The screenplay of The Godfather, which premiered on March 15, 1972, in NYC, was created by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo following the success of Puzo’s 1969 best-selling novel. With its powerful narrative, the Godfather film serves as a thought-provoking critique of America’s power structure, laying bare the underbelly of corruption and brutality.

The narrative of this movie follows the Corleone family from 1940 to 1950 as they expand their criminal activities while resisting rivals and law enforcement. Don Vito Corleone, the family patriarch, displays family loyalty and power through his position as a fierce yet beloved father. He maintains his power through a network of collected favors and threats, ensuring his dominance in the family and the criminal world. His son, Michael Corleone, is the reluctant protagonist in the story after his father, Vito, becomes the main target of an assassination attempt.

Michael’s transformation from a bystander to a ruthless boss mirrors America’s evolving perspective towards power following the Second World War. His journey, marked by a series of calculated decisions and ruthless actions, causes internal conflicts, particularly with his impulsive older brother, Sonny, whose recklessness leads to his downfall. Even if it means compromising their happiness, Michael believes that keeping the family stable is essential to their existence. Kay, Michael’s wife, is alarmed by his deception and transformation into a mafia leader, a stark contrast to the man she thought she knew.

Moreover, The Godfather is a captivating exploration of ambition, power, and the personal costs of seeking dominance in both the family and the criminal worlds. Michael’s journey, fraught with internal conflicts, particularly with his impulsive older brother, Sonny, whose recklessness leads to his downfall, resonates with the audience on an emotional level. Despite its criticism for depicting the mafia, The Godfather was celebrated for its complexity and depth. Its commercial success led to two sequels: The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990). The Godfather launched its premiere, which marked a significant moment in American cinema, earning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Today it continues to resonate with audiences, connecting them to the rich legacy of cinematic storytelling.