The Godfather (1972)

The film is the single most financially successful movie to date and remains almost universally beloved, appearing in the top rank of best movie lists. It is grand entertainment as well as an emotional and intellectual experience, with a Shakespearean story, striking black and autumnal brown photography, shocking violence and flawless performances.

The critic views it as marking the dawn of the mega-movie era, transitioning organized crime while blending art and commercial appeal. They praise its performances, style, substance, and how it achieves box office success without being mindless, noting it has aged better than most films from the early 1970s.

The original Godfather stands as a near-perfect example of classical filmmaking and a generational saga. It features superb performances, a tight grip over its long runtime and darkly ironic commentary.

Ebert praises the film for inviting viewers to consider the Mafia entirely on its own terms within a closed world, making even evil characters sympathetic. He singles out the virtuoso filmmaking in introducing the large cast and Gordon Willis' rich, atmospheric cinematography for praise.

The critic highlights the film's indictment of American capitalism and corruption through Michael Corleone's arc and iconic scenes like the baptism montage. It is celebrated as a mythic, operatic masterpiece that remains compelling and rewatchable.

The critic finds the film an extraordinary achievement that successfully adapts the novel while delivering a richly detailed epic of family, power, and crime. Particular praise goes to Marlon Brando's transformative performance as the aging don and the seamless ensemble interplay among the cast.

The critic views Coppola’s 1972 film as a measured, deathly serious epic that offers a top-down view of the mafia. Brando’s authoritative performance as the Don is singled out for its papal quality and lasting influence on the genre.

The review notes the film's self-effacing style and length as drawbacks but highlights its compelling portrayal of contemporary private enterprise through strong performances, particularly Marlon Brando as the Don and Al Pacino as Michael.

The film merges commerce and art, staying close to the book's sensationalism while achieving spaciousness and strength. It offers a vivid view of a Mafia dynasty with Coppola's quality of feeling, headed by marvelous performances from Brando, Caan and Pacino.

Canby calls it one of the most brutal and moving chronicles of American life ever designed within popular entertainment, a superb Hollywood movie that transcends its milieu. He singles out Marlon Brando's magnificent performance as the shrewd patriarch and the film's capture of the Corleone family's isolated world for praise.

Murphy notes the large pre-sold audience, outstanding performance by Al Pacino, strong characterization by Marlon Brando, excellent production values, flashes of excitement, and a well-picked cast. He singles out the establishment of mood and time as the biggest achievement but complains that the film is overlong and occasionally confusing.

The critic calls it a masterpiece of restrained filmmaking that elevates the gangster genre with traditional storytelling freed from censorship. They single out the complex family plots as potentially overwhelming for first-time viewers while praising the contrasts between light and dark and the characters' dual natures.

The critic calls it a movie you can't refuse and praises its ensemble cast, storytelling scope, and Al Pacino's gradual transformation into a ruthless figure as the standout element.

Coppola uses the film's opening to explore the gap between American ideals and realities, with the Don's world revealing how power trumps justice or morality in a nation where lofty principles often fail. The story underscores that respectable institutions like police and politicians are no better than criminals, highlighting the film's quintessentially American focus on raw power and the illusion of the American Dream.