Francis Ford Coppola

Part I
*****
5/5

Not only one of the all-time high watermarks of American cinema, the young Francis Ford Coppola's elegiac organised-crime saga also proves that an intelligent, sometimes slow-moving, drama with impeccable artistic credentials can also create queues around the block. Beginning after the end of the second World War, it traces the handover within the Corleone family from the old world values of Don Vito (a heavily disguised but stately Marlon Brando) to his son, the 'white sheep' Michael (Al Pacino, proving that his risky casting was inspired). The Mafia is never mentioned by name, but underneath all the slayings and sinister 'offers you can't refuse,' this is an immigrant family drama about assimilation, blood loyalty and honour, rich with subtle acting and blessed with stunning cinematography.
 
(1972)   
US   Colour   168 mins