The Godfather: Sonny Corleone Makes a Deadly Error

[@Sbaunz]

I find amazing the fact that Sonny has changed the course of the Corleone's family just with one interruption.

[@lucasdamotta]

How?

[@magazine6293]

Solozzo felt, after that outburst, with the Godfather out of the way He could do business with Sonny thus the assassination attempt.

[@deenman23]

not rly,barzini was gonna make a move one way or another

[@dhorn4005]

@@deenman23 Yep, but he may have not attempted an assassination. You see, in the mafia (as in world pollitics, really) killing somebody is not so difficult... no matter securitty, guards or protection... it only takes a lucky bullet or a well placed bomb... most of the time, rally important people are protected by fear. If you kill the king, ALL the migth of the kingdom will go for you and your familly. Your death won't be fast; but fruesome, painfull and all that your old dear will crumble before you... is that fear that make powerfull people untouchable. Solozzo wanted to start his drug opperation; and he got the Tattaglia familly as asociates... but the Tatagllia had a rival: the Corleone. Corleone had men, guns and poillitics in their pockets who assured them they could opperate with freedom. If any of the Five Famillies would ever dare to cross them... Corleone would simply crush them. It had been like that for 10 years... and the Tatagglia wanted a change. But as I said... go for the King; and you and your familly will end up in spikes... there is where Solozzo enters. He is an outsider. Young. Bold. Prone to risk his life and possition... and his new business will make the Tatagglia ritch... ritch enougth that in 10 years they migth overpower the Corleone in influence (as said in a previous scene) ...so making partenrs with Solozzo is a good idea... but Corleone migth feel the danger; and migth use his polliticall influence to fuck with them... he STILL holds the power. ...so Barzinn offers an idea:'You fear the king... okey; but what if a kill him for you? Will you protect me?' The Solozzo repply: 'If Vito dies, he's familly will end us. If you want to do it, do it without us' Solozzo doubts. The Tataglia won't moove while Corleonne opposes them; and they don't dare to go on a war aggainst him... so Solozzo goes into a meeting. To test the watters. And there, Corleonne is hermetic. Shows no fear, no agression... Barzinni has no clue what he will do if Solozzo goes with his plan... the unknown is what gets you killed... But then Sonny, the hot headed young prince; shows his cards... He does want to know about the deal. He is interested. So mutch so to defy his own father... THAT is interesting. If the Don dies; if Solozzo and the Tatagglia survive the war that will come after ir... the new Don; may be bougth. There is a plan Solozzo can sell to the Tatagglia: 'If I kill the Don (and you and your men protect me from the repercussions) I can make the drug empire a reallity' Before the meeting, assasinating Vito was a suicide mission with little to no gain from it... after the reuninon; with the new information; the plan is a risky attempt; but some the Tatagglia may be interested in supporting. In the long run OF COURSE Barzinni and everyone was going to attempt to kill the Don... that's the day to day of the mafia... but when your death will bring more ruin than benefit to your assassins; most people will wait for a better chance... that's why appearances are so vital. So if Sony hadn't screwed it; Vito could have had some time to get intel. Maybe ostrizise or even eliminate Solozzo; and without the rogue agent, the rest of the Five Famillies would hve deemed the opportunnity as lost and would have waited some years more before triying it again...

[@JG-ef4ut]

He did

[@5CU11Y]

“Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family again. Ever”

[@benjaminb3295]

Awesome Movie. I’ll always consider Godfather and Godfather 2 as the greatest movies of all time.

[@Raf-fy-El]

Idk why but I love how Sonny is scolded by Vito. You see that is the only man that Sonny will ever fear and respect as well as you see the Don show some emotion which is rare.

[@raulbetancourt5795]

In his father at the end of the day.

[@CookiesAreNice1]

In the many review videos or other uploads of this scene, I don’t see others mention it, but I think Don Corleone didn’t said no for the danger in losing his political backing with drugs. He should know that paying them more with the profits would keep his influence and he can always bribe new people entering the system. It has to do with his question why do you come to me, Sollozo’s answer was very superficial, he just wants money and Don Corleone needs more and better reasons to start something that can affect his image with his political circle. Even in crime people start partnerships, for more deeper reasons like common vision or that you find each other smart and respectful enough to trust. Sollozo says basically I don’t care about you, just your money and connections. It risks betrayal in the future when Sollozo grows bigger and stronger. But the don won’t say this of course for why he says no.

[@zavionbell4766]

This is so such a good point holy moly

[@LordDaret]

Yeah, that answer felt too flimsy as soon as I heard it. The Don’s response was basically a way to gently let Sollozo down without causing problems.

[@friedrichmyers]

Bro. I think you figured it out. Good take.

[@josephgonnelli7990]

Excellent analysis

[@donarthiazi2443]

Yeah the first time I read that it made me start thinking about other things they discussed in the movie. And I really wish there was one _Godfather_ film that combined every piece of film they ever shot and cobbled together in the correct sequence. I don't care if it would be over 5 hours, I would watch it many times and try to pick up little things like this

[@mikesaucier3046]

The looks from Clemenza and Tom, awwww damn, he messed up

[@deltabilly1]

I find it so fascinating that Brando gave such an absolutely stunning performance. He always has gravitas, even when he’s phoning it in, but this is one of his finest performances; he vanished into the role. I guess he knew it was do or die at this point in his career.

[@mrgreenelander4952]

Santino knew he had made a deadly mistake. Being hot headed and temperamental will do this to a man. Its easy to get angry over life's injustices? But a smart man knows that there are tons of gangsters out there with hot heads, loads of tough guys. But smart guys who know how to play the game? not so many, so be a smart guy

[@WZD10016]

Many forget that Michael was a WW2 USMC infantry Captain. The Marines identified, exploited and refined his leadership abilities. It was strategic when Michael stated they must retaliate by killing the Turk and PD Captain. Never give your enemy time to regroup.

[@DisparityOfBeliefAndTruth]

Your advice is the equivalent to a boxing coach telling his fighter to “go out there and win by punching the other guy”.

[@tonypaul282]

I liked how he wiped off his pants before he sat down lol...just a lil simple gesture lol

[@marcgambone4240]

That's one of those subtle actions that I subconsciously run through my head on a daily basis and I don't know why

[@leoperidot482]

This is GAME OF THRONES for Italians.

[@Frankie-q5o]

Yellowstone is a remake of The Godfather. The Godfather is a remake of King Lear. In the end, it all goes back to Shakespeare.

[@leoperidot482]

@@Frankie-q5o Maybe so. John Dutton is Vito. Beth is Sonny. Jamie is Fredo. Rip is Pete. Kasey will be Michael?

[@wilfuent55]

Sonny quickly shut up out of respect for his fawthaa

[@eddiestafford6443]

You respected don corlenone you should respect sonny . Those who want respect , give respect

[@eddiestafford6443]

He just told you shit the f up, and he told me to go fk myself

[@misterabel_9017]

"Sonny was hot for my deal, wasn't he?"Sollozzo

[@sfsd911]

Because of Sonny's mistake, Sollozzo realized that killing the Don would get him a deal with Santino.

[@Bls-of1ld]

​@@sfsd911santino?

[@johnhoover3345]

...and you knew it was the right thing to do.

[@Frankie-q5o]

For as much as this film will always be in my top three, I also think that this scene is its greatest flaw. As the eldest son Sonny would have sat in on many of these meetings in the past. It is therefore unthinkable that he wouldn’t have been trained to say nothing and listen to everything. Clemenza and Hagen give very slight disapproving looks and Sollozzo’s flicker of emotion tells us he has realised that his chance will yet come. In the book Puzo writes that at that moment Sonny was the only person in the room who didn’t realise that an attempt on his fathers life would be forthcoming, and that Sonny had inadvertently started the 1945 Five Families War

[@Doug-j5l]

You make a good point. However, Sonny was extremely quick tempered and didn't think things through before speaking. He allowed his emotions to speak for him. Throughout the movie Sonny reacted quickly and at times carelessly. What he said in the meeting is consistent with his character. Sonny didn't seem like the kind of guy that learned and retained lessons. His running off with the mouth makes the scene believable.

[@molletre9606]

For sure the eldest son had seen many meetings and knew exactly that you shut the fuck up when the Don is doing business. But this was special, Sonny was already annoyed his father was against drug business. This was his temper as he couldnt see the mortal danger his father accepted by refusing the deal. Yes this was Sonnys flaw and on the long run his decision started the War. But also paved the way for his way more capable and cold blooded brother.

[@EleazarJL]

I never realized that Fredo was there, look how small he is inside the family.

[@justinallport9789]

Sonny, never interrupt me again"

[@khemrajbudha7955]

But if we watch carefully, Sonny's words or intention are not seen in that meeting; Vito also only says to him not to show what he is thinking to a stranger, which does not mean he is interested in the deal. its Puzo who wrote this in the book, which makes Sonny' see interested in the deal: "Spollozzo's actions were driven by his own ambitions and his desire to expand his power, rather than any genuine interest from the Corleone family."

[@divine0g0d]

I dont get what was wrong with what Sonny said. Why was vito and everyone was mad at sonny for that

[@khemrajbudha7955]

@@divine0g0d In movie everything is cutouted, In book there is some words that refer to sunny weakness

[@CarlEscalera]

I like how the don serves virgil a drink and cleans off his shoes b4 he lets him down.

[@ToddMartin-gr9mv]

1:53 " I need, Don Corleone, those politicians you carry in your pocket." "Like so many nickels and dimes." Bullying at its finest. He insulted the Don actually with that demand.

[@stefanhammel192]

No the opposite ...nothing to do with insulting! You just dont get it

[@cherishlatchman6917]

​@@stefanhammel192 his language seemed more tactful. Definitely not bullying. It was upfront negotiating. Like, "I see what you have and I need it".

[@sfsd911]

Because of Sonny's mistake, Sollozzo realized that killing the Don would get him a deal with Santino.

[@africanblue]

Vito made a mistake by not telling Sonny about his decision before the meeting. And if he didn‘t make his decision before the meeting, it was also his mistake.

[@7thswordsmenofthemist]

It wasn't a mistake he was the boss of the family Lol his son shud have known better and shut his mouth and went along with wut his father sed smh...him being a hothead is wut always got him in trouble...shud have showed respect in that moment

[@Colduck42]

The look Vito gave sonny..that I would back slap right now!!..but the way Vito handled it in front of the turk..he just shut the room down..😂

[@mad_titanthanos]

This is one of the rare opinions that i also had ever since I watched the film. Vito should have definitely told them before hand not to talk in between and what his decision will be.

[@deenman23]

@@7thswordsmenofthemist the fish rots from the head up,vito should have not left any room for potential issues,specialy knowing his son

[@7thswordsmenofthemist]

@deenman23 his son wasn't the boss Vito was and he was his father wut he did was disrespectful ...he lucky Vito love his kids so much or he wuda died way b4 he got shot up Lol

[@lucasdamotta]

But why Solozzo took out on Vito Corleone? Better, how? With what muscle or connection? In the real mafia that would be a death sentence on him and the Tataglia’s. The commision would never let someone do that without overall approval.

[@kokodine1311]

Sollozo was Barzini's puppet and he (Barzini) was practically the De-factor head of the commission at the time

[@lucasdamotta]

@@kokodine1311 in the book it says the barzini’s only overcomed the corleone’s power after Vito’s death. Just like Tom Hagen predicted.

[@redrick8900]

The reason it wasn't a death sentence on them is because the hit was approved by the 5 families.

[@davidmctaggart4371]

I don't understand why the Corleone family became an enemy just because they turned down the offer to go into business with Solozo/Tataglia family ??

[@sfsd911]

Because of Sonny's mistake, Sollozzo realized that killing the Don would get him a deal with Santino. Sollozzo needs money to finance his new venture as well as connections with the police and politicians.

[@davidmctaggart4371]

@ But Sonny only said one sentence in the whole meeting didn’t he ?, and it was (kind of) questioning the Tataglia’s integrity (namely, security for Corleone’s million) no? So if anything, I thought that Sonny’s short outburst only reinforced the impression that the Corleones - as a united family- would not be interested in going into business with Solozo/Tataglia’s ? 🤔

[@jeffmadden4559]

@@davidmctaggart4371his interjection showed his interest in the venture. If he wasn’t interested, he wouldn’t have said anything. So the Turk knew he had an opportunity to get the deal he wanted if Vito got whacked

[@davidmctaggart4371]

@@jeffmadden4559 Ah, wow! Ok that’s scary then ! Thanks

[@krzysztofzajac7060]

Don Barzini explained that later.

[@Infamous1991]

I love this movie but i dont understand why Vito ask Sollozo why you come to me i mean Sollozo told him because of the Politicians and the Money so i dont understand Vito here

[@justinkushable1668]

Because Vito was the boss of bosses. Without him it would be war and the Turk knew it. That’s why he set up Don to get hit. He knew Sonny was hotheaded and as Don would cripple the family. They just never expected the true air to the throne would be Michael. And it cost all the families dearly. Including the Corleones

[@eddiestafford6443]

Because you’re stunod . The don wants to read him . His questions are strategic .

[@SlicerJen]

Vito smelled a setup.

[@Infamous1991]

@ i dont think there was a setup before vito said no to solozzo. I think solozzo really just wanted to work with vito because of his politician friends.

[@wavvyykam-9735]

You answered it yourself. sollozo only wanted to work the don because of his connections rather than build an empire the don himself. As soon as Sollozo grew big enough he would be able to remove the don out the picture, and that’s what the don saw which he declined him.

[@ChrisDutch]

When Don Corleone makes that little brush of his cheek with his left hand it means he’s been insulted.

[@adarsh1294]

Sonny only ended up paying for his fault, Don at the start but he recovered, sonny was the biggest casualty

[@CraigHalliday-r8q]

Al Pacino nailed the Part of Michael Corleone in all 3 films such amazing talent

[@TK-mf2fr]

One of the 5 families or all of them....this line always makes me wonder if the corleone family is being set up as an outside family not part of the 5 but maybe above them?

[@richardgarner2510]

Why did he think Sonny would go with someone who murdered his dad?

[@eddiestafford6443]

Because it’s not personal , it’s strictly buisness

[@CraigHalliday-r8q]

Marlon Brando was Excellent as Don Corleone and Robert De Niro was excellent as Don Corleone the younger version in Godfather 2

[@Hercry6166]

Don got game💯

[@SueProv]

Ad Vids... I watched a reactor who reviewed both of these today. Strange.

[@advids5572]

?

[@SueProv]

Sorry . There are people who do reactions on KZbin for movies and some for music. This young Scottish girl reviewed the Godfather today and also another who did the Godfather 2. They edit it down to about 45 minutes and it's fun to watch people discover my favorite movies especially young people .

[@advids5572]

Oh, yes, I know reactions are all over YT now. As for my content, I guess you & I are on the same mindset/acumen now.