'The Godfather' (Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)

Title: 'The Godfather'

Release Year: 1972

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Cazale, Diane Keaton.

Plot: One of the most famous crime stories of cinema history, 'The Godfather' narrates the life of the Corleone mafia family (led by Vito Corleone) and the evolution of his younger son Michael from living outside the family business to being its new boss.

Review: Many consider 'The Godfather' one of the best films in cinema history. They're not wrong. With an astonishing cast led by the memorable performances of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando (especially the last one), you start the movie not understanding any of the family connections and you end entering and understanding them.

"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse": In the role of a lifetime Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone was (and is) one of the most iconic characters in film history. Not only feared but also with strong connection of love and respect towards his family. A completely round persona

The main reasons for its success are its perfect script and the marvellous perfomances/characters. Marlon Brando shines with one of the most remarkable performances of film history. His Vito Corleone is an iconic character that is able to produce fear while trying to maintain the family united with his best intentions, ultimately dying while endearingly playing with his grandson. At the other side of the coin, we find Al Pacino's Michael Corleone, who suffers a deep transformation from outside oberserver to head and master of the family's operations. His realtionship with Keaton's Kay is the only love story in 'The Godfather' and, surprisingly, it really works.

From the light to the darkness: Michael Corleone goes from abhorring his family business to command each and all of them

In other terms, the film benefits from Mario Puzo's blend of violence and genius, while guided by Francis Ford Coppola masterful direction. The deaths, the threats, the undercover menaces... 'The Godfather' creates an entire universe around the family and then fill that space with the most impressive set of actors and iconic roles and lines to deliver a real masterpiece.

Scenes like the horse head one prove that The Godfather is a work of art