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The Godfather Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 5.0
    100

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Universal acclaim
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The wedding sequence... is a virtuoso stretch of filmmaking: Coppola brings his large cast onstage so artfully that we are drawn at once into the Godfather's world.

    Read Full Review

  • 100

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    Overflowing with life, rich with all the grand emotions and vital juices of existence, up to and including blood. And its deaths, like that of Hotspur in "Henry IV, Part I," continue to shock no matter how often we've watched them coming. [16 Mar 1997, Calendar, p.7]

  • 100

    out of 100

    The New York Times Vincent Canby

    One of the most brutal and moving chronicles of American life ever designed within the limits of popular entertainment. [16 Mar 1972]

  • 100

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

    Brando made Don Vito something we rarely see in movies: a tragicomic villain-hero, a vulnerable hood. The don is so close to a comic character -- the movie itself is so close to comedy -- that Brando's capacity to move us in the role is doubly impressive. At the end, it is the older Godfather's tenderness and sagacity we recall. [21 Mar 1997, Friday, p.A]

  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety

    Overlong at about 175 minutes (played without intermission), and occasionally confusing. While never so placid as to be boring, it is never so gripping as be superior screen drama.

    Read Full Review

  • See all The Godfather reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 15+

The classic tale of a Mafia family, violence and all.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know this movie contains graphic violence. There are machine gun killings, brutal beatings, betrayals, blood. The murders are not unnecessarily gory or lengthy, but their startling abruptness and the expressions of horror on the victims' faces make these images unforgettable. The violence always has gravity. There is brief nudity and sex, and a few curse words. Children too young to see the violence in this film wouldn't be able to appreciate the intricacies of the plot and so would have no interest in the movie.

  • Families can talk about whether or not they feel the level of violence in the movie is necessary.
  • When, if ever, it is okay to operate outside of a corrupt legal system? Do the ends justify the means?
  • What might lead an individual, or a group, to systematically disobey the law?
  • What makes this movie a classic?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Disobeying the law and murdering enemies is a necessary evil. All authority is corrupt.

  • rolemodels true0

    Role models: Not too many characters you would want your kid emulating...

What to watch for
  • violence false5

    Violence: Numerous graphic murders, domestic fights, beatings.

  • sex false3

    Sex: Brief nudity (breasts), brief sex scene (fully clothed).

  • language false3

    Language: A few curses, numerous racial slurs.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Extensive use of alcohol and tobacco.

Fan Reviews provided by

5

Brilliant by dchilaw27
I have seen the movie plenty of times on videotape and DVD but this was my first time seeing it on the big screen. Unbelievable experience. It's amazing that 40 years later it still holds up and is absolutely compelling. Can't wait to see The Godfather Part 2 on the big screen!

4

Five Word Review by redyeah
A classic for many reasons.

5

Renewed love by msmiley32
OMG...I loved the clarity of the sound and visuals. I heard the cat pur and the insects in the Sicilian background. I loved the movie all over again

5

Absolutely 5 Star; definitely a MUST SEE! by OperaGhostPhan
Ok, so maybe I'm a little older (I like to think 'more mature'), but I remember the original release, and how thrilling, how well directed, how well acted (when Brando really was at his best) it was. I bought the VHS as soon as it was released. I bought the VHS collector set after GF II, and the VHS trilogy. as well. I also have all the different DVD's. All of which I have watched frequently, and always soared with them!! And now, to see them back on the big screen, just like the first time! TOP O' THE WORLD, MA!!! From HB, CA

5

The Godfather by nawogcm
Enjoyed the film. More exciting watching it on the bigscreen. Actually jumped when the nurse came into the hospital room. Felt the wedding in the beginning was a little too long. All the actors did an excellent job, really brought the characters to life. Movie truly is a classic. Looking forward to seeing movie 2 and 3.

5

The Godfather by aandrade370
This movie was awsome, had seen it before but never like last night. I recomend it. It brings out different emotions. This monvie is excellent to go see with a friend and significant other. I love Al Pacino he is a wonderful actor.

5

A timeless classic like you have never seen before by Reggaeman
Seen this sooo long ago that I forgot half of the movie. what a great way to see a classic on the giganto xd screen. The enhanced sound was great, the visuals were great and the story - what can you say about this story that hasn't been said already? A must not miss event. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

5

I loved it! by traci1219
The Godfather is still one of the best movies, even after 40 yrs. Seeing it on the big screen was just amazing. Even after seeing this movie many, many times I still can't get over the preformances of Brando, Pacino and Keaton. Just flawless.

5

Still an Offer You Can't Refuse by CLASSICFAN
Saw The Godfather yesterday. Great restoration, tremendous sound. Heard several things I had never heard before. The quality of this film is still top notch. A must see. Looking forward to GFII next month.

5

BEST MOVIE EVER! by lebranocritic
I have probably seen this movie over 200x and i still love it. I would say that The Godfather is probably my favorite movie of all-time and Al Pacino is probably my favorite actor. I'm sure that many others agree with me because this is the best. It even won an Academy Award for Best Picture one year. The Godfather Pt II and Pt III are also my favorite movies. I recommend 4 u to watch this whole movie and I think that it is very great. The acting, the music, everything is good. I own ALL the Al Pacino movies including Scarface, The Devil's Advocate, and ALL the Godfathers. Go Michael.

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