A film trilogy by Francis Ford Coppola (1972-1990).
These classics are certainly well-known, and might not need special recommendation. However, I've noticed that many people have not actually seen all three movies, or not in many decades. Now that all three are available on Netflix, I rewatched them within a few days in a fit of nostalgia, and can only recommend it - not matter if it's a first-time experience or rather spending time with old familiar friends. Here's why.
The original film, shot in 1972 by Francis Ford Coppola, is a masterpiece on its own. As it is the first one, it could also easily stand alone. It shows the generational change of the Corleones, an American family with Italian roots. Don Vito Corleone is getting closer to retirement, which begs the question how his business -of helping out people in dubious ways to be repaid in favour later - will continue. His eldest son Santino is a hothead, Fredo is not as smart as his father, daughter Connie is not really involved in the family business and the youngest son Michael went to the army and wants nothing to do with his father's shady world. But an attack on Don Vito's life changes everything, and brings up questions of honour and filial duty.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton, James Caan, John Cazale, Simonetta Stefanelli and many more.
Length: 2h 55m
Awards: 3 Oscars & 8 further nominations
The second part, shot shortly after the first in 1974, was not a surprise after the huge critical success of the original. It was not, however, just a continuation of the story, and therein lies its magic. Besides showing how Michael Corleone is continuing the work of his father, this film also contrasts some present events with some past events from Vito's childhood in Sicily, immigration to the US and how he started to become involved in illegal business. The juxtaposition is brilliantly executed by Francis Ford Coppola, and De Niro's portrayal of young Vito is a calm force in contrast to the explosive Michael played by Al Pacino. (Interestingly, De Niro became the first actor to win an Oscar for the same character who had already been played by a different actor in an Oscar-winning performance - Marlon Brando). The story comes full circle and explores both the time before and after the first film in a convincing way.
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Lee Strasberg, Danny Aiello and many more.
Length: 3h 22m
Awards: 6 Oscars & 5 further nominations
The third part was shot much later, in 1990. Some of the leading actors are not present anymore for obvious reasons (death on screen or in real life), while others such as Robert Duvall declined the offer to take up their role a last time. Considered to be on a lower level that the two first ones, this film is still worth watching in my opinion, for many different reasons. In this film, Michael Corleone is still holding the family together, but it has become challenging because of losses, investigations and rivalries. Divorced from Kay, he tries to keep up the relationship with his children, and also takes in his nephew Vinnie, who is more willing to get involved in the family business than his son Anthony. When Anthony starts his career as a singer at an opera performance in Sicily, the whole family travels there - this brings memories and dangers. Overall, this third and last film rather highlights the issues that come with being powerful and making dangerous enemies, and discusses questions of morality and forgiveness.
Starring: Al Pacino, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Diane Keaton, Sofia Coppola, Eli Wallach, Bridget Fonda, Helmut Berger and many more.
Length: 2h 42m
Awards: 6 Oscar nominations, no wins
Overall, these films stand out to me for many reasons. The story, based on the novel by Mario Puzo, is epic and deals with all the important literary themes such as family, duty, love, betrayal, guilt and revenge. The music by Nino Rota is beautiful and iconic, and is supported by great Italian pieces, such as the music from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana. The storytelling is never boring, as all films use jumps in locations and timelines, often making use of flashbacks and also flashforwards. Especially the third part also uses allusions to the first two films to create nostalgia.
The depiction of the Italian-American mafia is probably one of the most detailed, besides the TV series The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, showing many different families, styles, motivations and iconic characters, without just painting things black and white only.
Some historical elements such as the arrival of Italian immigrants on Ellis Island, or also events in Cuba and the Vatican, add another dimension and show some important events of the eras in which the films were made. Italy itself is probably romanticised quite a lot, but in a charming way.
The acting, especially by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, is great and includes many iconic moments, and the various other cast members from Diane Keaton, Talia Shire and Robert Duvall to smaller roles of guest stars such as Eli Wallach and Lee Strasberg are well-cast.
Overall, these 9 hours are well-invested, and give plenty of food for thought and appreciation to film fans.
If you want to listen to the beautiful music of the soundtrack, you can find it on Spotify, Youtube etc. There are even extra long versions, like this 10-hour-version of the main theme.
I also love the rendition of Anthony Corleone of Brucia La Terra in Part III, which brings up memories of Michael's first wife. (The image quality is quite bad but the sound is ok.)
And the ending of Part III has of course the most beautiful music of all, the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. (Slightly cut scene without any other sounds than the music; spoiler warning if you haven't seen the ending).
(Images: IMDB)