Our first time watching THE GODFATHER (1972) blind movie reaction! 

We're beyond excited to dive deep into the Mafia/Mob cinematic universe! Let us know which films we should react to and review next. Also, all full uncut reactions can be found on our Patreon (MentallyGoneStudios), link is in the description. Appreciate the ongoing support, much love and positivity to all! - Gabi and Caley

70’s artists?….they don’t know it set in the 1940’s…how is that possible

A movie that changed cinema for the better

In the book it was explained that the cop who beat up Michael broke his cheek bone and eye socket and that it wasn't properly treated until he returned to America. That's why he still has bruising a year later.

Haha. Your girl has a Italian mob soul. She predicts almost everything and understands the movie perfectly. Can't wait for you to watch second part. My favorite.

Two things: Carlo was in with Barzini from before he even got married to Connie, and he was frustrated all along because his attempts to infiltrate the family in service of Barzini were always getting him nowhere. He pursued and married Connie with the aim to betray the Corleones from day one. Also, while the cat in Don Corleone's lap is a good symbol, it only occurred because Marlon Brando ran into a stray cat at the studio that really liked him so he incorporated it into the scene, and Coppola thought it was a nice touch.

It was James Caan ( Sonny Corleone) whom most recently passed away, r.i.p. The making of the film was recently turned into a TV miniseries, too. The Godfather was groundbreaking. It was so popular that real life mobsters got into it .Some of the events were loosely based on real life mob history. Moe Greene was based on Jewish mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel.

I believe Michael's motivation was this: Michael knew the weaknesses of his brothers (Sonny the hot head, Freddo the simple minded, Tom wasn't blood, Connie was a woman). Michael was college educated, had military training, and the way he handled things at the hospital just proved to himself that if the family was going to survive, he was the only one in the family with the combination of strength, intelligence, and temperament to do it.

I liked that you picked up on Michael's military experience being important. Michael's nature was to be more thoughtful like his father and he was college educated so all that matters. But during World War II he was a Marine serving in the Pacific theater which means he was in a lot of heavy, brutal, even hand to hand combat. And he was awarded a Navy Cross which is second only to the Medal of Honor. I always say Michael essentially applied military mindset, combat ruthlessness, and his Father's teachings to being the most badass Don ever

12:08 “I don’t know ‘70s artistes”. It’s not the 1970s… it’s the 1940s. The film was made in the ‘70s… 1972. The film is set in 1945. Also, “Johnny Cash”…??? Johnny Cash would be 13 years old in 1945. His music career hadn’t even started then.

I thought the first "No phones!" comment was just a bad joke. But then a couple minutes later he made another quip about no one having their phones out at the reception. And LOL to "I don't know those 70's artists" when the movie has already shown 1940's cars at the wedding. There is a difference between when the movie was made and when the story takes place.

The Johnny Fontaine character was indeed based loosely on Frank Sinatra. Early in his career, Frank Sinatra was in a contract with a band leader, but wanted out of the band. The mob "convinced" the bandleader to release Sinatra from his commitment and "helped" him get a part in the war movie "From Here to Eternity", in which Frank Sinatra won an Academy Award.

Holy shit! Your opinion that these actors skills are "questionable" indicates your ignorance of the arts.

If you two enjoyed The Godfather, you will enjoy the sequel even more.

"Old school actresses are all the same". Umm, what?

Please tell me the "no phones in sight" was a joke. Lol

Being an old timer, I really like watching young people look at and enjoy classics. Hollywood really doesn't make films in the style of The GF anymore, the attention to cinematography, the long scene, tight screenplays, actors being allowed to demonstrate what good acting is all about. It's not a film you can fully appreciate with your brain turned off. The fact that someone from this generation can watch it and enjoy it proves that cinema isn't dead. But you two have to watch Godfather II while this is still fresh in your mind.

The guy is irritating: 1. Mocking diane keaton's voice, 2. Saying the actor's acting is bad, 3. Thinking fredo/cazale doesn't look italian, does he think caan looks italian? Lol, 4. Saying sonny's death was too melodramatic. The girl was surprisingly observant and quick to pick up things

Definitely continue with Part II.....and the somewhat maligned but still worth watching Part III. Great insights - more than I ever considered in some cases.

Even though the movie was made in the 70’s, it is set in the 1940’s, starting after WW2 (Michael is still in his uniform and notice the car styles.) Yes, the Italian singer is supposed to be a Frank Sinatra-like performer who was super popular (especially at that time, with young women.) Johnny Cash was a country-western performer who gained fame long after the time period of this film. Diane Keaton played Kay, and is not an “old-school” actress; she won the Oscar for her role in “Annie Hall” and is still making films today. She does have a high voice and is known for her fashion sense and her quirky qualities. Her character at the beginning of this story is of a more naive, innocent, sensitive person so her line readings reflect this.

Fun fact: the guy luca brazi is not an actor he is actually person sent by the mob to watch over the movie and the director added him in maybe that why his lines didnt seem natural also before the movie was film the direct went to the one of the real mob family to ask permission to shoot the film in the first place

Godfather II is my favorite of the three!!!! Great reaction 💯

A true masterpiece. Absolutely great. That final scene is haunting.

Gabrielle, the cat was not scripted 😊 Copola found it wondering around the set, nobody on the crew claimed it as there's and Brando said give it to me. It was not supposed to be in the movie 😂😂

The film was made in 1972 -- it begins in the 1940s after WW II. The "crack epidemic" was during the 1980s.

"I don't know 70s singers" he says of a movie set in the '40s

A good way to look at the sons is that they each personify an aspect of the Don - Sonny is his passion, Fredo is his heart and Michael is his intellect. You should definitely consider watching "The Godfather: Part 2" as it provides a clear contrast between the lives and motivations of Vito and Michael. BTW - the film only briefly alludes to Michael's military service. He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Silver Star while serving in the Pacific Theatre as a Captain in the USMC.

That "old school female actress" is the legendary Diane Keaton.

And Diane's voice is stunning.... she is a singer.

The actor that played Fredo. Also played in Dog Day Afternoon, and the deer hunter, every movie he was in we're Academy Award winners for Best Picture. Oh and by the way he was also Meryl Streep's husband. Died of cancer right after the deer hunter. He was an incredible method actor.

I loved the analysis discussion at the end of the reaction. --------- Gabriella complemented Caley's comments so well. Gabriella made her focus the symbolism of all the physical objects throughout the movie and I love her comparison of Vito to a Rose. He's so shiny and attractive to get his help but he has torns. -------- CAley was no slouch on his points as well. I knew you guys would love this movie.

At first, the mafia tried to stop production of the movie, but after the movie came out, the mafia loved it. They felt that it elevated the mafia to celebrity status and glamorized them as sort of "Robin Hood" heroes. Many mafia watched the movie countless times and some even in real life imitated the on-screen characters.

Michael is freshly home from the military as the movie opens because it's 1945, the year WWII ended.

Great reaction, and it’s the first of yours I’ve watched. The next one, Part II, is another must-see movie. The story is intercut to show both the Corleone move to Las Vegas, and the backstory of how Vito came to America as a child in the early 1900’s. It’s a real masterpiece. But most people will probably agree that Part III is unfortunately lacking.

19:48 First, the horse's head was real (from a Mexican dog food factory). It was kept on ice before the scene. Second, actor John Marley didn't know they were using a real horse's head until they shot the scene, so those screams were very real in the moment.

Just to clarify: Tom Hagen could never have been Godfather because he was not Sicilian. Consigliere is the highest position he could ever hold and even that was seen as borderline sacrilegious.

I wouldnt be too quick to criticize the womens acting, old school Italian women are often very dramatic and reactive, so thats how she was played

'Not one phone in sight...' The movie begins in 1945. About 50 years before cell phones.

One of the few films I consider a Masterpiece. Great reaction, guys! Great analysis and discussion with some really insightful interesting points.

You said that the acting skills are questionable evidently you know nothing about acting, these are all multi multi award-winning over their career is some of the most famous movies ever

I'm SO EMBARRASSED, I have seen this movie like 30x and I never thought about Vito's phrasing when he said "I will not be the one to break the peace here today" as he knew full well that he was about to pass control of the family onto his son. Gabriella is ON it!

"is this around the crack epidemic?" Youre off by four DECADES. This is about heroin.

Mario Puzio did a spectacular job of pulling together stories and rumours from the Italian neighbourhood and crafted it into the Godfather. It was a work of art and felt correct because it was based on truth

The actor that played Luca Brasi was an enforcer for the Colombo crime family and was starstruck in his scene with Marlon Brando, so they shot the scene of him reading his lines to make up for it.

So enjoyable movie reaction by you two. So nourishing to hear your insights.

"I don't know 70s artists, guys." Off by quite a bit. The movie is set from the mid-40s into the 50s. The character of Johnny Fontaine (the one all the women are going crazy for at the reception) is loosely based on Frank Sinatra.

Guys this takes place in the 40s. No phones and Johnny Fontaine is really Frank Sinatra and the picture was From Here to Eternity. C'mon now.

Every time just before a death happens, there is a scene with oranges.

Their speaking patterns are all about showing respect.

James Caan, who played Sonny, died recently. Brando died a fairly long time ago. Another classic that is always among the top two, or three, is Casablanca. For me, it's Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia and The Godfather, one through 4.

I got to the point where the dude started to impersonate Diane Keaton, and it was a struggle to watch that much of this hatchet job.

I just wanted to say how much I appreciated your reaction. Being an actor and a writer I was really thrilled that you had such great insights into the characters, plot development and the pace of the film. Blessings.

The first scene shot for this film was the restaurant/shooting and it was the strength of Al Pacino’s performance that made all the studio executives watching it, and everyone else, realize that there was a potential star on their hands, after first doubting that Pacino should have been cast.

I love how Caely had his favorite character in Michael Corlone to reflect his analytical personality and Gabriella gravitated to Vito as he had more heart. ------- Michael inherited his father's intelligence but didn't inherit his heart. ---------- No doubt this is in part because Vito came from nothing and could understand the hardships of everyday people while the Corleone children grew up with everything. ------------ Vito put a lot of faith in Michael to do better than him but Michael has his own enemies to flay and battle to fight and each age needs a different set of skills to survive. ---------- To see how ruthless Michael had to become ruthless to ensure the strength of the Corleone empire, but at the destruction of his family on a personal level.

Vito is such a master negotiator. When Sonny gets killed he calls for the beef to be squashed so that business can resume. ------ Sets the meeting with the 5 families so he can get a read on all the positions in the network. There he finds out because of his forwardness that Barzini was the power behind the hit on Sonny.--------- Also when Vito meets with Sollozzo to discuss entering the drug trade. He keeps his motives close to his vest.------ This is why when Sonny expresses interest in the move Solozo knows he would have better luck with the offer if Sonny was in charge.------- As the Saying goes, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

really appreciate your post discussion. quite a bit more in depth analysis than most reaction channels. looking forward to you watching Part 2, which in my opinion takes the saga to even greater moviemaking/storytelling. p.s. love your attention to the literary themes and symbolism. when you have a moment, look up the legend of the cat & Marlon Brando during the opening scene. I don’t often use this word, but it was genius.

The film begins in the 1940s just after WW II. The singer "Johnny Fontaine" (Frank Sinatra) is the real-life singer Al Martino.

Luca Brasi speaks like that because he was a real mafia enforcer and not an experienced actor. He was extremely nervous to share a scene with the legendary Marlon Brando. The director kept his takes because he found it realistic, since Brasi is written as an extremely intimidating and cruel man, who ONLY respects and fears the Godfather. Johnny is loosely based on Frank Sinatra, to the point that he got angry about it and tried to get the production of the movie cancelled with help from his mafia friends, supposedly.

I love how you both picked up on the personalities of the three brothers and why the personality of Michael led his to rise to power and become the Don. -------- Michael is shrewd calculated, playing chess while others play checkers, setting his ego aside to elevate and consolidate the power of his family. Heavy rests the head that wears the crown. Cause in the Game of Thrones. You either win or you die.

I just discovered you guys and really enjoyed your reaction. Thank you!

Marlon Brando was such a beast of an actor.

You guys should really use sub titles so you can understand certain parts. Makes the movie story come together, so if you watch part two, please do that for yourselves lol

Nice reaction guys, i like that you are genuine. Not the typical over hyped youtuber you know 😂 cheers from Argentina 🇦🇷🤝🏻

Just stopping by to say the two of you have started something great. Two thumbs up.☝👍 Keep up the good work.

The original movie has subtitles for most of the italian scenes. I don't know why yours didn't. It was never something you had to turn on. But you guys seemed to get most of it.

The singer was Frank Sinatra and it wasn't the 70s it was the 50s. He was a fictitious character the movie Sinatra got was From Here to Eternity and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Btw everybodies name in this is changed even the Corleones lol

John Cazale had a crazy career in such a short span before he died. 5 movies, all nominated for best picture Oscar, and 3 of them won

You really can't beat these old classics .. There are so much more wonderful movies to see yet.

They're not Italians.They're Sicilians. What everyone fails to realize is that the Mafia originated from Sicili and has...to be Sicilian to be accepted in the Mafia. 🇲🇽🇺🇲💯👍🏼

This is one of those movies as good as the Novel it was based on. The only real difference is it gives you a lot of character depth with guys like Clemenza, Tessio, Sonny, and just about everyone.

Good insight. I enjoyed your discussion afterwards

Struck gold coming across this!! Greatest movie! Clemenza, the epitome of loyalty. So many great life learnings in this movie.

Michael has an Eagle Globe and Anchor on his collar (Alpha Jacket.) A Marine from the Pacific theater. We can assume his first action was Tarawa. It explains where he is in the beginning and WHY he carries out his mission so well. "OooRAH!!!"

Their acting skills are questionable?!?! How do you know how women acted in real life in 1946?

I lovin the commentary and analysis of each film you guys do!

One last note, if you are going into the mob genre here are some other films that are classics. Godfather Trilogy Goodfellas Casino The Departed A Bronx Tale The Sopranos (if interested in reviewing a series)

You MUST watch part 2 as soon as possible. It's just as good, if not even better, than this one.

Love your in-deep analysis, cant wait for Part II...

52:31 [re the wedding] “It’s because they can’t have sex before marriage”. 🤣 You’re saying they got married just so they could have sex??? 👏🏻🤣

Also, the original film had subtitles for almost all of the conversations in Italian/Sicilian, so I'm not sure why they weren't showing on your copy.

Fantastic reaction and remarks throughout! I will say that it's a great thing you speak enough romance language to understand some of the Italian......but definitely put on the subtitles for Godfather Part 2! There ARE subtitles on Part 1! They intentionally don't have subtitles for the scene where Michael takes out Solozzo and the police captain, but other than that, there are subtitles for all the Italian parts! And you absolutely will need them on for Godfather Part 2. Ideally, there should be a version where the English subtitles pop up ONLY when they're speaking Italian. That's how we all saw it. / Yes: the fictional Johnny Fontaine character is definitely modeled on Frank Sinatra, and specifically his early days as a singer with Tommy Dorsey and then later his role in the classic movie "From Here To Eternity", although neither story is thought to be factually accurate. But Sinatra definitely had mob friends. / Diane Keaton was no "old school actress" , at the same time, she was as cutting edge as the young Pacino at the time, she was in a string of Woody Allen comedies that changed the course of the genre, and she is brilliantly hilarious in all of them. A total comedy genius. Kay, as written, is underwritten, she's there just to ask questions and get the exposition going and link plot points. She made this nothing little part into something completely memorable. She's got more to do in the second one because by then she was a big star. Diane Keaton is one of the greats, right up there with all the other young actors that got discovered off this movie (Pacino, Caan, Duvall, etc). I'm sure "Annie Hall" is on any serious list of "greatest movies ever" that you're working off of, so I'm sure you'll see her in that. And "Reds" from 1981 is another great one that she's incredible in, I'm sure that's on any serious "best of the 80s list" or "best historical epics ever", etc etc. Definitely don't sell Diane Keaton short! Talia Shire, who played Connie, she went on to play Adrian in Rocky. I think what you may be reacting to is not the actresses' performances, but the mannerisms of what women were like. This was the 1970s doing the 1940s, and the acting is appropriate to that, trust me. Oh shit, I've written a BOOK! You guys are GREAT reactors! Can't wait to see what you do next! I'm subscribing!

Gotta watch your reaction to second part! Hard to believe this movie is 51 years old, and its still soo good and iconic.

Outstanding reaction! I particularly enjoyed your thoughtful, perceptive observations. Great chemistry between the two of you, also! Definitely see Parts II & III! This may be my favorite trilogy; and your first-time reaction made my day. It's fascinating that The Godfather in this story is not actually Vito; it's Michael. It's actually his journey we follow. He didn't want this life; but was forced to make a life and death decision because of his love of family. And having been a war hero, he was uniquely equipped to do the job; he just didn't know it. Instinct took over. Substantial critique after the film! You're doing a great job, you two! Have some Italian food next time and party with the Corleones! Keep going!

The movie takes place right after WWII, so it's late 40's, not 70s.

Dude do the cars look like the 70s? Cmon guys!

Gabriella taking mental wedding notes was hilarious

Epic movie, great reaction. Enjoyed it!

1:20 It was James Caan, the actor who played Sonny, who died recently. Marlon Brando died in 2004.

I enjoy your reactions. In real life the "no drugs" rule was a myth. The Italian-American Mafia and associated Jewish-American organized crime figures were involved in importing and selling drugs as far back as the twenties. People like Lucky Luciano, Joe Bonanno, Vito Genovese, Arnold Rothstein, Carmine Galente, and several others were deeply involved in drug rackets, some of which were later known as The French Connection. The only rules were don't get caught dealing drugs and don't personally deal in Italian (mob dominated) neighborhoods. People who routinely commit murder, assault and terrorize working men, extort shopkeepers, shakedown construction companies, and so on are generally not going to turn their noses up at the drug business. Money is money.

Fun fact Clemenza was Sonny’s godfather. So him killing Carlo was poetic justice

The Godfather 1 & 2 combined make the greatest American film ever made. I was 13 years old when my family went to see it at a drive in. Great movie. You guys did well. I got to work with James Caan on his TV series Las Vegas.

First time seeing you guys. Noticed the girl did not say much during the film but she pointed out two things I have never realized, and I have seen this film more than once. Good job both of you.

Your comment about the acting skills of actresses "back then" is way off. They didn't just run around squealing, as you've concluded way too early in your movie-watching journey.

"Not a phone in sight...." JESUS!

Your reaction video was great, perfectly balanced. I definitely want to watch a GF II video!

Is this during the crack epidemic 😂😂classic...

Very good review and conclusions of this movie. I will subscribe!

Muy buena reaccion😁👍❤️ espero ver parte 2.

I knew Gabriella was super smart, taking those AP literature course. I myself did those courses and did some screenwriting in my early career, but eventually I switched to graphic animation. -------- Gabriella got hooked from the start of the flick. Caley was seeing every power move used in movies during the past 70 years, that why some of the themes are so familiar, such as Michael riing to pwoer. The least likely is often the one to come into power. ------- I also love how you caught on to the real power that Michael and Vito possess is the understanding people and their behaviors. Grreat Reaction.

Great reaction. Godfather PartII is just as good.