Why is "The Godfather" such a fine film?

[Orrex]

Poll question: Why is "The Godfather" such a fine film?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. For what it is, it's well done...

But I don't deal well with ultra-violent movies...

[ForrestGump]

2. Marlon Brando

I haven't seen it since my early teens, I think, so I should probably check it out again, along with the sequels. What I remember, above all, was Marlon Brando's performance. The man was (when he was 'on,' as he usually was) a potent force of nature.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. Everything.

The obvious like the acting, direction, script, cinematography, soundtrack, editing, etc., but also the fact that it portrayed the dark side of the American dream while also transforming a pulp novel into an operatic masterpiece.

[mduffy31]

4. It insists upon itself

[LanternWaste]

5. It illustrates an insular morality

It illustrates an insular morality much different (yet in many ways, much more honorable and noble) from that of the overall culture in which it exists. The moralities are compared and contrasted against each other and in the end, shows the hypocrisy and shallowness the American political/corporate mores.

There are a few other movies that use this particular device. 'Shawshank Redemption' comes to mind.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it (for now)

(A friend and I actually discussed this some time back over a few beers...)