THE GODFATHER (1972) Movie Reaction

[@phillipoutzen3234]

The man at the hospital was Enzo, the baker. He was an Italian POW who was supposed to be repatriated back to Italy at the end of World War 2. The Don arranged for him to stay in the US at the end of the war so he could marry the baker's daughter. That night at the hospital, Enzo paid his debt to the Don.

[@davidmontgomery4696]

You understand everything! Wait till you see the wedding cake.

[@davidmontgomery4696]

@@DavidStewart-v5eEnzo was playing comedy with the bakers daughter.

[@FloridaMugwump]

​@@davidmontgomery4696True, but only because she was the only woman he had access to. Fat and unattractive, and wasn't the baker mad! He never liked Enzo. But his fat daughter was pregnant, so he went to the Don.

[@bdleo300]

Enzo was brave like every Italian soldier in WW2 😀

[@norryonbass6574]

I always imagined that Michael never ever forgot Enzo’s act of bravery that night. He would have had the respect and thanks of the Corleone Family for life.

[@bwilliams463]

I see too many reactors giving Bonasera flak for saying that his daughter 'was' the light of his life, and that she 'will never be beautiful again.' The man is grieving for the misfortune that befell his little girl, fearing that she will never again be the bright, happy young lady that she was. He will always love her, and how she looks doesn't matter to him, at all. He is devastated over the effect that the attack will have on the quality of her life, and how other people will treat her.

[@timbeatty8411]

The problem is nobody thinks with common sense and empathy.

[@bernardoblanco4286]

How can you say all that from that dialogue alone? " He dosent care how he looks" i mean how a woman looks is something that higly affects their socoetal position in 40s america, and also godfathee characters are not usuaaly good to woman

[@bernardoblanco4286]

​@@timbeatty8411the problem is that you two imagined all of that from an dialogue thay dosen show nothing of it, the godfather shows an american society thats harsh on woman, sure that guy still loves his daughter but that dosent mean those comments are meant to be interpreted on the chariest way possible

[@bwilliams463]

@@bernardoblanco4286 Re-read carefully. He doesn't care how SHE looks, because he loves her. But he knows that the way other people react and respond to her will be negatively affected for the rest of her life.

[@chrisi1466]

It always cracks me up these types of comments, because you probably don’t even actually remember what you thought about that scene or any others the first time you watched this, then you give flack to people watching it the first time when you’ve had years of digesting every scene on rewatches and through watching other reactors. You see this stuff in the comments with every big franchise where people that have watched a scene 50 times criticize someone for not grasping every nuance despite them probably not getting it their first viewing either.

[@USCFlash]

Donna Evie-leone....I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your channel's...reaction...on the day of your channel's reaction...and I hope that your first reaction, be a masculine reaction.

[@TwoLicks]

Do you pledge your EVER-ENDING(?) loyalty to Evie?

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Well, this reaction was indeed a very STRONG reaction. She's as smart as Michael figuring out what's going on. Good stuff

[@6140LIBRA]

😆😆😆👏

[@montauk6]

If this is her first time seeing "Godfather,' I stay here to listen for her reaction, for her reaction.

[@TwoLicks]

@@montauk6 Wait for her outside.

[@VanFuller]

The man playing Luca Brasi was a real gangster who was one of several who had been sent to keep an eye on the production. Among other things, the mob insisted that the word "Mafia" could not be spoken in the film. Coppolla cast him as Luca because of his obviously imposing presence. But the man was actually intimidated by working with Brando, and he couldn't perform his speech properly. So Coppolla decided to make that nervousness part of his character, and he filmed the sequence in which we see Brasi rehearsing. BTW...the guy was actually a Mafia arsonist, and his method was to tie a tampon to the tail of a mouse, set the tampon on fire, and then release the mouse into the building to run around wildly and spread the flame. Also BTW...the Mafia loved the finished film, and they decided to allow the word "Mafia" in Godfather II.

[@martymar1964]

Luca's backstory in the book is pretty horrifying. He was truly a monster in every sense of the word.

[@billolsen4360]

With every retelling, the actor playing Luca Brasi gets a bump upwards in rank in organized crime.

[@bwilliams463]

@@billolsen4360 As I recall, the only legend ever confirmed was that he was a professional wrestler.

[@billolsen4360]

@@bwilliams463 That's what I understand as well.

[@Schteve59]

Vito asking Johnny Fontane if he spends time with his family seems like such a random change of subject until you realise Sonny just walked in and Vito looks at him as he says "a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man". Vito didn't approve of a lot of Sonny's behavior but he was always careful not to air the dirty laundry too openly in front of non-family. In private though, he made his feelings clear.

[@slchance8839]

i must say that you are one of the sharpest reactors i've seen for this movie: you remember faces and names. You're the first person to recognize that Paulie was the guy at the beginning who wanted to steal the bridal money. ANd you did that by recognizing his face alone, as we didnt even know his name at that point. Same thing with recognizing Barzini by face, when he showed up at the funeral. Well done! Subscribed.

[@zedwpd]

She's okay. She also thought the Don was wearing a bullet proof vest when it was Luca, doesn't know the term stud, and thought Enzo the baker was trouble.

[@cristianhcm1914]

It was actually not very good. When they want to take the family picture at the wedding, she says, Fcn Michael, you're holding up the wedding or something like that. She should not be reacting to a movie of this caliber. She couldn't figure out at first why Michael told Carlo that he has to answer for Santino. But, at least she reacted.

[@cristianhcm1914]

If you truly believe that, go back and finish high school. Sorry, but you asked for it. Her reaction was way below par.

[@slchance8839]

@@cristianhcm1914 that is a good point. i didnt notice that

[@BlueShadow777]

You’ve misunderstood. Michael’s request for Fabrizio to translate during his conversation with Apollonia’s father is not primarily because he is more comfortable speaking English. It is intended as a mark of respect. Here's why: • Cultural Respect and Formality: In Sicilian culture, traditional courtship required a formal approach. By having Fabrizio translate, Michael adheres to this formality and ensures his intentions are conveyed clearly and with the proper etiquette. It elevates the seriousness of his proposal. • Emphasis on Diplomacy: Michael's use of a translator emphasises the importance of Apollonia’s father in the conversation. It shows that he does not wish to risk misunderstandings due to linguistic or cultural nuances, underlining his respect for the man as the head of the family. • Demonstration of Intentions: Asking for Fabrizio’s help allows Michael to underscore that he is not taking casual liberties. Speaking indirectly (through a translator) avoids potential over-familiarity or impropriety when addressing Apollonia's father, fitting the expectations of Sicilian custom. • Michael’s Calculated Persona: Michael is highly strategic and respectful in his approach. By using Fabrizio as an intermediary, he subtly communicates that this is not an impulsive or casual move, but a deliberate and honourable step in building a connection with the family. IN CONCLUSION Michael's decision to use Fabrizio as a translator is a deliberate gesture rooted in cultural respect and formality, aligned with the traditions of Sicilian courtship. It helps to establish a tone of deference and sincerity in his proposal.

[@TheHessian123]

Love your information on Sicilian diplomacy. The novel adds that Michael apologized for what HE said about how attractive Apollonia is even though Fabrizio said it. By doing so, Michael is showing that he is the leader of the three men and therefore takes responsibility for what the two men under him do and say.

[@ednicholson7839]

Or maybe Michael used a translator because his Italian was shitty and the old man couldn’t speak English

[@slchance8839]

well said

[@Stogie2112]

@@ednicholson7839 ... Michael was not fluent in Sicilian, which is why he had to switch to English when talking to Sollozzo. He had Fabrizio speak to Vitelli for that reason and because he was being diplomatic.

[@ednicholson7839]

@@Stogie2112 Yeah, when I said Italian I meant Sicilian, though when he's meeting with Sollozzo and McClusky I think Sollozzo says to the captain that he's going to speak to Michael in Italian -- though maybe they were actually speaking Sicilian. I'm guessing back then most Sicilians didn't even speak proper mainland Italian much -- and that may even be true today for some or much of Sicily. I'm no expert there, but I agree that the main issue here is that Michael is more comfortable speaking English in most situations. It's part of the Americanness of his character, stronger in him than everyone around him -- except Kay. And I think his Americanness is what drives him back to Kay after he comes home. She represents an alternative to the Corleone way that he desires for himself and his family but can't achieve.

[@geniusjohn8280]

Word is the cat wasnt scripted to be in the scene but was just a cat hanging around and Brando decided to pick it up and hold it will doing the scene.

[@Mokkari77]

Coppola said he saw the cat and put it in Brando's hands before filming the scene.

[@Joe-hh8gd]

"Why doesn't he have a bulletproof vest?" Millenials...smh. It's 1945.

[@jamesalexander5623]

@@Joe-hh8gd They had them! Luca wore one and the guy pretending to be a Cop had one!

[@martymar1964]

@@jamesalexander5623 Rocco was an ex-cop so he had the gear to effectively pass as one, he died at the end of part 2 when he killed Hymen Roth at the airport. Willie Cicci was the one to kill the guy in the revolving door, he later was the one to testify in front of Congress.

[@USCFlash]

@@Joe-hh8gd That millenial is smarter than you. Guess you missed Luca Brasi's bulletproof vest, huh? Indeed, it is 1945. Gangsters like Luca Brasi were wearing them as far back as the early 1900s. The first modern bulletproof vest was created In 1893. Older ones were created as far back as the mid 16th century. SMH, indeed.

[@tuxdude1]

This story is complex, and your ability to discern the little side stories and motivations is impressive, to say the least. Your insights on this film are spot on. I especially enjoyed your ruthlessness as the movie went on. I think if the horse seen had happened at the end, your reaction may have well been, "What do you expect when you do not show the Don the respect he deserves?". Very good work, indeed.

[@davidmontgomery4696]

I agree. Evie would have been a better partner for Michael than Kay. Much more enthusiastic about the family business.

[@Balaamsasss]

She saw it before, IMO.

[@barbarino2000]

Evie- In case you didn’t catch it: Michael’s sister Connie - was Rocky’s wife Adrian.

[@moosesmobile7085]

...and in real life, Talia Shire (Connie) is Francis Ford Coppola's sister.

[@brunobrauer6301]

@@moosesmobile7085 And the baptized baby is Sofia Coppola.

[@rbodee]

Johnny Fontaine represents Frank Sinatra and Moe Green represents Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. Bugsy Siegel started casinos in Las Vegas and was murdered when he didn't pay back what he borrowed from the mob.

[@stevesharon1649]

Moe Green was Moe Dalitz who to this day, even though he was in organized crime...a statue as far as I know is still standing in Las Vegas, and he lived an old age. Fontaine was Frank Sinatra from the movie From Here To Eternity, and Sinatra played the Italian American soldier Maggio. The bandleader referenced was Tommy James, and for years the story was just as portrayed in the movie.

[@leephoenix4041]

I also heard that The Don was based on an idealized version of Paul Castellano.

[@christianburk7309]

@@leephoenix4041Paul Castellano??????? Carlo Gambino was the boss when this movie was being made. Castellano didn’t become boss until ‘76 when Gambino died of natural causes. There is zero chance what you were told was true.

[@CastOffTheShoeFollowTheGourd]

@@leephoenix4041 Impossible. Paul Castellano became boss when Carlo Gambino checked out in 1976. The Godfather was '72 and the book was '69. Don Corleone was based on Gambino, Lucky Luciano, Frank Costello, Tommy Lucasasee(I can't spell) and Pope Alexander VI(Roderigo Borgia)

[@Pete-p4l]

The murder of Apollonia is significant for a couple of reasons. 1) It shows he isn't safe from his enemies even in Sicily and 2) her murder hardens Michael and obliterates his ability to trust anyone. It also further distances him from his humanity and moral compass. He becomes significantly more ruthless and cunning after that event which is necessary for the role he is about to assume as head of the family. As you said every scene is well laid out and written with dialogue delivered perfectly...and every scene has a purpose. Apollonia and her fate is not a side role she is actually integral to Michael's growth into becoming the Don.

[@TheTomt50]

I watch a few reaction channels but I have say Evie you are just awesome. I love how you not only love movies as an artform, but also deconstruct movie narratives and characters. This movie indeed has an intricate plot. More can be found with every watch but you're ability to catch so many details is just impressive.

[@Vinterfrid]

Yes, it's great to see "reaction people" smile when people get killed in a film.

[@paulolduarte]

@@Vinterfrid Are you talking about Carlo? I also smile everytime I see that scene.

[@xiropigado]

Al Pacino, immortal actor, he is so good it is like watching a documentary. Godfather II and Scarface are also acting masterclasses.

[@vermithax]

"Making a list, checking it twice. We're going to f***ing kill everybody." The Godfather Christmas Special. This was so much fun, Evie. And the edit was exceptional! The classics are always in great hands with you. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

[@mikehuston3751]

" Leave the gun, take the cannolis" great line.

[@EbefrenRevo]

Italian priorities, food first.

[@TheNicnac1981]

8:17 Fun fact: That slap was not in the script. Brando improvised the smack and Al Martino's reaction was real.

[@domingocurbelomorales8635]

I often read a lot of comments that talk about how accurate Michael's shots were in the restaurant. Michael was not involved in mafia affairs at that time, but he was a hero of World War II. He probably shot better than anyone in his family.

[@RobinTig]

Props for paying attention to the entire film. Catching so many things that many reactors don't . Its nice to see fresh eyes enjoy a piece of art like this film.

[@MrDMF567]

26:03 Always thought it funny that Sonny says to Michael dismissively “this isn’t like the Army, you gotta get up close and bada bing”. Michael was a Marine. He fought in the Pacific where combat was often “up close” & incredibly brutal. Also while serving, Michael was awarded the Navy Cross (2nd highest military decoration) & a Silver Star (3rd highest military decoration). Maybe Sonny just saw him as his little bro, but Michael was very experienced in close up violence.

[@Ruben313Garcia]

Remember when Saul Goodman surprised Walter by walking into the classroom? Saul asked,"What did Tom Hagen do for Vito Corleone?" Walter says, "I'm no Vito Corleone". "No shit," replies Saul. "Right now you're Fredo" ... now you understand what they were talking about 😊😊

[@moosesmobile7085]

...and the "Fredo-ness" becomes SSSOOO much more apparent in the Godfather II. 🤦🏻‍♂️🙄😖🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄😖🙄🤦🏼🙄😖🙄🤦🏽‍♀️🙄😖🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Stogie2112]

My grandfather was fully Italian and he refused to watch this film. We respected his reasons. He was not Sicilian, but his family did come from southern Italy. Sicilians and Southern Italians were darker-skinned, so they suffered discrimination in the USA as well as from Northern Italians.

[@paulf2123]

Yeah, my family came from Sicily. Although they speak Italian the dialect is different. I loaned a Scilian movie to my friend whose family was from Northern Italy. She was snooty saying she could barely understand it. Smh

[@michaelnewsham1412]

I like how Evie is shocked by all the violence at the beginning, but is a Mafia don who wants to rub out all the enemies by the end.

[@aguycalledkwest]

Fact: The baby who got baptized is Sophia Coppola ..the director's daughter

[@jamesalexander5623]

The Best Acting she Ever Did!

[@BobBenson-qz8lp]

@@jamesalexander5623 Part 3 was muddied because of Sofias roll. Had she not been in it, part 3 would have been almost as good as the first two. Part 3 is still wickedly underrated.That Opera scene compared with any scene of the first two parts.

[@lasprince]

They wanted Winona Ryder but she couldn't make it. She did Bram Stoker's Dracula.s​@@BobBenson-qz8lp

[@jzaz2zaz]

she also appears in part 2 her pacino and keaton are the only "actors" to be in all 3

[@izzonj]

Evie, I've watched dozens of reactions to this movie and you are probably the sharpest one. Very perceptive. I think there are two key moments in Michael's transformation. His father getting shot was the first, of course. (In the hospital he tells his father, "I'm with you now, Pop", which has more than one meaning!) And then when Appolonia is murdered, it really turns Michael to darkness. He decides he must me more ruthless than his enemies. You will see how this plays out in GF II, which i really hope you react to soon. I really enjoy your reactions. Happy new year to you and your family.

[@joecarr5412]

You used some exact words I was thinking ,she was very sharp

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@joecarr5412 like, otherworldly sharp. My gosh, that was fun to watch

[@domingocurbelomorales8635]

For Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), Francis Ford Coppola put a jaw prosthesis in his mouth and a gauze, to give him that particular face. Brando was relatively young in this film, and Coppola pretended to age him and also look more threatening.

[@herrzimm]

The "Bonasera opening speech" is a MASTERPIECE of acting, especially for an opening scene of a movie.... .and so hard to believe that the actor who did it is only created for THREE roles his entire career.

[@hackerhacks9856]

Also consider reacting on the part 2 of the godfather.It's an absolute masterpiece.And most of the people think it is better than part 1

[@kunserndsittizen2655]

Not me.

[@hackerhacks9856]

@kunserndsittizen2655 okk

[@MrAitraining]

Better is never a word I use for part 2. It's bigger in story and grander in locations and budget. Just stop at Part 2 though and walk away a winner. I hate when reactors last memory is part 3.

[@Interfect727]

The only traitor in Apollonia's death was Fabrizio, the other bodyguard was innocent. The bomb was meant for Michael. Fabrizio didn't think that Apollonia was going to drive the car to Michael.

[@martymar1964]

In the book, Fabrizio hid in the US but they found him.

[@moosesmobile7085]

​@@martymar1964 ..and Michael Corleone's men killed Fabrizio with a car bomb... just like how Apollonia died. 🚗💣💥💣🚗💣💥💣🚗💣💥💣🚗💣💥💣🚗

[@BobBenson-qz8lp]

In part 2 ,they cut out the part when Michael finds Fabrizio working in a pizzeria somewhere in chicago. Kills him the same way, with a car bomb as he started up the car. I'm confused why Copella cut that scene out in part 2.

[@billolsen4360]

Lots of the Corleone's enemies were about as sharp as Imperial Storm Troopers.

[@moosesmobile7085]

@@BobBenson-qz8lp If you can get hold of the "Godfather Saga" (the "Godfather" and the "Godfather II" combined, with all the scenes in chronological order), the scene with Fabrizio's demise is included. As far as I know, it has not been released on DVD (unless "pirated"), but it was released in a VHS boxed set). 📼📀📼📀📼📀📼📀📼

[@salamunga5645]

This is one of only 8 Perfect Movies ever made 💯

[@gew1898]

You did a great job reviewing this film. I’ve watched a lot young people react to this film and they usually miss a lot. You got most everything, and quickly. Bravo!

[@flarrfan]

Part 2 is mandatory...it continues the saga. Part 3 is not as good, but still worth watching for closure. Many people, including me, think the original is the best film of all time, followed closely by Part 2.

[@jmichaelbell5434]

Check out the scene outside of the hospital after moving his father’s bed. When the first car passes, Enzo is shaking like a leaf getting a cigarette. Michael is calm and unnerved when he takes the lighter and holds it. Michael realizes that he has the fortitude required for the job.

[@booboo8577]

He's a combat vet. Of course he wasn't phased by a car. Sometimes people just overthink things.

[@Stogie2112]

8:45 "From what I understood, he's not getting a role, but unless it's personal from the studio...." Oh....YEAH!! 👍 It can't get any more personal!

[@mnfowler1]

Barzini runs the meeting of the five families and lectures Don Corleone, "A refusal is not the act of a friend." And yet people wonder how Don Corleone knew that "Barzini was behind it all along."

[@geneaikenii1092]

This has got to be included amongst the top three greatest Hollywood motion pictures of all time. Always have loved this one. First time I caught this picture I was just a youngster in the 1970's. I have screened this film hundreds of times. Know each and every line by heart. So cool seeing younger people such as yourself discovering films from yesteryear. Thank you so much, Evie, for your thoughts and honest, candid reactions. Liking your style a lot. Your very witty and so funny. Big shoutout from the mountains of East Tennessee. Be seeing you on the next. Happy New Year to you and yours. Much peace and loads of love everyone. Later, y'all

[@MrUndersolo]

Glad you noticed that Michael began to look like his father when his jaw was broken. All these little touches add to the whole!

[@joecarr5412]

Very perceptive you caught alot of the ' inside' workings of the family - alot of this filmed in NY ,( that was my H.S music teacher playin flute in wedding scene😊)

[@Arthur94.5]

I lovee italians ❤ Italians so tradition religioun and powerful people 🇮🇹💪

[@michaelswain845]

Fun fact, Carlo's girlfriend on the phone was voiced by Talia Shire who plays Connie his wife.

[@moosesmobile7085]

...and in real life, Talia Shire (Connie) is Francis Ford Coppola's sister.

[@helifanodobezanozi7689]

Great reaction. One of Evie's greatest strengths as a reactor is that she is a mom. The look on her face after the Don's funeral home speech was both beautiful and priceless. Keep on keep'en on Evie!!!

[@roachman1412]

Whoever thought that 53 years ago sitting in a theater that i would be watching young people reaction on something called KZbin i like when young people discover the classics

[@scar445]

You nailed it. Don Corleone does not do "jobs" for people. He simply helps them out. and should an opportunity present itself where someone you helped, can help you back, in the name of friendship, then that is all well and good for the Godfather

[@jzaz2zaz]

no don c aquires assets in the sense of now people owe him

[@DanielGuzman-x9h]

what a gift for the last day of the year ,very thoughtful of you,thanks a happy new year to all🎉

[@mgbow-1982]

Poor Apollonia, she and Kay were the true victims of Michael's ambition. But he was a family man first and that is why he did what he did more than anything else. He just morphed into a different person to become the new Godfather. The scene where Vito sees Santino lying dead after the assassination - look how they massacred my boy - I don't want his mother to see him this way. Truly heartbreaking.

[@Rick-c5s]

Your narration was hysterical! I loved it! 😆❤

[@Stogie2112]

Excellent reaction and outro, Evie! 👍👍 We can always count on you for top-level reactions to great films. After the big meeting of the Five Families, Vito told Tom, "But I never knew until this day that it was Barzini all along." During the meeting, Don Barzini sat at the head of the table and was clearly in charge. Philip Tattaglia sat across the table from Vito Corleone, but he never spoke directly to Vito. He spoke only to Barzini. Vito watched all of this very closely. He saw that Tattaglia kept talking to Barzini for guidance and assurances. Vito knew right then that Barzini was behind all the attacks on his family. Tattaglia was nothing.

[@joegarcia3214]

Great reaction. Loved the fact you kept track of all the characters and events , names and everything. Can't wait for your part 2 reaction 👍

[@mnfowler1]

This is in the weeds but telling: The first Godfather movie was originally budgeted for something like 2 million dollars but its budget swelled to more than 6 million. The studio gave the filmmakers a very hard time because they did not believe that the movie would make back such an investment. (6 million was more in 1972 than it is now.) After the movie made more than 250 million in its first year, the studio allowed the director a budget of 11 million for the second Godfather film.

[@mnfowler1]

The montage of newspaper headlines after the restaurant shooting was directed by George Lucas, long before he directed "Star Wars." There are several uncredited contributions to this movie. For example, although the script is credited to Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, one key scene late in the movie was written by Robert Towne, who was later celebrated as the screenwriter of "Chinatown."

[@jimspetdragons3737]

When Vito was shot, That was the moment when Michael decided that this "business" was not just business and attacks on the family are quite personal, whether or not it's good business. And that murder is good business is not personal is not true at all for the victims.

[@kbrewski1]

Appollonia was killed by the car bomb which was meant for Micheal. One of his 2 Italian guards betrayed him. He assumed that Michael would only be in the car. So she was collateral damage. Thus Micheal returned to the US to take over.

[@MarcoMM1]

Great reaction once again, l im glad you enjoy this masterpiece of cinema its one of my favourites its because of this movie that Coppola and Pacino got their careers famous in some Hollywood. Some fun-facts about this movie, What is funny about the cat is it was just a stray that happened to wander on set. Marlon Brando picked up the cat and told director Francis Ford Coppola it would add to his character. And it became iconic. Lenny Montana, who played Luca Brasi, was a professional wrestler before becoming an actor. He was so nervous delivering his lines to a legend like Brando during the scene in in this movie study that he didn’t give one good take during an entire day’s shoot. Because he didn’t have time to reshoot the scene, Coppola added a new scene of Luca Brasi rehearsing his lines before seeing the Godfather to make Montana’s bad takes seem like Brasi was simply nervous to talk to the Godfather. Johnny Fontaine is based on Frank Sinatra for the part in the movie From here to Eternity. Based on real stories from across the five families from the 40s and 50s Frank Sinatra tried to stop the Godfather from being made, there is a movie based on that story The horse head in the movie producer’s bed wasn’t a prop. The production got a real horse’s head from a local dog food company. The line in the script only had actor Richard Castellano as Clemenza say “Leave the gun” after the hit on the mobster who ratted on the Corleones. He was inspired to make the addition after Coppola inserted a line in which the character’s wife asks him to buy cannoli for dessert. The baby in the baptism at the end is director Copolla’s daughter Sophia, now an Oscar winning writer and director. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHessian123]

When Woltz said the horse was going to "stand studd" you are correct, it means he will be used to breed new generations of racing horses.

[@davidwilkins5932]

Great reaction. Others have surely mentioned it, but Part II is a must-see, to a greater extent than most sequels. In fact, it’s both sequel and prequel, and it’s a masterpiece. All the vibe from the original is maintained.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

It's so cute when Appollonia pretends to trip. Like a Sicilian girl who has lived in those hills her whole life would lose her balance. That was adorable.

[@scottdarden3091]

IMHO the best movie ever made! A Cinematic Masterpiece. The cinematography, lighting, set design, score, screenplay, casting! Directing, acting, and costumes are all fantastic. If each is not the best ever, when you combine all of it together you have the best movie ever made 🤩

[@mnfowler1]

The director's original cut was almost three hours, so for the theatrical release they had to cut out a lot. One of the scenes that was cut was one of Michael's Sicilian bodyguards being killed in revenge for him helping to blow up Michael's car in Sicily.

[@dongiano]

17:15 "we have Tom Hagen." In the book, Sonny brought home an orphaned Tom Hagen with an eye infection and basically demanded he stay. Sonny and Tom had a special bond

[@ThistleAndSea]

Nice one, Evie! So glad you got a chance to see this. It's a keeper, isn't it? I enjoyed rewatching this with you. The second one is very good too. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@MrDMF567]

29:30 The scene in the diner works without subtitles b/c you can feel the tension build regardless. But what they say is basically: SOLLOZZO: “I’m sorry…” MICHAEL: “Leave it alone.” ( or ) “Forget about it.” SOLLOZZO: “What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But your father, his thinking is old-fashioned. You must understand why I had to do that.” MICHAEL: “I understand those things…” [Waiter brings McCluskey's veal, then exits.] SOLLOZZO: “Now let’s work through where we go from here.” MICHAEL: “How do you say… ?” [Then Michael returns to speaking English.] [After Michael returns from the bathroom] SOLLOZZO: “Everything all right? I respect myself, understand, and cannot allow another man to hold me back. What happened was unavoidable. I had the unspoken support of the other Family dons. If your father were in better health, without his eldest son running things, no disrespect intended, we wouldn’t have this nonsense. We will stop fighting until your father is well and can resume bargaining. No vengeance will be taken. We will have peace, but your Family should interfere no longer.”

[@mnfowler1]

That's right. Michael hasn't been around much. The movie begins shortly before December 1945. The Second World War has only been over for 3 or 4 months. Michael has been fighting in the Pacific. He is in the Marines which is a sub-branch of the Navy (don't tell the Marines that, though), and he won the Navy Cross for bravery. He has not been back in the States very long, but also he keeps his distance from the family.

[@mnfowler1]

True or not, a story goes that after they rehearsed the scene where Michael goes to the restroom to retrieve the handgun, the director asked the prop man to move the gun and retape it a little bit to the left. That way, when Al Pacino reached for it he genuinely panicked a little because the gun wasn't where he expected it to be. The genuine panic made Pacino's performance look that much better.

[@Stogie2112]

Michael Corleone was a modern-day classical Greek tragedy. He was doomed from the start. At Connie's wedding, he told Kay, "That's my family, Kay. That's not me." He was looking downward when he said it. He couldn't look Kay in the eye. He knew deep down that he was a Corleone all the way. The two assassination attempts on his father and McClusky breaking his jaw quickly turned him to the Dark Side, so to speak. At the hospital, he said to his father, "I'm with you now, Pop." He was all about joining the Family Business then. In Sicily, he found his "proper Sicilian wife" and planned on returning to NYC to take over the Family......but then....

[@CocacolaBoy83]

At the beginning of the film when they meet to discuss drugs and Corleone refuses, where the son answers and the Godfather interrupts him, Santino was a hothead and showed his cards and this was understood by the families and they exploited this character trait of his to make him fall into a trap. In fact they corrupted Carlo by offering him something, staging the fight with his sister, the first time it was probably a test to see Santino's reaction, the second time it was to kill Santino…but Mike understand this trick, after he asks Carlo, who was behind this thing, Barzini or Tartaglia? and Carlo answers Barzini. Michael changed after his father was almost killed, he wanted to stay out of the family and have a different life, but he loved his family and to protect them he became like them. Apollonia was probably the right woman for Michael, Kay was not good and was chosen later as a replacement after the accident. The second part is good too

[@jamesrowe3606]

Thanks for this intelligent and perceptive review. Many reviewers don't catch the nuances of the plot and the motivations of the lead characters as well as you have. Great job. I look forward to watching your reaction to Godfather II, another cinematic masterpiece that many people consider even better than The Godfather.

[@scar445]

Also, Michael never lied to Kate when she asked him "is it true". He was answering the question truthfully, as his sister claimed "YOU killed my husband". MIchael did no such thing. he had others do it. so when Kate askid him "is it true" he could truthfully say, "no" as he never killed her husband. others did.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

Carlo was unhappy because he was being frozen out of the family business, and wanted revenge on Sonny after the beating. He knew if he hit Connie again that Sonny would come after him. He made a deal with Barzini to draw Sonny out of hiding so he could be murdered at the toll plaza. Even the phone call from the woman that set off the fight with Connie was part of the set-up. Sonny's bad judgement and hot head was the source of most of the trouble. He let Solozzo see he was interested in the deal even when Vito turned it down. Because of this, Solozzo thought he could make a deal with Sonny if Vito were out of the way. That's why they shot Vito.

[@hiataki7]

In the book, Kay realizes when the door is being shut on her that Michael has lied to her about his involvement. Tom travels up to New Hampshire and tells Kay that Tessio had to die, that Michael could have forgiven Tessio but Tessio would have never forgiven himself, and that would always have made him dangerous.

[@flerbus]

why would kay give a fig about tessio?

[@FloridaMugwump]

Um, no. It's ends with Kay praying for Micheal's soul at a catholic church, like his mama did for Don Vito. The door scene, I don't remember in the book.

[@FloridaMugwump]

​@@flerbusHe's making all that up.

[@mnfowler1]

You have a good eye for faces. A lot of people say "who's that?" but you recognize characters who haven't been on screen since the beginning of the movie.

[@jjack-zm4sr]

The five families of New York were originally started by Charlie Luciano in Myers lansky which was called the commission, everything had to be approved by the commission

[@Eowyn187]

The directing and the acting are so fantastic, you could easily imagine this is a documentary while you're watching it.

[@zedwpd]

I wonder if she noticed Sonny was in Elf and in Misery. Some day someone will give a reaction to him in Rollerball.

[@matthewcostello3530]

the part Johnny Fontane wanted was Sgt Maggio in From Here to Eternity which Frank Sinatra got but it was in the early 1950s

[@johncarzello]

Great job, Evie! The baby in the Baptism is great director Sofia Coppola daughter of Francis Ford Coppola

[@franklopez3687]

One the greatest movies of all time, a chess ♟️ game in the criminal underworld….that sense of mike at the restaurant and his mind and heartbeat racing willing asking if he’ll do it or not. Yup feels just like that…..that last scene clamenza is saying in his mind“ what a go kid”.

[@nomiau]

I really enjoyed your reaction to this classic movie! I always liked Appollonia and her dying always made me sad!

[@Stogie2112]

53:20 "Wouldn't they know that he would suspect that they were up to something?" Excellent question. It seems to me that Michael, being a very patient and shrewd man, played everything cool and calm. He didn't start any new fights with Barzini and the other Families. He made sure that they were relaxed and feeling like they were in charge. Barzini underestimated Michael's cunning. He thought that he could manipulate Michael, but he was the one being manipulated.

[@al.n.darodda6183]

Johnny Fontaine is Frank Sinatra

[@jamesalexander5623]

And the Movie was "From Here to Eternity", Sinatra won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar!

[@omgbygollywow]

Johnny Fontane character was based on Frank Sinatra, who in real life also was let go from his contract with a big band to star in a war movie (From Here to Eternity), with the support of the mafia.

[@Lue_Jonin]

I'm always up for watching a reaction video of the Godfather 🏆 🎥 Just remember , a man that doesn't decapitate a horse's head , can never be a real man . 😂 LOL

[@scottdarden3091]

Evie, you did a great job. I've seen reactors that can't grasp everything going on, but you did 😊 except for Carlo beating Connie to draw Sonny out, which very few people get.😊 And it was Sonny that introduced Carlo to Connie 😢😢

[@markunating821]

Part II please 😍🔥🔥

[@zbennalley]

I have friends who ask me about charisma. I tell others just watch Al Pacino in the Godfather to learn it. Every time he's on screen, you can see him thinking and can't read it. You just can't take your eyes off him. If I have any sense of mystery, it's just me watching this film over and over again.

[@moosesmobile7085]

57:40 Clemenza VERY PERSONALLY attended to settling with Carlo because Sonny Corleone was Clemenza's godson. ➰️😵⚰️😵➰️😵⚰️😵➰️😵⚰️😵➰️😵⚰️😵➰️

[@omgbygollywow]

Talia Shire, who played Connie Corleone, is the sister of Francis Ford Copola, director of the Godfather, and she is also the aunt of Nicholas Cage.

[@claya7580]

When Michael confronted Enzo at the hospital, it was a very dangerous, tense, underrated moment... if he was instead a hit man, and made any kind of move, being a skilled ex-marine, Michael was prepared to kill him with his bare hands.

[@McZorr0101]

I remember thinking that the shot of the aftermath of Sollozzo and McCluskey’s shooting looked really realistic, then I head that the montage that followed it used press photographs of real mafia assassinations. These were familiar as there had been a few outbreaks of violence between organised crime gang, that had been reported, even here in Scotland, at the beginning of the 70s before I saw The Godfather - I was only 12 when it came out so I couldn’t see it in the cinema and there was a much longer delay before films were shown on TV in these pre-home video days

[@Tiberious_Of_Elona]

Great reaction and instincts Evie. Great job. I forget the part but you where right on the money on predicting something during it. You have great instincts and attention to detail!

[@jasonm8017]

This can be a difficult movie to follow on a first watch. A lot of characters (names) to keep track of. You did great. Thanks, and Happy New Year 🎉

[@MrDMF567]

I think at the end Michael tells Carlo he’s going to Vegas and his wife and child will meet him there in a few days. So for Carlo, hes under the impression that his punishment is being ‘out’ and banished to Vegas, where his family will join him later. I don’t think he was under impression he alone was being cast out without wife & kid. Rather that he was to leave and his family would come out there a few days later. In that way, Michael sells the “b/c youre family, I won’t kill you for your betrayal, but you need to leave here” ruse to Carlo.

[@jethrobodine8563]

Family and respect is EVERYTHING to the old school Sicilians. If you pay attention in the next movie Vito never accepts a gift offered out of pity or charity, but would never refuse a gift offered out of respect. Because it would be disrespectful to do so.

[@DEWwords]

It's tradition, on the day of the wedding, the father grants requests.For "Johnny Fontaine", think Frank Sinatra. The film is FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. Sinatra got an academy award.

[@DEWwords]

And they don't do murder--- they do "business".Michael at the beginning of the film is a decorated Marine Captain, just back from the Pacific theater. He's killed, and he's heroic, and he's organized, able to direct men under him. Since 1942.

[@DEWwords]

As for horses, they make their money off of stud fees, the major part. Winning races is just to get you to the stud fees.

[@joannerichards1750]

When Michael was under the protection of his two bodyguards in Sicily, only one, Fabrizio, betrayed him. The other, Calo, was unaware of the betrayal. Many years later, Calo returns to serve as one of Michael's henchmen. Meanwhile, Fabrizio migrates to the U.S. and opens a pizza parlor in Buffalo, NY. Michael eventually tracks him down and he suffers the inevitable fate one evening as he goes to his car after closing shop. (This scene was filmed but deleted from the theater cut).

[@lpr5269]

To top it off after Fabrizio's death, The Buffalo Bills lost 4 Super Bowls in a row. 😂😂

[@granadosvm]

13:05 Santino caused the attack on his father when he showed that if he was making the decisions, he would be interested in the business. That's why his father reprimands him. Showing dissention inside the family shows to the outside who favors their business. I think Carlo's elimination was the only one that was personal. He had no power and he could just have been thrown out to the street, but instead he was given a slow end, when he kicked the window I could taste his desperation. I hope you watch the three movies. In my opinion the first one is the best, but the second one is the one that won the Oscar, so who can say what you will like best.

[@brianday727]

Apparently that horse head was real. Coppalas people contacted a local LA slaughter house and asked to buy a real horse head of a horse already put down cause of age. So the slaughter house put the horse head in a cooler packed with ice and hurried it to the studio for the scene. All done for realism.

[@hollywoodoutsider]

I think that bit in Italy with Michael marrying Apollonia might have been his attempt to build a life outside of the mob. Sonny was now Don. At that point, he really didn't know if he would ever be able to return. Sonny and Apollonia's killings clearly showed that there was no going back to his old life.

[@MrAitraining]

Yes but after Appelonia was killed, Michael should have just snagged the next cute Sicilian farm girl he could find and bring her back to make babies and not cause trouble. Marrying Kay was the worst business decision he could have made.

[@jeromedutil-martin6823]

Have you ever seen "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006)? A comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family on a 2 days road trip from New Mexico to California, trying to get there in time for the younger kid's child beauty pageant. With: Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano (Available on Disney+ in Canada 😉)

[@rudydiaz4775]

Appreciated your thoughtful analysis of the film 👍🏽

[@mcraiderking5690]

If you think about what Connie said to Michael in the end, showed you how smart she really was.