The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather (1972) is an American epic crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo’s best-selling 1969 novel of the same name. Set in 1945, it tells the story of Vito Corleone, the powerful don of the New York City Corleone family. During his daughter Connie’s wedding to Carlo, Vito receives requests from various guests. At the reception, his son Michael introduces his girlfriend Kay Adams to the family. Johnny Fontane, a popular singer and Vito’s godson, seeks Vito’s help in securing a movie role through his consigliere Tom Hagen. Initially refusing, studio president Jack Woltz eventually complies after waking up to find the severed head of his prized stud horse in his bed. As Christmas draws near, drug baron Sollozzo asks Vito for investment and police protection in his narcotics business. However, Vito declines due to fear of losing political connections.

Due to concerns about Sollozzo’s ties to the Tattaglia crime family, Vito sends his enforcer Luca Brasi on a secret mission to gather information. Tragically, Brasi is killed during his meeting with the Tattaglias. Following this, Vito himself is targeted and shot by Sollozzo’s men, leading Hagen to set up a meeting between Sonny and Sollozzo in an attempt to appease him. Meanwhile, Michael takes advantage of Vito’s lack of protection after corrupt officers remove his guards while he is in the hospital. Despite Michael’s efforts to save him, Vito is still in danger. In retaliation for the attack on their father, Sonny orders a hit on Bruno Tattaglia. This act leads to a request from Sollozzo and McCluskey for a peace talk with Michael at a restaurant in the Bronx. With careful planning alongside Sonny and Clemenza, Michael goes through with the meeting but ultimately eliminates both Sollozzo and McCluskey using a weapon planted by Clemenza earlier.