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.