The movie opening line "I believe in America" is said by a character named Amerigo, whose namesake was the Italian guy who first realized that Columbus had discovered a new continent - literally the first man ever to believe in the existence of America.
I remember watching this video a year ago when I was struggling.. Seeing this has brought tears to my eyes. I live much different life now and this video is still here to remind me of how far I have come. Never give up in life. No condition is permanent
@@tethervest836 You're right friend. We're all not born with the silver spoon, but we have to craft ours. My divorce almost ended my life. I had almost nothing to fall back to. I found out the hard way, savings are overrated. Thank God for chance and a stroke of luck
Difference between Vito and Mike was that Vito commanded respect. Vito could literally pass by a street and everybody would greet him with respect and call him "Godfather". Michael went down a very dark and lonely road thanks to being nearly killed by Fredo and ended up dying alone after his daughter was killed right in front of him.
@@GenGamesUniverse they were a product of their times. Vito had a loving supporting wife, who was out of the picture but the family is strong and cohesive so you know she did work, solved all the problems so when Vito went home from a day's work he had nothing to worry about. Michael had a feminist american wife who divorced him. gave him nothing but drama and problems. pitted his children against him as some power struggle bargaining chips. Also Michael went through a world war, had his brother murdered and witnessed the love and light of his life blown up in front of him. then his only surviving brother betrays him... i mean can you blame him?
Thing is, most of the people I talk to say they love the first movie's ending because it's "more emotional", but I've always really loved the ending of the second one, as it is the moment where you _absolutely cannot_ deny what Michael has become. He has become not only everything he had wanted to avoid from the family business, but he had become the most cold, brutal and arguably inhuman aspects of it, going as far as having his own brother be among the _many_ people he had killed. If the ending of the first movie makes you feel as though he has grown to love his family, the ending of the second robs you of that warmth entirely.
@@starshinedropkick2668 we all understood what he became at the end of the first movie in the way he behaved with his sister and how he lied to his wife....
Fun fact; the cat in Brando's lap was a stray that inhabited the rat-infested warehouse Coppolla used in NYC to film "Godfather. He/she wandered onto the set just before action was called and jumped into Brando's lap. The great actor waived away anyone who came to remove animal, "Action" was called...and both became immortal.
Shmauer .., you are deluded to think there is kindness or humanity in the Mafia ... torturers, murderers thieves ... with a code mistakenly thought as honor, no it is the worst ever code of secrecy, intimidation and murder to get gain. Don’t be fooled by Hollywood’s portrayal, that there is honour, only hate, power hungry, ruthless, greedy men.
Yes and the deleted scene of bona sera is worse he gets the call for a favor & starts bitching to his wife how hes so mad the nerve of vito to bring him into something horrible. He must have felt like a real dick when all vito wanted was for him to fix his dead son up so his mother wont see him like that. What a little use. Vito gave him his revenge what a hypocrite he asked vito to murder them. But when Vito called for a favor he ironically was disgusted and assumed it would be something criminal. I think Coppola cut it bc he prob didnt want the audience focusing at all what a shit bona sera was
This opening scene perfectly shows how the godfather works, the world around him and introduces Vito: calm, kind, generous, but never forgetting to remind others to respect him.
yea seriously you said all those words then said youre at a loss for words. you could have just ended the comment when you did with all those words intact.
"That is not justice, your daughter is still alive." Always loved that line. Also, they're not murderers, but they are people who will beat the shit out of you within an inch of your life. Wonder how Clemenza handled that job.
We actually get to beat the shit out of those people in the godfather game in PS2, we threaten to bury them alive by digging a grave and throwing their unconscious body in there for them to wake up to
Sometimes we neglect to give Bonasera's opening speech some props. The way he told his story. The pace, delivery, and content were fantastic. Not a word out of place. And nothing extra. Great dialog indeed.
I totally agree with you. His voice just on time after that lazy trumpet queued us to us to focus. His articulation using American words in strong Latin tones made it for me. It was honest, fatherly and ambitious. Bonasero played it very well with the Godfather
@@SaberRexZealot There are low-budget movies and blockbusters. Mid-budget movies used to dominate Hollywood output, but are now almost extinct. (Even Martin Scorsese has trouble finding financing these days.) Marvel movies were not the sole cause of this change, but they did push the trend along.
Mine was "Had you come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day." That's when I knew shit was gonna happen
My black friend tells me this: if you have a problem, and you call THE POLICE? Now you got...two problems. I understand ppl shit on the "dont snitch" campaign, but there areas if the usa, cops arent your friends and quote unquite 'snitching" is far worse than letting sleepimg dogs lie. This didnt happen overnight, but those with the power and authority to avoid this circumstance, chose it.
There are two types of friends worth having. Those that are like Bob Ross, who are your friend because they love you for who you are. And those that are like Vito Corleone, who will face your enemies as if they were their enemies.
Nowadays, they'd open with a big - and likely violent - action sequence if The Godfather were made today. But the way it was made, nearly 50 years ago, is perfect - we learn so much more with this quiet sequence, shot in a dark room, of men talking. In fact, probably one of the greatest film openings ever made.
@@tbtb9595 Not sure what would be so bad if everyone was black instead of Italian. Would have to change the specifics of the story for sure, but otherwise I don't see the problem.
The way he says “like an animal” is so chilling. You can hear in his voice the anger and sorrow he feels just lamenting about it. I don’t think the Don was really insulted because he could see his intentions were well meant despite his plea for murder. The men who did the crime walk free and he lives in fear that they’ll be back. Great scene.
Bonasera didn't fear they'd be back but was angry at the injustice. They were rich boys, sons of powerful men who were privileged enough to beat a young Italian girl nearly to death and laugh about it in court. He needed the Don's justice
Absolutely. As some critics have observed, The Godfather presents essentially a dark vision of the American Dream where something has gone terribly wrong. I would imagine that this had particularly resonance in 1972, when America was re-examining itself in the wake of the Vietnam War, the 1960s counterculture, and the various successes and failures of the civil rights movement.
@@retroguy9494 There are a few lines like that throughout the series. "You trust a Jew before your own blood." They were clearly getting at the idea that the United States, by its very nature, erodes and destroys the traditional identity of its various ethnic groups. Michael's wife is also an Anglo, for example, and not an Italian.
Imagine being the cat. You were just wandering around a back alley, sniffing for scraps, when some guy on a cigarrette break spots you, takes you in, and without knowing it you go down in movie history as 'that cat' in that famous scene, in that legendary movie.
The sad part was that the cat had a bad agent who was never able to land the cat another movie role. Word has it the cat died in 1983 having lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey until his passing.
Marlon had just spotted that cat on set and spontaneously included it into the scene. He was more than an actor, he knew exactly how to tell a story and portray a character far beyond the script!
Perhaps the greatest movie ever made. Everything was so perfect. Perfect Story, Cast and the acting - wow. Even the opening music makes the hair on your neck stand up.
I have my junior high drama classes do monologues and I always show Bonasera's speech as an example of a great monologue but also for the reasons you mentioned. The camera slowly panning out, the lighting. Just makes a great scene. Same with the Indianapolis speech from Jaws.
@Arafat Khan show me where I said that? You're another person who reads things not there. That happens alot these days. It was a line from a movie scrpt. What's going on with people these days claiming others said things they didn't.
@Bo Zi di seconda o seconda mano forse - ridendo forte.... I hope that translates correct. Lots of people making wild claims and accusations. Too much...
To be fair Goodfellas was more about lower level members of the family while The Godfather was about the head of the family. Also The Godfather was set in an earlier time, just after the war.
I remember back in the 80s when my dad's family would get together on Christmas eve, eat dinner, smoke, drink, then put on the Godfather and the adults would watch after we all opened gifts. Dad said my grandpa loved Brando in this movie. Christmas day we would return and they would all watch part 2, I miss those days. RIP Grandma and Grandpa
True, he has a patience about him. How he gives the undertaker several chances to see things his way, and everyone leaves his office with a sense of conifdence and control - in many ways the antithesis of Michael.
+ala4sox02 6:08 Bonasera finally gets it: The Don wants his friendship, not his money. Also, when someone owes you a favor, you can ask for things other than money. (like which restaurant a certain police captain is going to be visiting).
Buonasera Buonasera, what have I ever done to you for you to treat me so disrespectfully. If you come to me the day they wronged your daughter then they would be suffering this very day. And if by chance a honest man like you should make enemies then they would become my enemies and then THEY WILL FEAR YOU! Be mind friend Godfather? Good good one day and that day may never come. I may call on you to do a service for me.But until that day consider this a gift on the day of my daughters wedding. Grazie prego. I know I messed that whole scene up. But that is the gest of it.
yeah its amazing that a man as old as he doesn't understand a mans code. Its not even a gangster thing. Money doesn't make a man Morality and loyalty does.
+bigrobtheactor the part where he walks EMS home and she drops her glove which he picks up and playfully puts on for a minute before returning it to her. Unrehearsed unscripted.
Sam I had the reverse experience. I first heard that it was a masterpiece, however I watched it and didn't see it. But as a few days went on and I reflected, yeah this is one of the best movies I ever watched. Can't wait to watch part 2
Sea Raider It’s a masterpiece in my eyes but I had to sleep on it and rewatch it in order to see why it’s considered a masterpiece. Now I realise...it’s a masterpiece and possibly the best film ever made.
B C S exactly I had to sleep on it as well. Once I did I was able to evaluate it much better. Don't know why, but it seems like a trend. Maybe it's too heavy of a movie for a single viewing
"And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies then they will become my enemies...and then they will fear you". This is why Vito was respected and loved by everyone.
+CamTheNux That is how crime works in real life: a pipsqueak bites off more than he can chew, he gets whacked by the bigger fish. No remorse, no hesitation, no regrets, just one pull of the trigger and its over. I hate it when a character plans to kill someone that wrongs either him or his boss, does all the prep work, and doesn't go through with it for some dumb reason.
Brando certainly lived up to his reputation here. Measured, precise, an economy of movement and expression making everything he did important and meaningful.
ArseneWenger- Brando's career had hit the skids. He had to audition for the role of Don Corleone. The rest, of course, is history. The Godfather saved Brando's acting career!
As Bonasera cries and the camera pans out, the single gesture of Vito's hand asking a drink to be given to Bonasera hits you with the power of the Godfather. One tends to appreciate it more when they have read the novel before.
I mean it was true. All Vito wished for was for a friend in Bonasera, but Bonasera thought he was better than him bc he did things "by the law" and only came to him when he needed something. Pretty disrespectful to me
The Godfather was released 3/24/72. Today is 3/24/22. So 50 years go today The Godfather was released. Here's to another 50 years of watching this masterpiece. Salute/Cin Cin.
I went to the cinema in London back in 72 when it first showed. I had no idea what it was about. Even this opening scene, although full of suspnse and drama, does not give any hint of what is about to unfold. The term GODFATHER was new to us. Apart from the fact that everybody is Sicilian/Italian, there is very little reference to the 'MAFFIA'. In fact, you almost have to decipher that yourself. Which for me, just adds to the overall brilliance of the film. Now most of us can repeat the script verbatim. I watched the whole series throughout lockdown, several times.
Yesterday it was the first time I saw The Godfather, it was at the cinema, the remastered version, and before that I had never watched a single scene, video, review, story or spoilers. It was a mindblowing experience that changed forever the way I view, understand and react to movies in general. I cant wait for the Godfather II to be on cinemas!
Glad you got to see it on the big screen foryour first view. Did you notice (this opening scene) starts with the zoom out to Vito's inclusive world ... and the double-murder planning fades into a zoom-in focusing on only Michael? Brilliant subtlety,
I agree . I love how they just throw you right in. within 1 min.your already into the story some movies take 2 hours to do that and a lot don't ever get there at all.
I have just watched the opening scene for a Blade Runner as well - it's damn good, but in a completely different climate. I think these two are absolutely incomparable. I love both movies - timeless - but the Godfather scene is beyond comparison the best opening scene ever - in just a 2 minute sequence you know all the context. Blade Runner opening is great in terms of grandiosa if you take my meaning, but it's completely different - it conveys the SF picture, a bit escapist, lonely, fundamental I would say. Can't compare the two - it's just like you would like to judge who's the sportsman of the world - Michael Jordan or Roger Federer. Two different sports mate :)
+Andrzej Kondracki I'd say that GF has the best opening dialogue in movie history....Ibelieve in America. Bonasera says this because up until his daughter was beaten and the thugs never properly punished he believed in the fairness and equality of the American way of life only to become disillusioned afterwards. This is very central to the theme of the Godfather...I'ts easy to criticize and condemn the criminals but we clearly see that those who represent law and order are just as evil as the criminals themselves since they accept bribes to do the criminals bidding. Just as Corleone says to the senator in GF2 "we are all part of the same hypocrisy". We preach fairness and equality only to be the total opposite. Corruption is central to everyday life in American society and this is clearly shown in this film. I BELIEVE IN AMERICA...what a load of bullshit.
Great scene-I have adopted the line "someday, and may that day never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me"-I use it when people thank me for a favor I have done for them-most of the time, it cracks them up.
Perhaps it is because Brando was the most iconic actor of his day, but I notices the little gestures and nuances. At the end, once he dismisses the undertaker, watch his little glances and gestures and how he takes a sniff of the flower on his left lapel. Many little things that, summed up, make for a beautifully acted scene.
But also a touch of compassion and humanity about it as well. No amount of hugging and hand of shoulder is going to undo what’s done but the godfather appears to genuinely listen and take an interest in what is being said.
I always heard about the godfather but never watched it because of how well known it is. Decided to watch it and now I completely understand why it’s so classic
@Broke Guy. I don’t think so, JockDean95 is right, it was different 50 years ago. At the time Marlon Brando was regarded as a has-been who was past his best days. The producers did not want to touch him. And practically no one had heard of Al Pacino. Both of them went on to blow people away with their acting in this movie. This was only the second mafia movie ever made Since then we’ve seen many mafia movies and many have tried to copy The Godfather style. We’ve also seen Al Pacino in many other movies. So if you see it today, you cannot help but be influenced by all the other mafia movies that’s been made. The 1970’s is regarded as the Golden Age of cinema and this movie is a big part of that. Even all this time later, it still stands the test of time, it’s still an amazing movie.
"Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?" What a boss thing to say. The Don's first line in the film, short and simple, and yet it tells you pretty much all you need to know about what kind of man he is and the kind of power that he holds. Love this movie.
The depth of this scene is unreal. It is a beautiful parlance in cinema, crime, and culture. Family. Its about family. Most anybody born after 2000 doesnt really understand how huge of a snub and sign of disrespect it is to not invite the godparents of your children over for at least a cup of coffee. Godparents presided over the baptism of your child. Thats an enourmous role in Christian families of this era. Especially Italian families. In reference to the bygone era, understand, as many people allude to the first line, of him making his fortune in America. Alot of the people who made their wealth in America at this time were immigrants. When one was able to make a name for themselves, amass wealth, buy homes and resources, it was customary to display and invite your family and friends over for them fo behold and share your good fortune. The reasons for this are many. It establishes respect among your peers. Respect for your elders. Respect for the pursuit of money. Some immigrants could not even afford a single cup of coffee when they arrived to America. So finally sharing one together with your brethren in the home you earned is a humbly significant activity. So for Bonasera to show up, having never extened the invitation into his home for a mere cup of coffee, dinner. Doesn't desire or ask for his respect after so long after his wife is the Godfather of his only child, doesnt even address his title as Godfather. And then ask him to kill, for money, on his daughters wedding day??!! Boy! He might as well have just came in and spat in his face. Enourmous sign of disrespect and I'm surprised Vito didnt yoke him up right where he stood. And after all that, Vito is still merciful with him, he doesnt waste a single word. He defers to Bonesara as to what HE would like to do about the situation. So much does the Godfather want friendship, loyalty and respect, he almost subordinates himself in seeking it from Bonesara. But its all a part of the parlay. So very old school Italian. There is nothing lacking from this scene.
"So much does the Godfather want friendship, loyalty and respect, he almost subordinates himself in seeking it from Bonesara." - but he makes it clear that Bonasera is in his debt. For VC this is a business meeting.
"That is not justice...Your daughter is still alive" The most powerful line in this scene.. Don Vito Corleone earned everyone's respect who watched this movie Marlon Brando is the man...🔥🔥
I also read the book. Clemenza and his guys waited outside the bar when the 2 guys who beat the mortician's daughter came out. Those 2 guys were beaten into a bloody pulp on the sidewalk but were not killed.
That moment when someone asks you for your help and calls you godfather, makes you feel so powerful and special. That's where his inspiration came from.
This man was of honor. He kept a distance with Vito for fear of getting in trouble, but accepted his gift of revenge, then took Sonny’s body to make it presentable for a funeral.
Well, Bonasera did approach Vito on his daughter’s wedding day, the one day where Vito feels compelled to do favors for people out of obligation to a Sicilian custom. He asked for the biggest, most riskiest favor of all: to have his enemies killed. I would have asked The Godfather to get me an Xbox Series X. On the other hand Bonasera became fraught with anxiety when he considered what favor the don would ask of him in return so, in retrospect Bonasera was actually kind of brave asking the head of an organized crime syndicate for any favor at all.
The GODFATHER is the best movie, in terms of writing, acting and story line period! Every detail is designed to convey meaning, for those who pay attention and study it. Check the lighting and camera shots and angles. The cat only appears in the opening scene. “We’re not murderers despite what this undertaker says!” The irony of this opening scene is absolute brilliance. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@normafoster1959 Sometimes, police aren't interested in justice but they are interested in the law is followed. The important thing to notice is when they aren't always the same.
@@normafoster1959 yeah but in this case godfather means he came to him as a last resort. Had they went to jail he would have never talked to godfather. He felt disrespected
“And if,by chance, an honest man like you should make enemies then they would become my enemies and they would fear you” In its own way the most chilling sentence in movie history.
What an opening shot. A film about the American underworld and the opening line is 'I believe in America" almost said to the camera. Its genius film making.
Nately22 The original line was “I believe in the Mafia” but the deal the filmmakers had to make with Joe Colombo to be able to shoot the movie forced them to change it
Just watched these movies several times in a row, this Christmas - and wow, i am speechless. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies of all time. A legend at birth of mythical status. it is a must 'see', as Homer and Iliad is a must read.
@@k1ng0fhartford28 Hmmmmm Were those 2 boyz hurt n kind. I mean, were they marriagable? Were they able 2 still confidently smile @ da undataker, after da Corleonez got thru wit em? Or were they missin a few teeth? Family jewelz left n place?
“Someday and that day may never come. I will call upon you to do a service for me. But Until that day accept this justice as a gift on my daughters wedding day”.
The reason he wants vengence is more from them smiling at him as they left the courtroom than any injuries to his daughter. A man's injured dignity is the real common denominator in this masterpiece.
I disagree that it was the smile. The smile was the thing that probably made him want to ask the Godfather to have them killed. But the injuries to his daughter who he described as beautiful and light of his life and how she will never be beautiful again due to such a senseless thing as not having sex with them out of respect for the family values she was raised by. Any father would want vengeance for something like this. His dignity was already gone because of what happened to his daughter.
@@SanjaySingh-oh7hv Possibly. His character, and the motif of power/egos are complex yet subtle. Perhaps them smiling at him is more reflected in the insistent tone he (disrespectfully) shows to Vito - at least part of his desperation to regain power or status against those scumbags. Good discussion - do you have any other favorite scenes?
@@GreenRiver72 There are lots of noteworthy scenes in the movie, that's why it's withstood the test of time. But it's not for the scenes themselves, it's for the subtext beneath the scenes that are always relevant to generations of audiences. I guess this is why English classes which we were all forced to take made us attempt to do character analysis, but it would have helped if they explained why this was a worthy exercise. But English teachers themselves are usually a bit clueless and unimaginative themselves, that's why they teach instead of write great works. That first scene is the one I watch the most. But aside from the violence, The Godfather is a critique of American institutions as well as a story of an immigrant family in America, as they navigate their traditions and values through a new culture. We must try to understand the psychology of the character sketch. When you consider what Amerigo (even his name sounds like America) Bonasera is all about, here we have a trusting Italian immigrant to America, who wants to follow the rules of America, his adopted country, as well as uphold his religious principles and in general be a good person. He trusts American law and justice, but is severely betrayed when he found the rules arbitrarily stacked against him because of the high status the families of the two who beat his daughter. This is not uncommon and happens all the time. That's the main subtext, where a man suffers due to inequities in the justice system. Nowadays, some (not necessarily me) call this institutionalized racism. They smiled at him because they felt invulnerable and there was nothing he could do to them, legally, which is true. Bonasera is desperate for justice but scared to associate with the Godfather because he knows that Italian methods of justice won't necessarily fly in America, and avoided the Godfather for that very reason. But for his daughter he approaches the Godfather and is willing to sacrifice everything he has (monetarily) in order to gain vengeance or justice for his permanently disfigured daughter. He is a good and lawful man driven to a Faustian style bargain with a man who he dares not cross because of how American justice has screwed him. Now having said that, he probably views good and evil in terms of Catholic black and white, and assumes Vito is mostly evil and believes he can appease Vito with money and then after that he won't have to deal with him again. So he leverages Italian traditions of asking for a favor on the wedding day, and the Don makes him understand he sees through everything and Bonasera's intent, but also understands his love for his daughter. Many people who have dealt not just with courts but large bureaucracies in general understand how he feels, and that's why the scene is so powerful. Our hearts go out to an honest man who because of his lower social status was denied justice by a supposedly impartial justice system. And it's also why some people turn to potentially dangerous people for restitution and retribution, and how a good man can turn to what some would call evil ways. Do not key too much on the smile, it's a tiny part of a broader canvas. You know, some English teachers would try to extract meaning from the cat in the scene, saying that it "symbolizes the gentler side of the Godfather" for example. So trying to understand the general motivations of the character is probably a better guide than trying to grasp at hidden meanings in details.
Yeah it can't be helplessness or oppressed anger. Can't be a father hurt he can't protect his daughter or even seek justice. No way. It has to be male ego!
@@Fakeslimshady I hear you - his dignity may be less of a factor than I originally argued. Perhaps it's the component that elevated his original request from justice to murder. Solid handle by the way :).
