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Francis Ford Coppola's blockbuster is arguably the preeminent film of its kind in the modern era. The Godfather became one of the highest-grossing films in movie history and in 1972 earned Coppola three Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Film and Best Director.
A potent mix of generational feuding, betrayal and revenge.The Godfather immortalises Italia Mob life in America. Favourite son Michael reluctantly inherits the criminal fiefdom of Don Vito Corleone. We watch his evolution from white sheep of the family to budding Capo and, eventually, hard-boiled Mobster.
Coppola's much-imitated crosscutting technique is displayed for the first time; religious ritual and machine-gun massacres are juxtaposed, to devastating effect. The 'offer you can't refuse', the introduction of a champion racehorse head into the bedroom and blood splattered fettuccini are indelibly impressed upon our cinematic consciousness.