I first saw the Godfather when I was in ninth grade, around the year 2012, and remember thinking it was an alright movie, depicting a traditional Italian family, and its involvement as being one of New York’s deadliest crime organization. However, I did not think it was much different than other mobster movies I have seen in the past. Until I saw it again a couple of years later and started noticing the use of lighting and sound to express the emotion of the scene. Every time thereafter I have watched the movie, I fell in love with it a little bit more, and it is now my all time favorite movie to watch (and re-watch).

The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola tells the story of an Italian – american New York crime family. The story (set in the years post WWII 1945- 1955) primarily focuses on the change of power between the current head of the family, Vito Corleone, and his three sons, Sunny, Fredo, and his youngest son, Michael.  Michael is aware of the family’s illegalities, yet, resents them, and is trying to be a more moral citizen by enlisting in the military and becoming a war hero.

As the illegal business sector of New York moves away from gambling and more into drugs, other members of crime organizations in New York urge Vito to join them into the new industry, aiding them with protection through the police and government personnel he has on his payroll. However, Vito refuses due to his fear that narcotics are too risky of an investment and will eventually cause the fall of the family and their bribed connections. As a revenge, they try to assassinate Vito and take over the Corleone family, but come short to executing the plan. Realizing that their family is under threat, and through a series of unfortunate events, Michael understands that he is the one to take helm and guide the family to power again.

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Coppola’s genius directing emphasizes the cruelty of the mafia world, In fact, upon reading a recent review of the film, it was noted that almost in every scene in the movie, violence is portrayed. Either physical violence is seen on screen, or the characters are talking about a violent encounter. However, it is presented in a way that allows the audience to empathize with the characters (although they are technically villains), and become personally invested in the plot line. With a recurring theme being the loyalty and dedication to the “familia”, Coppola plays with the balance between wrong and right, and character’s personal moral compass. How even though murder is deemed wrong by all accounts, when it is expected in order to protect a family member, the characters justify it as an obligation to the Don (head of the mafia, or “Boss”). This play of moral balance is addressed throughout the entire film and even seen in the theatrical poster, with literal merges of black and bright light, while only showing a hand playing with the strings of a puppet. Clearly stating that in the world of the mafia, one man decides the morality code to follow
Another interesting factor was to see how Michael’s character developed throughout the movie by going from very resistant to his own family, to becoming the Boss. What was surprising to see was how easily he fit into the role, as if he was born for it. And how despite he outwardly resented the crime his father committed, he became even more ruthless in order to gain more power.

Personally for me, I saw the most change from the different times I have viewed the movie, especially most recently was one of the last scenes of the movie, clearly depicting the major theme of the film and Michael’s drastic change. During the christening of his youngest son, Michael simultaneously eliminates all the heads of the other ruling crime families, officially raising the Corleone family to the top. The scene features both the scene of christening. showing Michel swearing on the father, the son, and the holy spirit, and the killing of other men on Michael’s command.

Upon viewing the scene this time I realized what an amazing directing choice it was, showing the contrast of holiness versus the degradation involving murder, and showing Michael placing himself, above God,essentially, and deciding the fate of men, while being in the house of God.

The Godfather, in a very dynamic movie, changing my view on it every time I watch it. It emphasizes loyalty and the extent to which one will go for family. But also shows corruption, violence, and greed. Issues that the the world was facing during the year of its release such as the Watergate scandal in the US, and the terrorist attack in the Munich Olympics.