How did Vito Corleone know it was Barzini all along?

[@TheCultureMafia]

🚨 There is still so much I want to share with you but CAN'T So if you want more RAW no nonsense practical lessons... 📰 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝑼𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒍𝒚 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎 ⏳ This isn't like your "average" boring newsletter. If You enjoy and find value in the videos we make... Wait until You learn what we have in store for You. bit.ly/3ycYTUN 🌹 Don't wait , Be the first the have access to these Gems 💎

[@Austintx78721]

About time for this informational azz video to come back since I'd re-requested it over and over many of times

[@Austintx78721]

Oh hell hell yes you'd even added in extra peaces like the "politicians in pocket" lines

[@XanderShiller]

The important question is will these newsletters contain the same soundtrack in the background?

[@diviningrod2671]

It's obvious, there's an orange sitting right in front of him

[@Austintx78721]

EVEN THOUGH THE ORANGES DON'T LOOK ROTTEN IT IS SENDING THE OLDSCHOOL MAFIA/MOB MESSAGE THAT IT'S A OLD SAYING THAT (VITO GENOVESE) TOLD THAT SNITCH/RAT: JOE VALOCHI --- "WE TAKE A BARREL OF APPLES IN THIS BARREL OF APPLES THERE MIGHT BE A BAD APPLE THIS APPLE HAS TO BE REMOVED IF IT ISN'T REMOVED IT WILL HURT THE REST OF THE APPLES". SO THATS WHAT VITO'S MESSAGE IS TO BARZINI THAT BARZINI IS THAT BAD APPLE HE JUST WANTED TO SEE IF HE MAKE HIMSELF THAT BAD APPLE AND HE DID MAKE HIMSELF ONE EVEN THOUGH VITO DIDN'T KNOW IT YET UNTIL BARZINI SAID ("A REFUSAL IS NOT THE ACT OF AN FRIEND") SO WHEN BARZINI SAID THAT VITO THEN STARTED TO KNOW BARZINI BECAME AN BAD APPLE. PLUS THAT MEETING RIGHT THERE AT THIS TABLE THIS GUY WHO MADE THIS VIDEO SAID FEW THINGS ABOUT IT BUT HE DIDN'T CATCH ONTO THE REAL REASON WHY BARZINI IS SITTING THERE IT'S JUST LIKE THIS VITO GAVE BARZINI THAT SEAT IT WORKS IN EVERY MEETING EVEN IN REAL LIFE THE MOB WORLD THE GANG WORLD THE CHURCH WORLD AND THE REGULAR FAMILY WORLD IT MEANS WHEN SWITCHING YOURSELF TO A DIFFERENT SEAT YOU IS TRYING TO FIND OUT WHO ALL AT THE TABLE IS THAT ONE OR FEW or ALL against You.

[@pamelamays4186]

Barzini was so smug at Vito's funeral. He had the nerve to smile and laugh after the service. Many men came up to him and shake his hand as if they were congratulating him on on a victory. When Barzini bowed to Michael, he wasn't being respectful. He was mocking Michael.

[@XanderShiller]

He turned the funeral into his coronation.

[@AlphonseWeebay]

Threw the rose onto the casket with distain

[@johnashton4776]

One thing I've learned is that some people, only come to a funeral to make sure you're dead.

[@XanderShiller]

A man can live a good life, but at the end, the number of people who come to his funeral depends on the weather.

[@julijakeit]

Barzini was too smug at the meeting already. I disagree with the CultureMafia on one thing - that Barzini could have rectified his blunder, no he could not any more: he was taking over Corleone's territories, he unveiled to be the mastermind between two attacks on Corleone family and he took the position to not only question Vito's motivations but openly mock him with words and disrespectful seating at the end of the table.

[@tjjordan4207]

Barzini is the definition of: "You may have won the battle, but you lost the war."

[@michaelcolfin8464]

Barzini was murdered. If he had accumulated any real power, the person second in command would have wheeled it. Remember after killing Barzini, Michael left NY and went to Vegas. How could Michael consolidate power if he wasn't even in NY any more. By the beginning of the second movie, Clamenza is dead and Pentangelli is on the run. What war did Michael win?

[@SmokinBudda]

That’s Michael actually

[@tjjordan4207]

@@SmokinBudda I actually meant that in terms of his whole career. He won a major battle against the Corleones, but he lost the war in the end.

[@enoughothis]

Barzini tries to play the neutral mediator but he talks too much and pushes the drug deal too hard. Finally when he sums up the conclusion of the meeting, he's acting like he's the boss. Vito is already planning the death of the Five Families because they are a threat to his family, but he won't break his word. Michael will kill them, but Vito plans it.

[@andyusfca]

His position was so good, and he got too excited....

[@jondstewart]

There was one head not killed. The one that stands up saying he paid his men extra to not get involved with it and that he wants the business controlled and not near schools. Apparently he wasn’t a threat to them at all and Michael spared him.

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

@@jondstewart He was also from Detroit, and an ally of Vito's, while he moderates from Vito's position, he is by no means an enemy, and is not trying to force Vito to use his connections to help him. He's seeing that the tide is against he and Vito, so he must find a middle ground.

[@michelsavard5082]

😊​@@20thCenturyManTrad

[@rdg760jr2]

​@@20thCenturyManTrad yup in the book after the meeting is over Vito thanks him

[@CreamySpoon]

14:24 Law 4. Can't help but think of the scene where Vito berates Sonny, "Never tell anyone outside the family what you're thinking again". Vito knew.

[@Stephenwc]

Yea that's very very key when facing serious enemies. They will fully leverage that knowledge to identify potential turncoats/agents to work their disaffection, anger, greed, pride, fear, vices, and more to divide and conquer you. We saw that clearly from the Barbarians series about the Romans and their manipulation of the German tribes. Same applies here.

[@OkurkaBinLadin]

@@Stephenwc It applies to your own life aswell. Its plain wisdom, not a movie trope.

[@daneuloneil6584]

His outburst directly led to the hit on Vito as it showed his successor would be "sweet on the deal"

[@immanuelasuwemhe8344]

​@@StephenwcWhen you say Barbarian series, do you mean "Barbarians as a movie series" or A book or Is it covered by this channel too?

[@riojones9637]

Speak less and listen more. Silence makes people uncomfortable and wonder what you are actually thinking

[@michaelstone3069]

Vito knew them both He knew how ambitious Barzini was He also knew Tatts wasn't smart enough to out maneuver him

[@cinemaocd1752]

Agreed. He understood the character of his opponents. What drove them, their personalities, strengths and weaknesses. He looked at Tattalaglia and knew he wasn't capable of this kind of layered thinking or the emotional control needed to pull it off.

[@patriceaqa288]

​@@cinemaocd1752I don't think it's just that tattaligia wasn't smart enough. It seemed obvious he always wanted to work "with" the corleone family in the drug business. He wasn't ambitious enough to take one the corleone family alone. So someone else must've been involved. So based on that, barzinis body language and seeming control over the meeting, and insinuation that drugs "will" be part of their future, and others chime in with support

[@justforrow]

Barzini was too ambitious to accept being just number 2. He always wanted more. And once Vito was left, he leaped once Vito was vulnerable. His hidden goal the entire time was to become number 1 and take out Vito once the opportunity revealed itself. He masked it through his sly intentions and pretended like he was still on Vito's side but in reality was plotting against him to take the throne for himself.

[@alexman8800]

I am curious why Vito easily took Sollozzo's claim that all the families were on board with narcotics. He should have called for a meeting and see where everyone's at with this new venture, and probably learned a lot of from the meeting. As for Sollozzo himself, some prior background checks on this guy would have help him made the decision to set Luca Brasi to take him out, a pre-emptive strike, as opposed to sending Brasi on such a dangerous mission which cost him his life. This is where Vito made a rare but crucial mistake, and he himself was very lucky to survive the shooting.

[@patriceaqa288]

@@alexman8800 you are absolutely correct. I don't think the film tried very hard to hide the fact Vito was stuck in a former era, and largely vulnerable regarding how things were changing. Sollozo was getting his inroads to the five families with his proposal one way or the other. Vito making Luca brasi play the role of traitor seeking better employment, was pretty pathetic. Had Michael not become a member of the family, then it seemed likely the Corleone clan would never have recovered. He was so ambitious and ruthless, that the course of events were forever changed. Without Michael, there would have been no challenge to Barzini and the ostracizing of the Corleone's family influence

[@thequietrevolution3404]

Watched this at the theater with my father. During this scene he said, "that guy's talking too much." That "Greatest Generation". Listen and learn. Such subtleties. They rarely talked when another was speaking. Today, people talk over each other almost all the time. "Tartaglia's a pimp. He never could've outfought Santino." And that astonished look on Tom Hagen's face. Priceless.

[@michaelcolfin8464]

Vito didn't think Sonny was a good don, but he thought he was a great fighter. But, Barzini's whole plan to kill Sonny was a bit slipshot. If Mama deals with Connie by herself by having someone come over to pick her up or gives the phone to Hagan instead of Sonny, it doesn't happen. If Hagan slows Sonny down long enough to send the bodyguards out first it doesn't happen. Or the bodyguards catch up with Sonny and he lets them take the lead.

[@adambycina1817]

My father said the same thing, only he was talking about the guy in the seat behind him!

[@richspinaci8293]

Your Dad is a smart man

[@bmorriswhite]

My Dad was from that Great Generation. He always told his sons, "Keep your Cool, let people talk; they will show themselves by what they say and don't say." When you don't react they will become angry and give themselves away.

[@cameronjones8641]

​@bmorriswhite In this environment this is probably very wise. I prefer to surround myself with only genuine and inherently kind people and I have no real requirement to hide my feelings or my intentions. I am no millionaire but I do earn a six figure salary and have a lovely house, a genuinely beautiful wife, amazing kids and many superb friends so I am on the whole, very, very happy. I have found that honesty, consistency, high morals, generosity, humour and complimenting people's good traits have given me a wonderful life. I suppose I can be extremely ruthless when required and I am unyielding with my boundaries so that may help with other people's respect. I do find the power struggles and psychology within the world of organised crime both real and fictitious absolutely fascinating, maybe because my life is so far removed from it🤷🏻‍♂️. Your Dad sounded wise and like he knew exactly how to navigate that period in time, even if he wasn't part of that life.

[@jstube36]

The genius was Mario Puzo. Making the reader/viewer think it was just Sollozzo and Tattaglia. Sollozzo was legit in his offer. He did not want the attack on Vito. He needed the Corleone connections. Meaning he needed Vito alive. Tattaglia being a full pimp, went along because narcotics and prostitution go hand in hand. I doubt he wanted the attack on Vito either. But Puzo wanted us all to think that both wanted Vito out of the way. Another clue about Barzini was given in the Novel. Setting up the Five Families Meeting, Puzo gives some info into the far reach/connections that Barzini had. Even all the way into Sicily. Which indicates he was behind the attempt on Michael in the Old-Country. Another note of interest was having Barzini and Vito greet at the Wedding celebration in the opening. Perhaps a foreshadow of the brewing storm about to unfold.

[@yankee_tango]

I thought that as well, the Barzini showed that he was involved in the hit on Sicily that killed Applonia. That's why at the baptism all accounts and business was settled and Michael was nowhere around any of the killings.

[@jondstewart]

In the novel, Barzini and his crew weren’t present at the wedding and he and Vito weren’t friends, much less acquaintances. He wasn’t even mentioned until the meeting. He was not a Mustache Pete.

[@michaelcolfin8464]

If Sollozzo thought that he needed Vito's connections, how would it benefit Sollozzo to kill Vito? Dead men have no connections. Sonny didn't have them if Vito was gone. It took Michael years to collect them. Sollozzo shooting Vito doesn't make sense for Sollozzo. It only makes sense for Barzini. Therefore, Sollozzo is only a plot point, not a serious person. Vito's answer to Sollozzo made perfect sense. There wasn't any reason for Vito to come after Sollozzo if Sollozzo did his drug deals. There was a huge downside and no benefit to Sollozzo into killing the Don. He won't get his million dollars and he won't get the don's political contacts and he will make an enemy of the most powerful family in NY. Sollozzo was a fool!

[@jstube36]

@lcolfin8464 Don Barzini was a character of high intelligence but also one of ambition. That ambition was to be Don of New York. And Vito was in his way. So he used Sollozzo and Tattaglia as part of his master plan. That is what the whole thing was about.

[@michaelcolfin8464]

@@jstube36Then Barzini was successful, he achieved his goal for several years before he got killed. He didn't expect to live forever, did he?

[@KingGogh]

There are 2 main points at the meeting, that Vito picked up on. 1st. Barzini was speaking for EVERYONE at the meeting. There were no votes. Not to mention, he realized that other families were already in the drug business WHILE AT THIS MEETING. Barzini knows Vito is old school, wouldn't approve of selling drugs and it would cause the commission as a whole to suffer if he wasn't in line. 2nd. Barzini DECIDED what was going to happen, against vito's will and decision. He said several things like "If Don Corleone has all the politicians in his pocket like so many nickles and dimes, THEN HE MUST SHARE THEM! HE MUST LET US DRAW FROM THE WELL, ALL OF US USE THEM! Certainly, he can provide a bill for such services. After all, we aren't communists" And... "TIMES HAVE CHANGED! ITS NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS. A REFUSAL IS NOT THE ACT OF A FRIEND" Lastly... "So it's agreed. Don Corleone WILL GIVE UP PROTECTION IN THE EAST AND THERE WILL BE THE PEACE" Except...Vito never agreed to any of this. He understood in these moments, that barzini was trying to flex his power around and was the mastermind behind EVERYTHING - the drugs, Sonny's hit, bringing the turk in, etc.

[@jondstewart]

AND, Barzini was quoting the same thing Solozzo did about politicians and nickels and dimes!

[@FreeBoyRoc]

I think it was more so how all of the politicians, judges and drugs was Barzini’s conclusion of the peace meeting but the whole reason Vito called the meeting was to stop the killing. Barzini’s closing statement in this scene was more focused on the judges, drugs and politicians still.

[@jondstewart]

@@FreeBoyRoc I thought Vito’s true intention for the meeting was to scope the place out who the real culprit was. It was so obvious.

[@FreeBoyRoc]

@@jondstewartBarzini gave himself up

[@FreeBoyRoc]

@@jondstewart don vito biggest stress was the stop of the violence and barzini version of peace basically spoke his selfish motives as he didn’t even mention the stop of violence

[@icebergslimtv6377]

Barzini spoke too much. He showed his hand. Tattaglia wasn’t built like that. Like Vito said, “he’s a pimp”. Plus Tattaglia kept giving it away by him constantly deferring to Barzini which also forced Barzini to speak probably more than he planned too.

[@TehUltimateSnake]

Boom. Summed it all up better and less convoluted than this channel.

[@emmanuelsahr7128]

This the answer I was looking for. Talking too much is always bad

[@avinadadmendez4019]

That moment when the scene analysis is 10x longer than the scene itself

[@richspinaci8293]

Remember when Tataglia was killed by Michael. What was he doing, but sleeping with a young prostitute. Vito pegged him for what he really was.

[@BrooklynEast7th]

I talked with Barzini...

[@silentf0e]

The first time I saw this film I was 14 years old and unfortunately I didn't understand a lot of it. With the conference room scene however, the film broadcasts it pretty well, and I figured it out even as a kid. After probably around 2 hours of run time, with the primary conflict taking place between Corleone and Tattaglia, we arrive at the conference room scene, and Barzini (whom we were briefly introduced to at the beginning of the film as a fellow Don) is controlling almost all of the dialogue and saying rather aggressive things like "Corleone has all theses judges and politicians and he MUST share them". It was almost as if he had some sort of stake or involvement in the conflict. I just sat there as a kid thinking "who is this guy and why is he talking so much?"

[@silentf0e]

@graphicdesigner7650 Another thing I sort of picked up on, which I failed to mention in my original comment, was the cinematography of the scene. At that age, I didn't know what the definition of what cinematography was, but I got the basic concept of what it was: telling a story through visual means and not just recording the action. With the Conference Room Scene, the film makers deliberately keep showing shots of Barzini, even when he's not talking. By focusing so many shots specifically on him. its almost like through cinematography, that the film makers are trying to subtlety tell you that this guy is now important to the plot.

[@notsure1135]

It’s probably a testament to your good character that you didn’t grasp this at 14 when you think about it.

[@thepinkgangster]

@@notsure1135 Agreed. A sharp mind is a man’s best friend.

[@Therock007dmx]

I absolutely love these videos The Godfather is over 50 years old and it’s still relevant today.

[@AlmostReady504]

I was just about 10 years old when the first movie premiered I'm still learning things and wondering things about The Godfather. All three movies stream daily and most of the time they are still the best thing showing

[@Therock007dmx]

⁠@@AlmostReady504exactly kind Sir, parts 1 and 2 are my favorite movies of all time. I wish there was a copy with all the deleted scenes added back in.

[@ahmedorkonur5100]

Relevant? You mean enjoyable.

[@mp6640]

Which tells you a lot… I would wonder if the director/s have a mind of making a reboot or a sequel after 4.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

It was obvious to anyone paying attention that "it was Barzini all along." When Sollozzo first approached Don Corleone, Sollozzo told him, "I need [] those politicians that you carry in your pocket like so many nickles and dimes." This was the key thing Sollozzo said his family needed. But when the Don met with Barzini much later, Barzini said, "A refusal [to work with us] is not the act of a friend. If Don Corleone had all the judges and the politicians in New York, then he must share them, or let us others use them. He must let us draw the water from the well." Don Corlone immediately recognized that Sollozzo's original message was strikingly similar to Barzini's, but even stronger. Barzini's message, unlike Sollozzo's, had an implied threat in it--a threat that was realized by the murder of the Don's son Santino, and the murder attempt on his own life. It was, therefore, obvious that Barzini was the chessmaster behind the chess pieces.

[@unityfitness-bn2pi]

exactly!! i just found this video, and just started watching it, so i dont know what he says is the reason Vito knew. but you hit it exactly!!! if you paid attention you'd know. so no, this hasnt been on everyones mind for the last 50 years. hahaha!!

[@kajamogli]

He checked Barzini’s WhatsApp status and knew it

[@Religious_gynecologist]

@kajamogli Brilliant!

[@hariprasadjb]

Whatsapp status: "Mission Accomplished "after Sonny s death.

[@XanderShiller]

Thought it was a Tweet@TheRealBarzini

[@andrewcampbell3314]

Facebook posts as well

[@XanderShiller]

Whoever is still alive has a KZbin channel. It's the most lucrative mob racket and of all people, John Gotti isn't doing streams for "his public."

[@ricogodfatha8573]

Vito just seeing how Barzini was controlling the meeting, confirmed his suspicions. Still, Vito knowing that Barzini would send someone to have him set up was still pretty genius.

[@adambycina1817]

I had a history professor in college who was fond of saying that the Godfather contained all of the wisdom you would need to rise to power in any field you choose. A lifetime of experience has taught me that my professor was correct.

[@TheCultureMafia]

A wise professor

[@adambycina1817]

@@TheCultureMafia Yes indeed. He would often intersperse his lectures on world events with references to scenes in the Godfather in order to show the way the past bleeds into the present. For example, in one particular lecture where the persecution of the Jews in the form of Russian pogroms was the topic, he brought up the pride which Woltz had for his prizehorse Khartoum, when he said, "not even a Russian tsar had such a horse." This led to a discussion of the Jewish diaspora reaching America, the use of propaganda in the film industry to emphasize the pros of the West vs. the evils of the East, and even how the choice of the horse's name had significance, as the city of Khartoum was located within the ancient Egyptian empire, led by pharoahs who kept Jews enslaved for centuries. So to Woltz the horse wasn't just a horse, rather it was significant symbolically of the historical struggle of an entire people gaining their freedoms lost when the Romans (of which the members of the mafia were the descendants) quashed their rebellions in the first century and sent the Jews wandering for a homeland for 2000 years. My professor had countless anecdotes such as this one.

[@chickenlover657]

@@adambycina1817 Nomen est omen.

[@kelvendyson1508]

OMG!!! Your professor was absolutely correct!!!

[@shepherd5234]

I've been a lawyer for about 20 years and it's definitely instructive for my field.

[@Kodanikage]

To be fair, he did think his enemy had conceded completely. What he didn’t account for was Michael.

[@lordofpain3476]

Don Vito didn't lie , he swore that it would not be him to break the peace . He already knew that it would be Michael that would exact revenge and take out the family's enemies .

[@mp6640]

And Michael sure did lmao 🤣… took out each one strategically on the same day

[@jeffmejia3556]

Small correction. I believe it’s a deleted scene but easily found on KZbin. Don Vito, at that time, didn’t know Michael would take everyone out. Michael was still in Sicily and wasn’t part of the family business, yet In the scene mentioned, Don Vito explains to Michael that Don Vito had given his word that there wouldn’t be any acts of vengeance for Sonny and Sicily to which Michael replies “you gave them your word but I didn’t give them mine.” This is when Don Vito knew the Family would prosper once again.

[@sandisteinberg731]

Richard Conte was a terrific actor who deserved to be far better known. As Barzini, he holds his own against Brando, no easy task.

[@ITILII]

Barzini NEVER was anywhere near the Real Man that Don Vito was - Don Vito was far more intelligent, wiser, cunning, and powerful and took that punk azz biotch OUT.....That's why Don Vito Corleone will ALWAYS be The Godfather !!!!!!!

[@charlesoshea4803]

I believe I read that early on Richard Conte was considered for the role of Vito.

[@whitead25]

"Tattalia's a pimp" is what Vito told Michael. Keep in mind that Vito already knew these men when he walked in the room he knew everything that they were about already. The only surprise to vito might have been when Barzini slipped and was so insistent on Vito to share his connections. Basically, Vito was simply confirming his suspicions in which he probably suspected long ago.

[@PauloHernandezXD]

One of the best & most insightful comments in this entire video.

[@artram1655]

Barzini was requested by Corleone to mediate between Vito and tattalia But instead as the meeting went by, Barzini upped the ante and took a stand against Corleone Stronger opposition than tattalia though Barzini never lost anything, supposedly Tattalia lost a son Barzini was supposed that be neutral but he revealed he had grievances as he lost solozzo his drug man Barzini became arrogant by this meeting thinking the Corleone family is done with Vito is not well Sonny is dead Fredo is beaten up by Mow Green in Vegas Mike is still a boy hiding in Italy and hunted Barzini’s arrogance gave away he was the main enemy That told Corleone that it was Barzini all along

[@ebsrok6681]

Vito had everyone there in agreement when he spoke about the drug business . Everyone in that room somewhat felt the same, Barzini felt it and interrupted and began to echo what he had already been trying to convince everyone “times have changed” right there, Vito saw it. This was also the moment Tom Hagen lost his credibility as consigliere because he didn’t see this coming but it took getting shot and surrendering for Vito to get close enough to do so.

[@garymorris1856]

No not true, not "everyone" agreed about the drug business, both Barzini and Tartaglia both wanted to be in the drub business.

[@ebsrok6681]

@@garymorris1856 I did t say everyone agreed I said Vito had everyone in agreement . That the drug business was going to destroy them / the leadership, the camaraderie.

[@garymorris1856]

@@ebsrok6681 I do not need any of this explained to me by you.

[@ebsrok6681]

@@garymorris1856 and I don’t need you to comment on here

[@ebsrok6681]

@@garymorris1856 and I don’t need you to comment

[@olliephelan]

Theres a lot of talk about HOW he knew it was Barzini all along. Lots of ideas. But its simply. Barzini says "ITS AGREED THEN . DRUGS WILL BE PERMITTED BUT CONTROLLED AND CORLEONE WILL PROVIDE PROTECTION " when that was *never* agreed.. Look at Vitos reaction. "I believe that then. And I believe that NOW" Vito was not intending to agree. It was a orators trap or verbal trap. He said that refusing is not the act of a friend. When have I ever refused. Its agreed then ( that put Vito in a position where if he rejected Barzinis statement, it was openly not an act of a friend in front of the whole Commission. It was Barzini who was pushing the Drugs idea. And jumped on the chance to insist it was agreed. Tattaglia never even mentioned it. Tattaglia only said he wanted assurances that thered be no vengeance. Barzini brushed that aside as not needed. Barzini anticipated a war where Tattaglia and others would kill themselves off with Vito.

[@larenese9417]

I believe that Vito got his negotiation skills from his mother. As I watched this episode of The Culture Mafia, I remembered in The Godfather II, how after having lost her husband and eldest son to the local Mafia Chieftain, she humbled herself and begged for her son's life. After the Chieftain said, "No." she took assertive action to save her son's life. She was strong, smart, and brave. It would have been great to learn more about this phenomenal woman. 🙂

[@anthonyhill1332]

It skipped a generation. Her grandson Michael got it from her. Can't you tell the way Michael killed Solozzo and the police chief?

[@elizzybec]

@@anthonyhill1332 It did not skip a generation as Don Corleone (in GF pt2) was seen in a flashback to take control of the neighborhood from La Mano, he didn't hesitate to kill him, in spectacular fashion.

[@urosmarjanovic663]

Assertive action as in being killed on the spot?

[@1Skorpia]

The corleones are too tenderhearted for the underworld. It's a double-edged sword. They looked after people but the enemies they made was the karma. The death and constant revenge chasing them. Constant betrayel.

[@rouskeycarpel1436]

Idk if anybody else pointed this out but look at the language Barzini used when rebutting Vito’s reasons for not initially agreeing to the deal.He said if Don Corleone had all the political connections “then he MUST share them,he MUST let his friends draw from the well”.Notice how he’s not using optional language like “can” or “should” but a mandatory word “MUST”.He’s basically ordering Vito to agree to the deal so the 5 families can use his political connections. The simple fact that he had the balls to order Vito like this meant Barzini was the one pulling the strings.

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Bingo

[@Harlemnite7]

That was made crystal clear at that meeting. Vito picked up on and let Tom know it was Barzini all along

[@gutter339]

Very good breakdown and I agree with almost every point stated here. But the answer to this question lies sometime long before this meeting occurred. Vito knew each man at the table here, and who was capable of what. He tells Tom aftewards that Tattaglia "could have never outfought Santino", so clearly he didn't' think he was the mastermind here. So who else was there? With Sonny being killed and Michael coming damn near close to death it became a process of elimination. Let's not forget that Barzini was so bold as to crumble up the film reel at the Corleone wedding, something Vito had to have known happened. But with his best days behind him I think he was happy to have someone else step up to the plate, it just wasn't who he thought it would be i.e. Michael Corleone. That was the real point of the meeting; Vito tapped and in exchange his son would be spared. He must have thought that his son would surely be the one to avenge him, and he had no idea how right he was

[@XanderShiller]

Whoa I must've missed a crucial scene.. he actually pulled a stunt like destroying the film reel of the wedding? Was he even at the wedding? What's going on here lol

[@johnmoreno96]

@@XanderShiller I believe the scene mentioned is when at Connie’s wedding, a photographer takes a picture of Barzini. Barzini gets a hold of the camera used and removes the film used for the picture and destroys it by crumbling it with his hands. Yes Barzini was at the wedding, watch the opening wedding scene closely.

[@XanderShiller]

@@johnmoreno96 It's definitely time for a rematch. I think the issue was that Sonny coming over to the FBI and smashing a camera in a fit, visually took over the more subtle details like who's who and doing what. And there's obviously a LOT happening at that festival of a wedding.

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

Barzini crumbles the film because he didn't want his picture taken which would not be unusual for an old school don. I doubt Vito knew about it and if he did, wouldn't think anything of it, being old school himself.

[@gutter339]

@@FrankieBlueEyes Everyone knows why he did it lol, but the pictures were of the entire party. Connie's wedding day. At Vito's home. If you don't think he would have minded cuz he was "old school" then you're just wrong sry. My point was that Barzini felt emboldened enough to be so openly disrespectful to Vito in his own backyard. And this is at the very start of the movie

[@humedesmond7774]

It took me several re-watch to understand this sequence actually. Brazini was supposed to be the second most powerful family that even Vito respected and initially thought not involved in the war however in the meeting Brazini whether deliberately or unintentionally mentioned that Vito must lend his political connection for the drug trade so as to benefit "everyone" made Vito realized it was him behind the scence all along.

[@JeSsE10mCcOy11]

Vito's street smarts won over at the end

[@jondstewart]

Yep, he was Michael’s consigliere and already knew what Barzini was going to do. And Barzini was smart enough to wait until Vito died to try it.

[@mbayatab4326]

Vito Corleone was an orphan who grew up only by relying on himself. That makes a man to use his brains heavily, so he calculated it was Barzini by latter’s behaviour during the meeting.

[@ridethecurve55]

Vito had been learning to read people ever since he was a boy on the streets. This was by far not his first rodeo. Why didn't the others chose to ignore this fact? Because they weren't that good at sizing up their competition.

[@thatguyjoe007]

I didn't know Vitto was an orphan. Thank you. I'm also an orphan, now I feel better.

[@diontaedaughtry974]

Watching this and the Chiefs vs Bills game at the same time on my Birthday is the coolest thing ever. Such a great gift 🎁

[@DonRamiro1]

Bills. Mafia.

[@frankrizzo1934]

There's always next year, lads.

[@TheCultureMafia]

Happy Birthday @diontaedaughtry974 💯

[@diontaedaughtry974]

@@TheCultureMafia Thank You very much 🥳

[@Immy_Islam786]

Vito knew Tatalia was too dumb to plan and orchestrate that hit on Sunny. Barzini used Tatalia as a pawn to execute his even bigger plan which was to take out Vito. Barzini is the prime facilitator in all of this. He's the one driving the madness in this movie. He's the true villain in P1 and he's literally only in three scenes.

[@AmericanBoy1776]

Terrifying in many ways. I like this.

[@user-gp5kh5tu4k]

Vito knew because Barzini was sitting at the head of the table...

[@jondstewart]

I always wondered about that since Vito decides to humble himself and let the people choose where to sit. Very clever!

[@cyphi474]

Its clear message. Barzini wants to lead the show.

[@detroittraee]

You break these videos down so good, you’ll forget it’s a movie & not some real shit that happened. Great work !

[@trynsurviven2440]

I absolutely enjoy watching these videos and look forward to the next one in this series.

[@jamalwayans545]

This only proves how brilliant of a director Francis Coppola is.

[@PyroGothNerd]

And how brilliant a writer Mario Puzo was

[@jasonmoore7223]

The production on these vids is always stellar 👌🏼

[@markmed9091]

Someone should produce a post a video on how the narrator could get to the point and stop all the unnecessary repetitions and stalling .

[@augusttuesdaystirling]

I've deduced that the longer a site keeps your attention the more money they make

[@StevenStarksjbirdcapitalllc]

lol…understand the laws and you’ll understand the length.

[@guybo07]

He talks too much!!

[@gamil867]

Thanks for the warning. Leaving at 2min

[@jasonbattaglia2390]

People have no attention spans anymore

[@machopkins422]

I tend to like all the Culture Mafia videos. It's one of the best channels on KZbin. But this one is really good. CUDOS!

[@TheCultureMafia]

Truly appreciate it @machopkins422 💯🌹

[@erikawilliams3702]

Vito was never in a position of weakness, he knew who his enemy was going into the meeting, he just wanted confirmation.

[@Phantom-mk1ji]

Just today i was watching some godfather clips and i got recommeded the video. Keep them coming, amazing content as always

[@latinhellas6383]

Even before the meeting, as mentioned, Don Corleone had already assessed the difference in skill between Tattaglia and Barzini with respect to the conduct of the war and the assassination of Sonny. The book offers nothing significantly more than the film. But in the film, Don Barzini did most of the alpha-male talking during the meeting and he basically imposed the terms of the peace agreement. So, according to Don Corleone's interpretation of the dynamics of the meeting, that cemented Don Corleone's hunch that it was Barzini all along. Moreover, during the meeting Don Corleone apparently also knew about the attempted assassination of Michael in Sicily, and again he had a hunch that Don Barzini may have been behind it, even making a veiled threat to both Barzini and Tattaglia and the other heads of the New York clans ("I'm going to blame some of the people in this room"). So - based on previous assessments of the conduct and results of the war, which spilled over into Sicily, and based on the dynamics of the meeting - during the course of the meeting, Don Corleone knew for sure that it was Barzini all along.

[@fonztheiv]

One thing about the seating: you said barzini was at the head of the table. But we all know Vito called this meeting, and in the book at least, it says that Vito and Tom sat down first to signal everyone to come to the table. He was clearly the power and leading the meetings according to that, not barzini.

[@kevingreen2400]

Fooling Barzini into thinking that he had the upper hand when in reality he was confirming what Vito knew all along

[@derekfoster6134]

For those who have not read the book, The Godfather, I suggest you do. The movie is great, but the book is better. The book explains so much details, especially Michael falls in love with his Father Vito and begins to understand the lessons his Father Vito practiced and whispered in his ears. Beautiful... Todays fathers should spend such times with their sons.

[@TheCultureMafia]

Did You Enjoy this Episode? Let me know Your thoughts 💭 & What video You want to see next?

[@ΑλέξανδροςΓκίνης-ο9σ]

The video was magnificent. I can't wait to see the part 2 you mentioned. After that, I would love to see a real-life mini-series, about the Prohibition Era, the powerhouses of the Underworld, and especially, "the Biggest of them all", the Capo di tutti Capi, Don Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Masseria. His influence expanded from New York, to Miami, to Canada and the Old Country. I mean, the Boss had even Al Capone under his command, as his caporegime in Chicago!!!

[@jmsparger4339]

Enjoyed everything but the subtitles. But I thought maybe it was for the copyright KZbin nonsense.

[@Moone100]

I enjoyed this video and gave me a new perspective and a learning lesson.Can you do Scarface?

[@CheefChief]

don vitos intelligence was just so impressive, michael was ruthless and cunning but vito was so tactical and somehow always knew what the future held. even in his younger years when plotting on fanucci his calculatedness when taking apart the gun is what stood out to me the most.

[@chalkboy8]

I agree with Clemenza--- I hate those G-D Bahzinis.

[@KrisMavericko]

Fantastic analysis & presentation. Love the images and how they "float" as well. Wonderful effort; thanks very much!!

[@rwlewko]

The question that occurs to me is: did Vito make the promise of no retaliation with the idea that Michael, after a period of training to lead the family, would "take care of all family business"? Is the impact of realizing Barzini is the true enemy the impetus for the plan to eliminate the heads of all the other families? I would love to hear your analysis of this question!

[@RCorvinus]

At least in the book, the plan was actually first formulated by Sonny. It was modified by Vito and Michael to the finished product we see in the Baptism Scene.

[@ΑλέξανδροςΓκίνης-ο9σ]

There's a Big Detail, only few people have realised. It wasn't, neither Don Vito nor Don Michael who broke the peace. It was Don Barzini, who with his high arrogance, was taking over Corleone Family territories. Don Vito, knew exactly what was about to happen. He didn't break his Oath. It was Barzini all along!!!

[@mmac3353]

He made the promise and kept it. Vito didn't "break the peace we've made here today". After he passed it was Michael who called the shots and ordered the hits. Just my take on it

[@geraldmoreno7756]

Yeah, Rico! This is so awesome! So stoked for you! Keep on rocking!

[@sonny5791]

Love this channel!

[@larenese9417]

This classic movie just gets better and better! Thank you so much, Culture Mafia, for this awesome insight! Your content is 🔥!

[@peterwall583]

You did a great job with this podcast

[@kernalization]

I love youtube comments straight to the point instead of me watching a 30 min video wasting my time

[@DonRamiro1]

I gotta say, I love the music in these videos. It's like a Pavlov's dog deal for me. My ears point straight up whenever I hear it.

[@frederickduquette]

It was Vito all along. His own worst enemy. Tom Hagen foresaw that drugs were a future they ignore at their peril; Sonny wanted it. He was not only wrong but his refusal led to 5 bullets that he never really recovered from, the death of Santino, the exile of Michael and a bloody war between the families. The audience back then knew that drugs became the prime financier of organized crime, by 1972 it was dramatic irony. Vito is a tragic man.

[@ralphiewigs2208]

When Barzini took the lead at the meeting regarding heroin, Vito knew that he was the driving force behind Solozzo.

[@JohnnyBagvieGolf]

think you could make the in-film dialogue any quieter? found it distracted me from the music.

[@sannakarppinen4163]

Vito was brilliant of saying that HE himself is going to honor the peace deal, but he new that when Michael is back and he knew that Michael is not going to do nothin when his father is still alive , but when Vito died Michael was unleashed and then oh boy what kind of wrath he unleased.

[@messifcb101]

The thing is, Vito swore that he would not break the peace however he was the advisor of Michael when he took out all the Dons....I am 100000 % sure that his vengence was through Michaels

[@omargjuarez1]

Vito also swore that if anything happened to Michael he would take it personally. Even if it was an act of God. He knew that they would kill Mikey at the peace meeting and Vito warned him about it.

[@vernonleewarren280]

This was excellent! Thank you sir!

[@SoldierDrew]

Michael was a decorated U.S. Marine Corps Infantry veteran of WWII, having seen and committed more homicide than all the five families combined, and he was a highly intelligent strategist born from his warfare experiences. But the arrogant gangsters underestimated his military experiences and viewed him only as a college boy. Then Michael got an education in Sicily, where he suffered his greatest trauma which hardened what was left of his soft heart, losing the love of his life. His first wife. He returned cold hearted and carrying a deep desire for vengeance. Noone was more suited to become the next leader of the family than the combat decorated, military trained, war hero with a college education and experienced in the language & ways of the Sicilian mafia in the old country. His baby face led many to underestimate him.

[@Creyole]

BRAVO! Well said indeed especially the last paragraph!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing analysis. ❤

[@YTembers]

Wow, this video, even though he was sick, Vito was really smart. The explanation on how he did it and why it's important is cool to see. I learned a lot from watching it!

[@Big_Al_the_Greek]

Happy & Blessed New Year Glad, you're "back in business". Undouptdly, one your Greatest episodes. I really love the deep analysis you're giving in the facts and the whole imperial atmosphere you're creating. Your videos are like "remakes" of the Godfather, which are giving us secret details, that makes the movie Greater and Greater. Don Barzini, was the most machiavellian enemy of the Corleone Family. He was Bigger than Roth. Like you said, his only, but FATAL mistake was, that he declared victory, BEFORE his enemy, the Corleone Family, was completely eliminated. The Meeting of the Five Families, and especially, the "it was Barzini all along" line, is at the top 5 of my favourite Godfather scenes!!! P.S. I have realised, not now, but a long time ago, that in the Sopranos, Carmine Lupertazzi Jr, was the real machiavellian Power in the end, the one who was pulling the strings in the shadows, using Butchie as his front-man, his little puppet, in the exact same way, Don Barzini was using Tattaglia. Even in the last. "peace" sit-down, Carmine and Butchie are looking each other, the same way, Don Barzini and Tattaglia was doing. It is such Magnificent, to see the bigger picture in these masterpieces. It changes everything!!!

[@XanderShiller]

It's interesting and all but the "carmine Jr was a genius" theory has been disproven and the actor himself even made a video addressing it

[@luvslogistics1725]

I subbed. Having grown up without a father or mentor I learned most lessons, gathered wisdom through experience not imitation or reflection. Onto my sons I’ve passed all my knowledge and now see how they are further along than me at those stages

[@frederickduquette]

The script did not have Vito explaining how he knew but only that he now knows. It begs for an explanation as viewers may not have caught the clues in the scene prior, thus a dramatic information gap. That's good filmmaking as it has the audience thinking past the words, and to pay attention to the actions, reactions etc. Sufficient clues are provided to narrow it down to the grammar of power (sits at table's head, seems to mediate, tips his card as he says too much after saying little etc.). The info provided in this video digs into some history between the dons, fleshing out the world these characters inhabit.

[@gscop1683]

Nicely done. Barzini's failure to realize that Vito only promised no Vengeance as long as He was alive. I think you are correct that None of the 5 families took Michael seriously.

[@godfather4377]

We need more of these videos. Just too good.

[@clevelandlawrence]

It was said at 2:18 that at other meetings, Vito was at the head of the table. Vito didn’t attend another commission meeting. It was stated in the book Vito was most powerful. But that’s it.

[@jamiesimms7084]

That's perfect what you said. You thought what I thought as soon as I saw it

[@bossbonita1235]

I loved this scene! Vito was too smart for these fools! Michael turned out to be just like his father!! Loved when he put it down for them directly! And made sure to tell them- if something happens to his family, he’s gonna blame the people in the room!! He was way too smart for Barzini Such a bad ass

[@CurtDiesel81]

Vito literally explains it to Tom. Tathalia was a pimp & couldn’t have outfought Santino. Barzini was upset about the Don consolidating power by having more judges & political figures in his corner. He never hid his jealousy.

[@diarradunlap9337]

Vito took a few pages out of Sun-tzu's book "The Art of War."

[@TheCultureMafia]

💯

[@RCorvinus]

When strong, appear weak.

[@tatiescone]

He who is prudent and patiently waits for the enemy will be victorious.

[@Canes33]

When Michael Corleone went to Vegas to buy Moe Green out. Moe Green arrogantly mention that he already had a deal with Barzini and keep his hotel.

[@rudranshjoshi8142]

Another video full of true lessons💖💖

[@TheCultureMafia]

🌹💯

[@cialancampbell6344]

This is a fantastic video, especially the added commentary of the laws of power.

[@vthompson1987]

As someone who loved the Godfather films, read the Mario Puzo’s novel. It’s well worth your time!

[@jondstewart]

Right, Barzini was not a friend or acquaintance with Vito in the novel. He wasn’t even mentioned until the meeting.

[@johnjr7070]

Pages have gone yellow after 30 years in mine but there it is, my preciouss.

[@migz_8894]

Awesome vid..crazy how I've watched the movie so many times and still this is useful to fully understand everything that happened

[@tompantaleo9441]

I think Barzini speaking about how " a refusal is not the act of a friend" is what gave it away

[@giovannicarnevale7704]

Agreed

[@galactusholmes]

Man, I love this channel. One of my favorite film sagas, an epic, appropriate soundtrack, and well thought -out points, references, and elaborations. Well done, Don C.M. At the risk of mixing references: Got any gabagool?

[@David-yw2lv]

Albert Anastasia was vehemently opposed to drugs, inspiring Vito Corleone's feelings.

[@1987AnimeBoy]

So was that why he got whacked at the Park Sheraton Hotel and led Vito Genovese to think he should be the new "Boss of All Bosses"?

[@David-yw2lv]

@@1987AnimeBoy Exactly

[@kimberlywhitehead22]

And here we are in 2024 and he was right

[@CheefChief]

the actors really brought this scene to life man, every single movement made is calculated even barzini just signaling to tatalgia .... beautifullll

[@seanmetro3496]

"Pimp" Tattaglia Was t0o deferential to BRAZINI

[@tonyscott658]

Vito was more smarter than everyone in that meeting he knew he had to appear weak when he knew he is stronger art of war

[@Knightsthatsaynih]

It is public knowledge that after Vito was shot multiple times, Barzini released a rap song titled - who shot ya.

[@ant9976]

😐

[@Harlemnite7]

My all time favorite move. Vito was the original OG. Then Michael settled all family business. A true classic.

[@Insipid42]

I think the most important event was Michael's murder of Solazo. Up until that point it was possible for him to turn back. From that moment on, Mike's fate was sealed. The Godfather was a story of Mike, not Vito.

[@mikee2511]

Barzini was running that meeting. What more interesting is that at Connie's wedding Tom Hagen asks if they give his new son in law Carlo should be given an important job in the family. Don Vito was quick to say, "No never. Give him a living".

[@gchukma]

"A refusal is not the act of a friend". Barzini challenging Don Vito. Turns out it was a deadly mistake.

[@GQueTv.]

Amazing breakdown

[@stephenvanburen1818]

Don corleone knew it was barzini because earlier when Sony was killed on the causeway he says "tataglias a pimp he never could've out fought Santino." So he knew then that someone else was pulling the strings. So when he setup the big meeting all he had to do was to wait for someone to be way too interested in the beef between Don Vito and Don Tataglia and to act as if that person was fully and personally invested in how things would work out. That person was Don Barzini.

[@MrHaveNoWorries]

Love the narrative of this keep up the good work this was well needed

[@TheUtube666]

Barzini, somewhat flush and heady from the way the meeting was progressing, failed to pick up on the implications of Don Corleone's statement where he said that HE would not be the one to break the peace made today. Also, as a group, they would not come to fully appreciate, until too late, the lessons of strategy and tactics that Michael would have learned in the Army. Born circa 1887 in Sicily, Barzini would have been 30 in 1917, so likely missed out on WW-I. The other Dons were probably all of similar age, so all likely missed on any formal training beyond what their underworld experience had given them.

[@bogieblue2669]

I love the editing in your video you guys did a great job

[@81ibognar]

They created Mike. They thought. Hot head Sonny will be the next one. Michael as a military man already had the mind set and they never saw it coming.

[@TheCultureMafia]

Great way to put it

[@81ibognar]

@@TheCultureMafia I also think the name was not a mistake or pick out of a hat thing. Because arcangel Michael is known in the Bible as the war leader against lucifers demons.

[@rtpowell7504]

This was an interesting segment. As much as I watched that meeting scene I thought what gave Barzini away was the way he positioned himself at the head of the table and he spoke on what the Don Vito didn’t do “…like let others drink from the well….” Now I see the hidden clues. Clever move by the Don, checkmate was ahead in a few more moves. Always that #2 man wants to wear the crown. Good job

[@HRucker]

Finally a video 💯💯💯

[@eanayac]

Cool channel!!! Keep it up please!! I love your videos!

[@34stzoo]

How in the hell did we go from great movies like this to Fast in the Furious? Movies in 2024 are about the special effects, pretty people, and political agendas.

[@russcooke5671]

Basically we are being brainwashed to go backwards in our perception of reality. They couldn’t do it years ago because the technology was not there. Look how much the world has changed for the worst. It’s all done on purpose to dumb us all down. And believe me they are succeeding. All films that rely on cgi should have a mental health warning on them so people see it’s All BOLLOX. Look at the television programs. First you have the TELE then You have the VISION that’s what you see the TELE With. And then you have the. PROGRAMMING.

[@perv2006]

We'll always have these classics, though

[@dazzatv9571]

Hollywood ran out of ideas 💡

[@anujsreenivasan5040]

So Oppenheimer doesn’t exist I see.

[@bradm2789]

@@anujsreenivasan5040 Exceptions are always the norm

[@Sal24_]

Is the voice that I am hearing is David Hayter aka ( snake ) ? 🤔

[@Dadecorban]

Barzini did slightly weird things in the meeting. That's the entire 23 min video. Your welcome.

[@thediaz07]

Thank you