The Godfather

The Godfather

Year: 1972

Runtime: 175 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

DramaThrillerCrime

An aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son. Amidst a bloody power struggle, the family faces betrayal, violence, and the difficult choices that come with maintaining their criminal enterprise. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Godfather (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Godfather (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1945-1955

The Godfather spans a decade, beginning in the aftermath of World War II in 1945 and extending to 1955. This period marked significant social and political changes in America, alongside the rise of organized crime, and the entrance of drugs into the criminal landscape, challenging traditional family values and power structures.

Location

New York City, Sicily, Las Vegas

The movie predominantly unfolds in New York City, a hub of organized crime and familial loyalty during the post-World War II era. The story also traverses to Sicily, capturing the essence of Italian heritage and the stark contrasts between the characters' lives. Las Vegas serves as a symbol of ambition and power in the criminal underworld, where the Corleone family's influence begins to expand.

🏙️ City 🌅 Country 🎰 Gambling

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Main Characters – The Godfather (1972)

Meet the key characters of The Godfather (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Vito Corleone (Al Pacino)

Vito Corleone is the patriarch of the Corleone family and is a man of principle who values loyalty and respect. He deftly navigates the treacherous waters of organized crime, often preferring negotiation over violence. His wisdom and protective instincts lay the groundwork for Michael's evolution.

👑 Leader 💼 Strategist ❤️ Protector

Michael Corleone (Al Pacino)

Initially an outsider to the family business, Michael undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the film, ultimately becoming a cold and calculating leader. His journey illustrates the clash between personal morals and familial duty, leading him to embrace the dark legacy of the Corleone family.

⚔️ Warrior 🕴️ Successor 🌑 Transformative

Sonny Corleone (Al Pacino)

Sonny Corleone is the hot-headed eldest son, whose impulsivity often leads to rash decisions. His passionate nature and strong devotion to family make him a fierce leader, but his inability to control his temper ultimately leads to catastrophic consequences.

🔥 Passionate ⚔️ Warrior ⏳ Impulsive

Tom Hagen (Al Pacino)

Tom Hagen serves as the family's consigliere, a voice of reason amidst the chaos. His loyalty to Vito and the Corleone family is unwavering, and he often finds himself balancing legal business and the darker undertones of the family's affairs.

📖 Advisor 🤝 Loyal 🕵️ Mediator

Kay Adams (Al Pacino)

Kay Adams represents Michael's connection to a world outside of crime, offering a glimpse of normalcy and hope. Her character grapples with the moral implications of Michael's choices, illuminating the personal toll of living within the criminal world.

❤️ Love 🌼 Innocence 🎭 Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Major Themes – The Godfather (1972)

Explore the central themes of The Godfather (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Power

The pursuit of power is a central theme in The Godfather, driving the characters' actions and decisions. Michael Corleone's transformation from reluctant family member to powerful Don illustrates the corrupting nature of power. The story delves into how power dynamics within the family conflict with loyalty and love.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal runs rampant as characters navigate personal and familial relationships. The treachery against Sonny and the eventual betrayal of Michael highlights the brutal realities of family connections intertwined with crime. Each act of betrayal escalates the struggle for control, impacting the family's fate.

💰 Family Legacy

The legacy of the Corleone family is a driving force in the narrative, with an emphasis on loyalty and tradition. The film explores the burdens and expectations of inheritance within a criminal empire, particularly as Michael grapples with his father's expectations and ultimately takes on the role of Don.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Unlock the Full Story of The Godfather

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Godfather in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Godfather is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Godfather Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Godfather, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Godfather Summary

The Godfather Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Godfather with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Godfather Timeline

More About The Godfather

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Godfather: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Godfather

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