The Godfather -- 1972 -- R

This was a classic that won best picture, and it was a long movie. This length was actually a necessary evil, however, as a lot went on during the course of the film and it's multiple reversals as well as requiring the time to not only introduce a myriad of characters, but fill them out to be real people.

It took about 45 minutes for this film to pick up some steam and start going due to getting everyone introduced, but being a drama based on a book, the direction changed a few times during the course of the film. This slow start is at once alleviated on a second viewing, however, since knowing the characters the second time around, you "get" everything a lot more clearly and the momentum is obvious from the get-go. 

Vito Corleone is the Godfather, not only of the Corleone clan, but of many of the people he has come into contact with over the years, particularly in the Italian community. He creates many give and take relationship with a lot of people, and follows through on them. The first part of the film focuses on Don Corleone and his reign as Don, but he runs into a bit of trouble when someone wants him to get into dealing drugs and he refuses.

This refusal upsets the wrong people and they try to take out the Don, leaving the rest of the family in chaos. Authority passes from one son to another during the Don's absence and a lot of revenge is taken as well on those responsible. His son, Michael, is eventually placed center stage as the main character, and even on a first viewing, this was the point where the film really got into its groove and took off.

It got a little slow while Michael ran off to Sicily, and that all seemed like a big side story we could deal without, but it allowed Sonny's reign to come and go, which was not necessarily a pleasant thing.

The characters, as I said, were numerous and well-rounded, and it's just astounding how well they were drawn throughout the film. Granted, the length of the film allowed this luxury and a shorter film likely would have dropped all those little moments which make these fictional characters seem real, but it worked so well.

It ended up being a solid film and certainly worthy of its Oscar. However, this movie should only be approached if you're in the mood to be thought-provoked.