THE GODFATHER | Opening Scene | Paramount Movies

[@PrairieMidwester]

“What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?” I’d be breaking out in a sweat.

[@danbam3411]

Imagine if some internet troll insulted with him “ur mom gay”

[@leirelarrakoetxea5747]

@@danbam3411 DO they have a death wish?

[@irvancrocs1753]

RIP James Caan

[@ThatBlueSkull]

@@leirelarrakoetxea5747 The don seems smart he'll probably shrug it off since its not like a troll on the internet is even a threat

[@leirelarrakoetxea5747]

@@ThatBlueSkull I wouldn't risk it just in case

[@b41ts2late]

This scene doesn’t even feel like I’m watching a film, I feel like I’m literally in the room… that’s how good this film is.

[@davidn9571]

Nailed it!!!

[@CrimsonAlchemist]

Hollywood doesnt produce films like this anymore

[@Vestavia-cq5fh]

​@@davidn9571 it's all in your mind...

[@scs2850]

It has no background music with seasoned actors

[@Manuel-qu3tc]

This is a great way to describe how I feel as well, well done.

[@SushiBandit28]

This was just a small taste of how Vito gained all his power. First line of question "why didn't you just come to me first?" nailed it - up until this point that guy avoided Vito at all costs and Vito called him out on it instantly. He commanded respect and made it clear he's not just some petty gangster

[@Spider-Man2094]

Vito Corleone is the best friend you could possibly ask for. The guys who ruffed up his daughter would have avoided even insulting her if they knew her father was friends with Don Corleone.

[@FilmSureelist97]

Honestly. This man was entitled to come and expect a free handout from him. Like dude, you don’t ask someone for a favor when you don’t even acknowledge someone.

[@szahmad2416]

The best part...the part that really put the audience into the film, I think, was where he said: "You had courts of law, a good business practice...you didn't need a friend like me. But now..."

[@TheBearBiffo]

He was smart enough to be afraid of Vito. He didn't want any trouble. He believed in America. Then America let his daughter down. I wonder if he would have been okay if the punks had had to serve their lousy three years right away? I suspect not.

[@jaehoony88]

@@FilmSureelist97 What? You clearly didn't even understand the scene. He didn't expect a free handout. He wanted to pay Vito for his bidding. Vito was offended because he doesn't just sell his services for money.

[@krypticunlimited6925]

Everyone talks about Vito's performance in this scene, but nobody is talking about the father's acting. His delivery is simply incredible, especially given how much pressure it must have been to not only be the first on screen character , but to share the screen presence with Marlon Brando himself

[@kevinvicks5349]

He also had to deliver an exceptionally long monologue, across the table from Brando, with a massive camera system pulling away from him (which can be very distracting), AND he managed to deliver it very will with some tears at the end. Bravo!

[@-qj6ps]

The actor was cast from an open call. Brando was said to be very impressed with his performance

[@201hastings]

@@-qj6psdo you have any source on the interview? Just curious because I want to watch it

[@krypticunlimited6925]

@@201hastings same here

[@stravinsky1300]

Indeed! The moment where he asks the Don to be his friend, you can tell it's heartbreaking for him because he knows he's losing his innocence and independence forever, and from this point on there's no going back for him. He wants justice and/or revenge for his daughter, and he brought himself to make a deal with the Devil to get it.

[@tpakzone]

“Give this to er…Clemenza” I absolutely love the delivery of that delegation. The man is true to his word and gets straight on it to get the ball rolling.

[@rangerkyle6681]

We are not murders, despite what this undertaker says. Yes you are.

[@ghostsade3]

@@rangerkyle6681 Vito wasn't really, I mean yeah, technically he was, but then you can call the State a murderer as well, or the judge who orders an execution. In many countries mafia still operates like this, in Japan for instance. But yeah, Michael is a totally different story lol

[@evanderjones136]

@@ghostsade3vito kills multiple people directly in the second film

[@Trippyahh]

​@@evanderjones136none of who are innocent

[@michaelbisk9311]

That was the way it was written. You felt as if you were there and always part of the action. It was brilliantly done.

[@Gar96229]

400 years later, we are still watching plays by Shakespeare. In 400 years time, we will still be watching The Godfather.

[@josephbrennan370]

Highly doubt that unfortunately

[@ForceMaximus84]

In the year 2525? If Mankind is still alive.

[@manojkumarverma1615]

@@ForceMaximus84 it's 2372 quite actually

[@kitezzz360]

I'm pretty sure we're all going to be dead in 400 years

[@markparkinson6947]

I wouldn’t be that optimistic. Less young people are watching the Godfather as time passes.

[@adityayekhe8882]

In this scene the cat wasn't part of script. It appeared on stage out of nowhere, Marlon Brando just continued acting with it. It really adds up to the scene.

[@toffeelatte6042]

Wasn't "out of nowhere"; but it wasn't in the script true - it was a stray found behind the studio where the garbage was and they decided it'd go with the scene.

[@josecasillas4081]

It gives the character another dimension I think, a softer look to a man who wields a lot of power through the mob. It creates a conflicting image of a man who we want, or rather are drawn to view as ruthless perhaps. The way he caresses the cat shows that there is a nurturing side to him at least. That's what I read in it anyways as a viewer. It is a very subtle and minor detail, but yes it does add a layer of depth to his character.

[@hollyroxy25]

Especially since the kitty is such a little ham 🤣🤣

[@Ardeact]

@@josecasillas4081 that cat was so sweet, i never seen a kitten play so vulnerable.

[@Spider-Man2094]

Marlon Brando just wanted to pet the kitty and we don’t blame him.

[@180190ful]

"We are not murderers inspite of what this Undertaker says" (goes on to smell the rose on his suit). God, the nuances Brando brought to the character. Truly one of the greatest acting performances of all time. 🔥

[@dshort4670]

He won an Oscar for the role but he refused

[@JoJo-zd5tm]

@@dshort4670 a true GigaChad 😤. People like him are rolling in their graves seeing how the Oscars are now ☠️

[@sittingduck02]

@@JoJo-zd5tm “get that name out of ur focking mouth!”

[@MrTCHOSS]

He heard Will Smith would be at the Oscars

[@ivanjuarez7731]

Vito is truly the best character in the trilogy because of his influence, leadership, and his history from Sicily to New York.

[@alexisp910]

5:13 "and then they will fear you". That line, that expression, the fingerpointing. Just mesmerizing!

[@jlc7300]

Same line they used in Bronx Tale it's better to be feared than loved. true!

[@alexisp910]

​@@jlc7300 this is actually a quote from Machiavelli 's "The Prince"

[@brianwilliams6167]

"Why Did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me first?" Lol love that line

[@mrluckyluke17]

Thats a Line I need to Use

[@ForceMaximus84]

So much to unpack in the scene: The great opening line. The slow transition of Bonasera being in charge to being inferior to Vito via his story and a slow reverse zoom/dolly pull. Brando’s effortless acting. The lighting (or lack thereof). The characters wearing classy, sophisticated tuxes. The cat being completely improvised. Classic.

[@CogensFamilyTV]

From what Coppola said only Bonasara and Tessio (Abe Vigoda) were cast in blind casting calls. Beautiful job!!

[@JohnDoe3.14]

Bonasera was out of his element since the beginning. You can notice that he's rehearsed what he wants to say and his desire to stick with what he's thought of saying makes him take longer to grasp what the Don wants him to understand.

[@dancolvin3268]

What about the way consigliere gets up when Brando gets up.

[@MrAschiff]

Didn't seem like Bonasera was in charge to me. I agree that he had to show deference to Don Vito to get what he wanted but I don't think he was ever in charge.

[@victorespino5650]

The 2nd opening line by the Don, is amazing too lol. Esp after the story he told.

[@HorrorCritical]

The Godfather is a timeless masterpiece. One of the best movies ever made. It sucks we don’t get films like this nowadays

[@jubayerwasidraiyan5874]

even if we did, they fade into obscurity, that is what martin scorsese disliked about superhero movies/big budget films. They're giving smaller/more artistic movies less chances of getting into the spotlight

[@HorrorCritical]

@@jubayerwasidraiyan5874 true. It’s sad these types of films get overshadowed by the mainstream public nowadays

[@dackjaniels443]

Exactly. Godfather, Scarface, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas etc, those movies will always be masterpieces. Nowadays every popular movie is a superhero fast paced CGI movie with a million action scenes and cheesy one liners. I watched the new Spiderman the other day and I was like... how do people over 15 years old enjoy these? The plot feels completely empty and forced, the acting is mediocre at best (except for Dafoe), the bad guys don't have a reason to want to destroy anyone or anything and all characters lack personality and depth. Well, most characters in modern movies are just stereotypes like strong female, corrupt cop, spoiled rich kid etc etc. Don't get me wrong, I myself love some superhero movies like The Dark Knight trilogy. I just feel that people (and production companies/directors) don't care about good acting, cinematography, scenario etc, they just want popular actors on a screen, fighting with CGI for 2 hours. It's sad what cinema has become.

[@HorrorCritical]

@@dackjaniels443 as much as I don’t like a lot of modern popular films, we still got A24’s, IFC’s and Neon’s films. Those are usually great

[@fahad3802]

Agreeing 100%, I wonder what has happened, even movies in 2000s were good, but now it is very hard to find a masterpiece like this.

[@Max-fb5bm]

I heard Brando had a soft spot for animals, cats in special. Love how loud his purr is, and how magnificent he goes along with the scene!

[@klmg711]

Especially horses

[@ConanObrien22]

His name is 'Corleone' for a reason

[@matthall7359]

@@prestonhanson501 this is just psychopathic behavior lol

[@e.m.4523]

from one of the interviews of Francis Ford Copolla, the cat was not even originally included in the scene. It just so happened that there was a cat at the time of the shoot so Marlon Brando picked her up and it turned out so well.

[@Pfpg-t1i]

This cat’s performance is only out done by the camel in Lawrence of Arabia at the well scene!

[@Trip_Fontaine]

Most brilliant opening scene of any movie. Instantly hooks you. It explains right away why the Godfather is not entirely a bad guy and why his existence is even necessary. He's far more than just some amoral criminal. He's protecting his people that have been denied the benefits of normal society, like the right to receive justice when they are wronged.

[@ShadowMoon878]

This was also in the 1930s to 1940s, where Italian immigrants in New York was treated with racism and discrimination by the police and the govt, just like the Irish, the Japanese and the Chinese immigrants.

[@albertsebastian4489]

Like when Henry Hill said in Goodfellas, that people come to Paulie for protection, that all there is...

[@Trip_Fontaine]

@@ShadowMoon878 Yup. And it makes me sad when I see some of the descendants of those immigrants being so viciously anti-immigrant in 2024 America.

[@HrLBolle]

and " societies minors " will now and forever need these Protectors

[@JG-oi5gg]

The way Bonasera says, "...they smiled at me!" is brilliant by itself. From his grief for his daughter's lost beauty to his astonishment at the suspended sentence to this sudden rage and hatred, this wrath -- he fears the godfather as a good Christian fears the devil, but in this brief sequence we understand in our bones why he is here. This gives context to what comes next and is a masterful performance in its own right.

[@victoranaya7897]

As a good Christian fears the devil?? Sorry Christians don't fear the devil we fear and also love God the devil doesn't have power God has the power God protects us from evil but we do not fear the devil and demons

[@LPJack02]

RIP Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 - July 1, 2004), aged 80 You will be remembered as a legend

[@TheHandsomeman]

X boyfriend of Richard Pryor.

[@RodgerYoung2024]

@@TheHandsomeman nobody care dude

[@TheHandsomeman]

@@RodgerYoung2024 Richard Pryor's wife did. And she, cares.

[@TheHandsomeman]

@@alexandrep4913 Brando was a well known sex addict.

[@LUZBLACK1776]

Guess y'all never heard of the superman of cuba. Look up Joey Diaz super man of cuba.

[@hefdzsyz]

One of the greatest scenes of all time from the greatest film of all time. This film is a masterpiece.

[@Wesleyminaker]

Pixels is underrated tho

[@markparkinson6947]

@@Wesleyminaker Yeah, Pixels is easily better than the Godfather.

[@spacemann1425]

This film is the definition, of a masterpiece. Wanna show this to all those kids today who throw around the word "masterpiece" of anything like it's nothing.

[@Muzical-Man]

In your opinion, yes

[@oommcc]

I agree. To me this scene and this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moirpaBjq7uKmbs are probably the two greatest in hstory of cinema

[@portugal5698]

The reason this scene is the greatest opening one ever is simply because only 5 min into the movie and it gives us all we need to know about our main character. Seems very powerful and mysterious, yet genuinly compassionate to everybody. This man would go on to be the perfect image of what every boss or leader should be. Respected, not feared. When people respect you, they don’t want to fear you.

[@toastehh09]

And so the myth of the fair dictator continues. Spoilers, the real life fear n' respect types behave like the two boys

[@Insert-the-Name-101]

Godfather 2 had a better opening scene

[@colinobrien631]

Not to pick nits but Michael is def the main character. The godfather saga is his story. But he is living in Vito's shadow the entire time

[@medoo7825]

​@@toastehh09 You seem to have lived a very privilaged life and you are speaking bs, these two boys were being protected by the system that wasnt held by the fair dictator, what a clown.

[@BellicV]

@@colinobrien631 We need a Vito Corleone prequel

[@godfreecharlie]

The cat should have received a special Academy Award. He or she was outstanding. No distracting meows, hisses, slaps. Kitty knew the lines, and how too relax and behave according to what's being said, enjoying it's part in a great cat movie.

[@caseyfalconer7347]

That cat showed respect and kept its honour. Should have been made right then.

[@propertydealeratgbroad2582]

​@@caseyfalconer7347 the books are closed

[@colderplasma]

All due respect, there's a line in the sand when it comes to cats

[@georgehorniman]

Ultimately, it's the cat that does the 'whacking'.

[@mohammadtouska]

And the purring..... the cat sure knows how to act.

[@danielshays7161]

“For justice we must go to Don Corleone” So much of the movie to come in one sentence. No one in Hollywood today could come close to producing this goat.

[@petehuckleberry5068]

Goat is such a stupid term, used by the masses of idiots

[@fabriziolorenzo2392]

The Godfather is still undefeated. Arguably the greatest movie ever made.

[@liltree8382]

The Godfather is still arguably the most overrated movie ever made

[@AlchemistOfNirnroot]

@@liltree8382 Then if it's so overrated then why watch the video in the first place?

[@putitomalo3997]

@@liltree8382 ratio'd

[@vanplq8841]

@@liltree8382 Why dont you go and watch Ben 10 or play with your Play Station Set. Your intellect cant handle this movie.

[@mohibeldin5070]

@Thiên Phúc Huỳnh lol 😂

[@jesustovar2549]

I BELIEVE IN AMERICA... Those are such powerful words to start a movie, The 4k remastering looks incredible, Bonasera's face, the sparkle in his eyes, now you can better appreciate his expressions, the movie looks like if it was released today, it truly deserves every re-release, It hasn't aged a bit and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

[@joeyc8622]

Can’t say that any more and actually mean can you now ?

[@divyangvaidya1999]

The same words in the book.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Especially since the rest of the film is a deconstruction of the American Dream

[@zimecka72]

Great opening line!

[@nenaradicevic8079]

4k remastered version is so good

[@primetime758]

For those of you who don't know how it ended for the two young Lads Haggen gave the order to Clemenza which than he passed it on to his right hand man Paulie gatto . Paulie gatto found them in a bar one night drunk so Paulie said something to piss them off and Paulie left the Bar walked into a dark alley and in that Alley where two henchmen huge guys with Bras Knuckles on and lets just say the two rich punks were in the hospital for 5 months eating through a straw THIS IS ALL FROM THE BOOK!!

[@aikrichter5403]

did they needed wires to hold their jaws together? anyway,seems quite balanced

[@primetime758]

@@aikrichter5403 yes and more

[@Rockhound6165]

I just got this book on Audible and yes, it happened as you said.

[@h.e.l4385]

Not bad.

[@primetime758]

@@h.e.l4385 you never know Maybe i'm a Paulie Gatto

[@zerimar26]

Marlon Brando's look is so classic. The suit, petting the cat, the way he talks to the gentleman. Nobody could of done it better.

[@thunderbolt2145]

Brando BECAME Vito Corleone. The man was incredible. I never tire of his performances, from Stanley Kozlowsky to Colonel Walter E. Kurtz.

[@luigivincenz3843]

"Nobody could of .." Could HAVE. There is no such thing as "could of".

[@slowemm]

The cat was clearly the star of this scene. Would have loved a spin off series focusing on it.

[@deathrager2404]

the cat had the makings of a varsity consigliere.

[@Elrond_Hubbard_1]

I think the storyline should be that there was no 'Vito Corleone'. The cat was actually the one running the whole criminal empire. Vito was nothing more than an advanced biological puppet under the direct control of the fluffy menace. 6:16 The graphic that's on The Godfather title with the hand holding the puppet wires, they could use that again but this time have a cats paw holding the strings.

[@johnnycowboy894]

lol. who cant love the cat as they devise ruins?

[@yukonjack2891]

if that cat knew Marlons history - they would have had to use cgi.

[@Xxandrew01]

The Cat Father. The story of how Vito saved it from getting shot by mobster cat's, and it became the don of the cat family.

[@cactusjack2264]

This movie is the definition of art. Cinema in its highest order

[@CogensFamilyTV]

And as Coppola said he was Underwhelmed by the novel and only made it at the behest of Lucas due to financial issues with their burgeoning film company.

[@Bergen98]

That “I believe in America” line is for sure one of the greatest opening lines in history like “Call me Ishmael”

[@dmcrun3572]

You got to, this America man

[@brycesanders2686]

Is that a wire reference?

[@OldCouches]

You’re ahab, I’m ishmael

[@123adasd]

''You're talking to yourself''

[@goodyeoman4534]

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

[@bruinpaul4920]

The way marlon brando portrayed vito is exceptional. The choices he makes as an actor is what makes him so great. He knows just how to make any character he plays so iconic.

[@jamesdan6895]

The way Brando comes into shot, just as the monologue turns towards the Mafia implications, one of the most brilliant things I've ever seen in a film.

[@ddsara6566]

This scene is a masterpiece for many reasons. But to me the reason it resonates then and now is that their is injustice in the world. Everyone faces it, sees it, reads about it. These movies and their idealized vision of the old mafia let everyone imagine how much more fair, how much more just, how much better the world would be if you had a friend like Don Corleone. The problem is how many men can actually handle the responsibility of possessing that much power without it corrupting them. That’s what Michael deals with later in the trilogy.

[@NBLP7001]

I love Sonny's gesture at 4:44. "Way to go, genius. You pissed him off."

[@ishaanpratap8868]

Lol never noticed it till now😂

[@Howlingburd19]

I’ve watched this scene sooooooo many times, how have I never noticed that? xD

[@sanketsanket9793]

Dayum never noticed.

[@dartmaster501]

My eyes have either been on the Don or Tom Hagen. Never noticed Sonny's gesture.

[@dirtydavy]

And the way the Godfather brushes off the side of his pants when he gets up. He's brushing away the cat hair, but he's also brushing off Bonasera as well. Simple gestures but so meaningful.

[@valmarsiglia]

One of the best-delivered lines in history, when he points his finger and says "And then they will fear you."

[@lincolncarvalho8739]

You can say that about just about any line. 'One of the best-delivered lines in history, when [pick a line anywhere from the movie]'. Testament to how amazing parts I and II were.

[@247drycleaners9]

And the lighting makes Don Corleone look so sinister when he says the line.

[@crazysteve9390]

Total boss line, yes

[@majestic._]

To me this was always a hint that had he been friends with the Godfather from the beginning, nobody would dare hurt his daughter. Chilling to think about fate.

[@hotcarlcade]

The body language. Conveys the veneer of serious menace behind the smooth and gentle words. “You idiot. You come into MY house, on my daughter’s wedding day, to ask me to take care of this matter. No previous show of loyalty, not even of respect. You choose to insult me this way? Think about how you want this to go. Really think. You will OWE me for this. You will profess loyalty to me. You better understand. If not…Ok. Ok. Yeah, I’ll take care of those two boys. And then I’ll take care of YOU.”

[@joeneri2035]

That hand gesture to get the guy a drink I swear with Brando it's the little things

[@Spider-Man2094]

Poor guy was getting worked up, he needs a drink.

[@ChrisDutch]

Along with Don Corleone brush of his face with his left hand. Which is the signal to his family and advisors that he’s been insulted.

[@max2000warrior]

0:44 That little hint of pride, absolutely glorious.

[@konstantinoskaragiannis1596]

"The Godfather"(1972) is a Gangster movie masterpiece!This is one of the 5 best movies of all time!Probably the best!

[@tylerwedell3750]

It sits number 2 on the AFI Top 100 movies

[@StickFigureStudios]

Most people don't know this, but Brando is such an incredible actor that he actually played both Vito *AND* the cat in this scene.

[@ahmednasser4040]

wtf 😂😂😂

[@nickypipes3004]

Facts

[@ceejay5298]

😂😅😂😅

[@gethrojenkins9619]

That would make Brando one of the few people that could say that he played with himself and it not be awkward 🤣

[@diegolink42]

The cat is such a great actor, he literally was just playing himself..🐱

[@Loiyaboy]

He was typecast after that. What else have you seen him play? ;-)

[@kitezzz360]

rip cat

[@zombeesama1169]

i think the cat was random, and they still rolled the scene

[@johnjuarez8005]

The cat was my favorite character, and wish he had a bigger role.

[@Loiyaboy]

@@johnjuarez8005 never fear. I hear he had a long career off broadway playing a modern Puss in Boots. Not exactly stardom, but it put kibble on the table. Sad about his catnip problem though.

[@ahmedmanaa9336]

The best movie in history in terms of actors, director, production, photography, story, realism, exciting events, action, and everything in the movie was made to stay forever..

[@GoodHunterBL]

and cat ;)

[@vpat_patv]

51 years ago, this masterpiece came to this world. It still remains a masterpiece. It will remain a masterpiece forever.

[@darrenl]

I'm 50 years old and am a bit embarrassed to admit that I only watched this for the first time recently. What a magnificent film. Don't know why I waited so long 😜

[@ELCLAVE300]

Im 40 and I just watched Field of Dreams. I wish I would have seen it when I was a kid.

[@wiseauserious8750]

I just saw this in theaters last night, nobody talked, nobody on their cell phone, it was absolutely brilliant silence

[@siloshroom2132]

I saw it in the theater too but there was a man who kept whispering all the iconic lines out loud before they happened, so annoying

[@putitomalo3997]

@@siloshroom2132 he sucks

[@gabbydelgaudio8875]

Oh, Hi Mark.

[@bautibonzini2835]

Oh man you are so lucky! I watched it twice on teathers, and the two times people just kept arriving to the cinema! I couldn't enjoy the scene they way it deseverves to be enjoyed because people were arriving like 3, 4,6, even 10 minutes late! Everyone lighting up their room with their cellphones and talking loud.

[@g17yt99]

I watch this in theater last night and then i wake up its monday morning back to work again

[@TomorrowWeLive]

To this day, still one of the most arresting openings to a movie ever. This actor doesn't get as much credit as he deserves. A minor part, but absolutely essential to the whole film. A lesser actor couldn't pull it off.

[@douglasmacarthur702]

I see you everywhere.

[@CogensFamilyTV]

And gotten from a blind casting call just as they did with Tessio.

[@pranksterguy1]

His name is Salvatore Corsitto-and the accent is genuine.

[@albertngene7402]

Corsitti was Coppola's barber. The one thing he was born to do.

[@louisliu5638]

@@albertngene7402 In the old North Vancouver mall along the upper highway one of the first tenants was an Italian barber. Posted proudly on his wall in his Italian officers' uniform, in one of those two man tanks! MOST of his clientelle since that time have been BRITS!!!

[@JF-xq6fr]

That single wave from the Don by itself, is better acting than 99% of films today... I'm serious.

[@uliwidmaier5192]

You nailed it! That little gesture is one of my a all-time favorite acting moments

[@zeb_reynolds]

well hes considered arguably the greatest actor of all time so.. yeah?

[@Moe395]

This is one movie I'll never get tired of watching and I'm 78.

[@50400Degreez]

Chilling how this opening scene has the undertaker, Sonny and Vito. And the next time we see them is Vito looking so broken over Sonny.

[@mariofalfan2997]

That cat, the way Brando caress the cat and is able to disperse the dialogue and hand gestures ….WOW!

[@jennymacallan9071]

Ah yes. The sweet gentleness as he pets the cat, while at the same time contemplating how to mete out justice with controlled violence.

[@ortho-g9826]

Brilliant. James Dean improvised something similar in a scene in the movie GIANT. You can't learn this sort of stuff. It's a gift.

[@riceel9068]

my parents introduced this movie to me when i was little, which encouraged me to watch more movies. years later i still think this is such an irreplaceable piece

[@riceel9068]

yeah they did just go "mafia movie? but it v good, we will show it to kid"

[@marlon7834]

@@riceel9068 how old are you now

[@sophomoreprodigy1939]

It pains to imagine that we would never see a movie like this being made again with a cast, crew, technicians & passion of this caliber. Drama movies these days release in ott platforms, win some awards & forgotten indefinitely. But here is The Godfather, the GOAT of cinema being celebrated in its 50th anniversary with the same enthusiasm!!

[@prophet6171]

nowadays the correctness politics only makes movies man kissing man and girls lesbians. The world is messed up a long time. No more values or great history. This generation is a lost cause

[@lindamattioli7943]

They make blockbusters today Capt America. No acting skills

[@samhunt6300]

Not sure if it helps but try gangs of wasseypur

[@Jj-ty7qh]

I think this scene is quite underrated. For me the father’s narration of what happened to his daughter makes this scene. One of the most powerful and heart rending descriptions of what happened to his daughter. I was gripped and could see everything he was talking about.

[@SHnotinuse]

“Someday, and that day may never come, i’ll call upon you to do a service for me” - is worth more than money. It’s like having a blank cheque. I don’t know what i’ll need, or when i’ll need it, but I know who is doing it.

[@hollyroxy25]

The nuances of Brando’s performance are incredible. His facial expressions, body language, movements, speech...it’s perfection 🙌👏

[@praiseeduga]

Though it's tough to say, but I think we might never see an actor as talented as Brando was again..

[@bokbok501]

I love this scene so much. It explains, in the very first scene, what the true reasoning and purpose behind the mob was. It was an alternative system of government for an oppressed minority (Italians 100 years ago). Vito is disappointed that Bonasera doesn't understand this, and instead treats it as just an American capitalist transaction--e.g. "how much shall I pay you for murder?". Vito instead lets him know that the system of living/protection is not transactional but instead based around patronage to a local leader that is the protector and the singular authority for dealing with crime. It portrays an older version of what this type of mafia was like instead of in Goodfellas being "a police department for wiseguys". This is also the reason Sonny gets Vito almost killed--Sonny, when meeting with Tattaglia, is treating the deal like a "we get this, they get that" type of deal only, like a Capitalist (which is why James Caan was cast, too, as he looked more Americanized than Pacino). But Vito's reasons are based on the ideas of patronage/favor and friendship--no matter how much money the deal makes, narcotics would not be good for the favor/patronage system, as that's based on more than just profits.

[@brianwalters7855]

3:09 Little did the Cat know that he was sitting on the lap of one of the greatest characters of all time, in one of the greatest movies of all time.

[@d.e.p.5624]

But hey, he was the CAT!

[@tylerwedell3750]

You can hear the cat purring

[@Gurci28]

"I saw the cat running around the studio, and took it and put it in his hands without a word." 3:13 Quote attributed to Francis Ford Coppola

[@Horchata44]

I’m not even joking. The cat made this scene so much better. Shows he can be loving and caring and then says, “then they’ll fear you” so sinisterly.

[@edwardwong654]

I was a youngster and never had interest or understood all the hoopla surrounding the Godfather. But this was such a powerful scene that I was immediately hooked. The cat is very cute too.

[@180190ful]

'I believe in America' - what an epic way to start the greatest movie of all time 🔥🔥

[@FutureZek]

And how Bonasera slowly describes how America betrayed him (without really understanding why). Heartbreaking.

[@search4truth104]

Everyone can relate to this scene more than ever in todays crazy world.

[@jiml]

Imagine watching this masterpiece in cinemas its forever a timeless classic and I love that touch when a man pours his soul instead of handkerchief he gives him a shot of whiskey

[@DavisSchulz]

I did, it was in the cinema again yesterday in germany. It was sooo amazing.

[@tigertank06]

I saw both the Godfather and part 2 in theaters on their 30th anniversaries. It was great.

[@adamhann7584]

I was waiting for the movie to run in the movies, when it was, it was not shown in every cinema and the one that showed it was far from me and run it late at night, so I did get the chance to watch it, I regret that !!!!

[@lindamattioli7943]

I saw it in the theater

[@individualistds1646]

Manly men

[@tyresmith9833]

The Godfather is THEEE greatest film of all time and ever made. Absolutely BRILLIANT!

[@farhan022692]

Not really lol

[@milankotevski1663]

@@farhan022692 Lol all you want, it's the truth.

[@daveagard1884]

@@milankotevski1663 can you explain in detail what makes this movie so good, I’m so confused

[@FoxNHound]

That cat is the happiest cat I have ever seen in cinema.

[@bradvine4564]

Watched this about a million times and every time I think to myself, "this is the best beginning to any movie ever made"

[@reggiekray7207]

OMG!!!! I watch this movie 1000 times... But never notice this. At 5:16, Don and Bonasera were just making a new friendship and renew their relationship. And in return Bonasera is there to return a favour. In behind.. Santino just standing there... in blur. Forshadowing on another level.

[@fiarandompenaltygeneratorm5044]

I just noticed this too (after many viewings myself). Coppola working on another level here. Brilliant.

[@Tom_Roberts]

The best film ever made - wonderful story, fabulous acting , brilliantly directed, produced and edited. The opening scene is iconic.

[@fiarandompenaltygeneratorm5044]

5:18 The placement of Sonny in the background is prophetic. These are the touches of a great director.

[@ronyeahright9536]

yes, if Sonny only knew that the "favor" the Don would ask of Bona Sera one day would be to fill all of the holes in his head so his mother could view him at the wake.

[@sekarpertiwi4077]

Foreshadowing scene.... Bonasera take care Sonny

[@mortalclown3812]

I remember seeing this in the theatre when it was new. Pin dropping quiet. Magnificent acting. No film like it before or since.

[@sophierenaude2164]

This scene is pure perfection. The writing, the acting ... perfection.

[@gabby4767]

Nothing touches this scene. It was pure brilliance and genius. Brando's cadence flows so effortlessly as he dresses down the undertaker for his disrespect. I watch this over and over again for inspiration on how to deal with adversaries. I hope I'm not the only one who does this. 😁

[@ronyeahright9536]

yeah i think you are lol

[@billystpaul8907]

Still the greatest movie ever made. No one today could make a film like this. I never tire of watching this.

[@knightwind6628]

Little did that cat know, he would forever be cemented in movie history. Less than 5 minutes of screen time and he achieved legend status. ✌️O.o

[@hankfederico7299]

My cat would have chewed Vitos hand up. lol

[@mysticworldofthevasu4750]

Marlon Brando ruled this movie like a king

[@Rascal19617]

Brando was spectular as the DON. I cannot think or imagine any one else playing this role. Brando was truely "The Godfather". Wish I had been related to him for his advise and support. ❤😊

[@wheelchairwhacko5019]

I love this. Bonasera starts as the center of attention, but as the camera pulls back he looks small compared to Don Corleone. And with just the power of dialogue and delivery, it's quickly apparent that the Don is the end all, be all.

[@mediocreman6323]

As a cat-person, I highly appreciate this scene. This little kitty got itself to be a part of history, just because it decided it wanted to be a part of the whole thing. It doesn't get any more feline than that 😃

[@ronyeahright9536]

that cat was just a kitten, must be very old now

[@NomadicWandererBro]

@@ronyeahright9536 The cat is dead

[@ronyeahright9536]

@@NomadicWandererBro you really think so???

[@skramzgod]

@@ronyeahright9536 bruh it’s been 50 years yes it’s dead lol

[@ronyeahright9536]

@@skramzgod are you sure? that's very upsetting.

[@LoryLilyBomber]

When I first watched this movie I was uncomfortable with how much I adored Vito Corleone as a character just after this one scene-like, I was wishing I could be like him, and I kept interrupting my own thoughts with “He’s a goddamn MAFIOSO, Lory, he is a CRIMINAL, Lory!!!”

[@UnderseaPumaKing]

You're not the only one to be charmed. He got me too. Plenty of others as well I imagine.

[@drfunk1986]

Vito never made business deals that hurt other people other than the players within the game. This is why he turns down Barzini's offer. "drugs is a dirty business" according to him. Selling booze, or gambling is still somewhat legitimate. The only other time you see him give an order to happen, is when he hears the bad news about the hollywood director. Notice how he doesn't hurt the director, but rather hurts him financially by having the horse killed. Even after this scene, he says "we're not murderers, despite what this undertaker says"

[@sayarpit]

His character and acting has so much aura that i can feel it just by watching.

[@michaelcook6889]

The Godfather nailed one thing completely. Respect is the biggest factor in that world. If you don't show it you won't be around long.

[@p.g.4881]

Even the gesture at 1:30 makes you understand the magnitude of this opening scene.

[@Beezle66]

That's a reach lol

[@Mattie2004]

A Masterpiece! he didn't even accept the Oscar for best actor because mistreatment of Native Americans.

[@fullchicken4492]

Great actor, and LOOKS like a great person. really we can never judge people unless we understand them completely, but he seems genuine to me.

[@DunkIeosteus]

It’s something Vito would do, such respect

[@traviselrod7803]

Brando did some good political activism, but he was also a tumultuous personality that was terrible to a lot of people. He was a womanizer who fathered 11 children with 4 different women. Rita Moreno, who dated Brando, outright said that Brando was a “bad guy when it came to women,” and that she attempted suicide during their relationship.

[@Tassie85]

Aside from the masterful acting here, this is so gorgeously shot - the lighting, the shadows. Everything is perfect and heart-stoppingly beautiful to look at.

[@wghannam1982]

The hand gesture to get him a drink at 1:38…. What a boss

[@tomb7942]

No music, no interruptions, just fantastic acting that sets the stage for a great movie. You can feel the heaviness in the room.

[@Finnatese]

It is a good scene that really contrast the final scene. Killing these boys would not be justice, the girl still lives. He wants to give the job to someone who won't get carried away and kill the boys. "We're not murders" Whereas the final scene, Michael has murdered all his enemies, and is surrounded by the men that did the murdering. So Vito is the Don you respect, Michael is the Don you fear.

[@jefflastname1394]

brilliant observation, man

[@dc6461]

What michael did in the end is something Vito was heavily part of

[@renzrenz202]

@@dc6461 yeah, id like to believe that vito and michael planned the whole thing.

[@dc6461]

@@renzrenz202 could not be more clear from the book and the movie for that matter that he was in on it from the beginning

[@Karlebow571]

Did Michael became villain end of the movie?

[@maklyram]

I was curious about the movie after a new show was released about the making of this movie. I watched the first 10 min, just to check, because I was studying. Ended up watching the whole thing. A masterpiece indeed!!

[@jahangirhussain1]

I like how the opening scene of the movie started with the close up of a supporting character who only had 2 scenes in the whole movie, giving us the impression that this guy is one of the important characters of the movie. That was so just damn creative!

[@steventhrasher3608]

Something about that opening of "I believe in America" is just perfection. Possibly the best movie opening of all time.

[@m.f.m.67]

I've watched this scene dozens of times. I could watch it dozens more and not tire or become bored with it. This small 6-minute vignette is a master class in acting and film making.

[@FluffyPoofPoof]

If by chance an honest man like yourself were to make enemies, then they would become my enemies. I love that line

[@davidleedutton]

This movie opened 50 years ago on this date, and it hasn't aged a minute.

[@sunningnfox]

When Sunny died, Vito did really ask the man for a service - by preparing his son a coffin and a funeral. This is the part where I like the most!

[@nedelwre]

i think the man is local undertaker,mortician, handles every local death.. but previously he kept his distance from the "mafias". until he need justice outside the law. the "service" the don might ask him someday, might be to arrange mysterious disappearance, like bury somebody in wrong name so it will never be found, testimony to police that he did bury somebody,but the guy actually alive and in hiding,that kind of possible use of mortician/ undertaker.

[@ryantres85]

"But you don't ask with RESPECT." Don Vito Corleone appreciated that more than the money he was offering. He said he would have already punished the criminals that hurt his daughter for FREE if he only had become friends with him before the attack.

[@danielkammerer8336]

“some day, and that day may never come, i will call upon you to do a service for me.” god i love that line

[@waqasbhatti8798]

you can even hear the purring of the cat. I mean what a masterpiece...

[@Romeosask]

I consider myself fortunate! I lived at the time when I could watch & absorb such a masterpiece! Greatest movie ever! No comparison!

[@bigbirdyolo2885]

Best film ever hands down. Can never get bored of watching this movie!

[@liltree8382]

I get bored watching it after the first 25 minutes almost nothing happens

[@mjstory1976]

@@liltree8382 Get a better attention span bro

[@-Venemic]

This scene is such an amazing conversation on conditional relationships. People only wish to be involved with you when they want something, Vito calling him out on only seeing him as a tool is a perfect way to demand respect.

[@venox3811]

the fact this scene is holding up after so many decades show the talent of the incredible actors, truly the golden age of cinema.

[@captainprice2671]

Happy 50th anniversary to the greatest film of all time!

[@CogensFamilyTV]

While I agree it’s Coppola’s best, it’s hardly the best movie ever. Eisenstein, Kurasawa, Tarkovsky, Fellini all made far better films.

[@PolishGod1234]

@@CogensFamilyTV wrong. This IS the best movie of all time. Closely followed by movies like Shawshank redemption, Taxi driver and LoTR trilogy (i count them as one long movie).

[@RocknRollEnthusiast-w4n]

@@PolishGod1234 Damn, Imagine not being able to respect someone’s personal opinion, sad

[@DinoSapta]

"someday, and that day might never come, i will call up upon you to do a service for me.. but until that day, accept this justice as a gift on my daughter wedding day" what a masterpiece..

[@DimitrisKalandranisArt]

Even the cat plays flawlessly....mastery of the ages!

[@alexstein934]

What I love about this movie is how after his father passed, in about a weeks time Michael figured everything out about what needed to be done for the family and became the new Godfather so quick and smoothly- that's awesome

[@hmmm7150]

I’ve watched this movie what feels like a thousand times and will never ever tire of it.