The Godfather (1972, R): ****
If there was one Hollywood movie that got everything right, then it was the Godfather, which is so exceptional in all the ingredients that make a good film: direction, acting, cinematography, music/sound, production value and effort. Francis Ford Coppola, arguably the best director working in Hollywood today, helms this pure American masterpiece. Perhaps what's best about the movie is that focuses so intensely on it's principal character, Michael Corleone, all while keeping equal attention to the all of the supporting characters, and shows so effortlessly how he turns from the youngest son who looks forward to a life outside of the 'family business' at the beginning of the film, to becoming a mobster leader more ruthless then his father. That's probably the strongest point made in this epic saga of rivaling mob families, family divisions, trials, and tragedy. The Godfather became and remains as the ultimate crime movie, and one against which all movies, not just those of the crime genre, can be compared to. It's an offer that you can't refuse. Quick Note: this was followed by two sequels in 1974 and 1990 respectively. Both are very well-made motion pictures, but didn't quite surpass the original. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
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