The Godfather PART 1

The Original Don. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A classic and the beginning of it's own. Don Vito Corleone, the leader of one of the most recognised Italian families in America is handing his legacy to one of his sons to ensure the continuity of the families reign and name.

Organised crime is at an all time high, with not only the 'mafia', but police, judges and locals in on it too. Set in the summer of 1945, all family and friends of the Don (Marlon Brando) are gathered for his daughter Connie's wedding. Like any typical European wedding, there are people as far as the eye can see. Singing, dancing and drinking. The entire family has come to celebrate, even Don Vito's son Michael (Al Pacino) who has recently returned from WWII, makes an entrance by bringing his lovely girlfriend to share in the festivities, opening her eyes to the world he comes from. Now all the children are present, the family can take a family photo, projecting a time of happiness and serenity for everyone... But only for today. Because when the night ends, business is back to usual for the Corleone family. 

Don Vito Corleone is approached by a drug dealer, Virgil Sollozzo who is seeking to exchange profits from drug money for protection by the various mafia families around America. The Don does not promote the use of drugs, nor does he wish to be apart of the business. His mind is set with moral values, a favour for a favour. The family lawyer, Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), advises the Don otherwise, insisting that drugs are a great business opportunity; that the family cannot lose from this investment. (Tom Hagen is Vito's adopted son, hence why he appears of American decent, not Italian) Sollozzo goes on to say that he his investment is already guaranteed by the Tattaglia family, who are the Corelones families rivals. 

Now, rather than listen to his lawyer, his son, Don Vito declines Sollozzos offer which begins the story of The Godfather. This decline presents an insult toward Sollozzo, which cannot simply be overlooked. The Don is curious about this "guarantee" between Sollozzo and the Tattaglia family so he sends a loyal friend, Luka Brasi, to infiltrate the Sollozzo's organisation. But infiltration is hard, once you've picked a team it's hard to change your and others opinions of where you loyalty lies and as such, Luka Brasi is questioned by Bruno Tattaglia. And by questioned, I mean killed.

Sollozzo plans the perfect revenge for declining of his offer, to kill Don Vito - shooting him several times until he is dead. The perfect plan... Well almost. The Don is shot several times, but does not die. He is take to hospital in critical condition, fighting a battle for his life. 

The whole family is outraged to learn of the Don's shooting, especially his hot headed son- Sonny (James Caan) who begins and immediate vendetta against Sollozzo and anyone who stands in his way. Sonny takes charge of the family. Despite the anger of Sonny, we notice another who seems more angered by the situation, we notice Michael. Michael has chosen to leave his mafia life behind him, but how can anyone leave something behind when it continues to creep up on them, following them like a shadow. 

One evening, Michael visits his father in hospital and becomes aware that there is no one guarding the hospital, no one protecting his father. Odd that a Godfather, one of the most powerful men, a person who a lot of people are trying to kill has no protection while at his weakest. Michael realises something is wrong. Something is very wrong. He finds a nurse who explains everyone was sent home. His father is being set up again. Michael immediately notifies his brother Sonny of the situation and insists that his father is moved into another room.

Michael than heads to the front of the hospital where he meets a friend of his fathers, coming to pay his respects. Together, the two of them guard the hospital, pretending to be armed detectives which ultimately save the Dons life. The police arrive upon the scene and the crooked police Captain McCluskey breaks Michael's jaw, after he insinuates their cooperation in plan to kill his father that evening. Sonny cannot turn a blind eye to these events, and, as such, responds by having the eldest son of the Tattaglia family, Bruno Tattaglia killed.

The Counselor

Greed really takes you to the edge, doesn't it? To go that little bit further just to make a little more money, but at what cost.

 A lawyer, aka the Counselor, is facing this exact choice, and typical lawyer goes against his instincts and finds himself in a major drug trafficking job. His lovely soon to be wife Laura (Cruz) is almost oblivious to to her lovers (Fassbender) involvement, because really, how could you perfect man ever disappoint you. We are introduced to a few "business" associates, a guy who doesn't quite know what his accent is, Mr Reiner (Bardem) and a guy who won't be seen without his cowboy hat, Mr Westray (Pitt) who we soon find out are in on the deal too. But we can't forget one associate, the sexy blonde woman WITH brains AND an intriguing personality the beautiful miss Malkina. (Diaz) With the large amount of money he is about to receive, the Counselor buys Laura a very, very expensive diamond ring.

As there's never really any certainty in life, why would drug trafficking be any different?
His deal has just gone bust- the drugs have been stolen and the only link to the theft is a young male who the Counselor has just happened to bailed from jail. Ironic isn't it. And thus, the Counselor finds himself in a position which nobody wants to be. Turning to his "friends" (Reiner and Westray) for advice, it is apparent neither can or really wants to help the Counselor revert the situation. Instead, they reiterate their initial thoughts on the Counselors decision on entering the deal which leaves the audience thinking who is on whose side in this affair. 

The Counselor begins to worry. This is not a case in a court room, this is real life and real life has real consequences, which he is soon to find out. He has just screwed over the Cartel. Because as the amazing Malkina says, and I quote, "And the slaughter is probably beyond our imagining", which almost projects a million scenarios in our heads of what could possibly happen when their worst fears become a reality. The movie soon becomes a game of hide and seek which all the characters are playing, to say they are nervous is an understatement. But one person isn't nervous, nor is she afraid. The lovely Malkina manages to escape the dreaded game of hide seek, and by escape I mean sit outside and watch from the sidelines as the story unravels and we soon find out exactly what has happened to the "lost" drugs.

Meanwhile, poor Laura is left in the dark, worrying that she hasn't seen her lover in days. Her and the Counselor decide to come together, for both emotional and safety reasons and meet in a city which neither have ever been. Upon arriving at the airport, Laura is kidnapped by men in a black 4WD and taken away to a place no person, no woman would ever want to be. Have you heard of a "snuff film"?

We are taken back to Reiner, who is killed in a gunfight with the Cartel but thank god his two lovely pet cheetahs aren't harmed. Westray on the other hand has caught the first flight out of the country and seemingly escaped the situation also. He may have escaped the Cartel but has found himself running from someone else. Malkina, not only looks but brains too has lost money and wants it back one way or another. She has decided to pursue Westray, not sexually but violently and gets exactly what she wanted, as per usual. Westray is not so lucky. He finds himself having the worst death in the movie- one of those bits where you don't wanna look but you can't resist. 

And then we are then taken back to the Counselor. The man who decided to enter this world by his very own choice. He is having a chat with a person who I think aside from Malkina, says things which are worth listening to, telling the counselor that he is the world he created. Knowing the consequences of his actions but never expecting them. The counselor had everything, a lovely wife to be, money, job, respected but gave it all up for a little more. For greed as that's what greed is. And soon realising exactly what has happened to Laura, knowing he cannot do anything to change the past, the Counselor is left with grief. And grief ladies and gentlemen is worthless.


Rating: 7.5/10
Would recommend: Yes, if you're home wanting a movie where your 100% attention is required