂 Great post!
We all get busy dude, no need to explain. As a whole, the trilogy is simply majestic on almost every level. I’m always up for watching these films again and discovering parts I may have missed. I say watch them again my friend, you could review them.
I might just do that somewhere later this year. It would certainly be nice to review these films, and ofcourse rewatch them 😊
If you do review them, I look forward to them. I could seriously talk about these movies for days.
Haha….I know the feeling 😀
You and I would be there for days talking about them.
Here’s my review of the first movie. It was also my very first review. https://vinnieh.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/the-godfather/
I am seriously impressed. If that was your first review:wow! Your writing for it was amazing, and to this date shines through in every post that you publish. Great post indeed. Thanks for providing the link to it, great to revisit so many classic scenes, and ofcourse your thoughts on them 😊
You have made my day with that comment. I was dreadfully nervous about posting that first review but it paid off well. I want to give you a hug for saying such nice things.
Great question. Favourite part, eh? For me, at first, I thought – That’s easy. The bathroom sequence with the gun. Then, I remembered Marlon Brando with the orange peel smile and seeing this completely different side of the man (vs the ruthless myth). I thought it was poetic for his story to conclude around that (trying to stay spoiler free as possible). Both are standout moments. Interesting post, Vinnie. Thanks.
The scene of him with the orange peel and playing with his grandson really shows how deeply he appreciated family. Thanks for commenting Dan.
True. It was unexpected. I love that kind of turn of events in cinema / storytelling.
It adds yet another glorious moment to an already incredible movie.
There are a lot of amazing features in the trilogy. One of my favorite scenes is Michael’s last moments. He is the epitome of tragedy. A charming young man who isolated himself from his family business and forced into his father’s legacy for sentimental reasons. The last moments of his life…he stares into his past… lonely and repenting the losses of his women. I think its just too powerful.
Man, that scene hit me heart. The way that he’s all alone and withered away, very tragic. The cross cutting between all the ladies in his life that he’s lost along the way further heralds supreme sadness.
Have you seen Oldboy? It’s ending is as emotionally menacing as this one.
Yes, that’s a sucker punch ending.
The music and the melancholy! Damn overwhelming!
Very much so.
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Thanks for the reblog.