Serveur du lecteur
Le Parrain

Le Parrain

19729175 min
DrameCrime
Sortie
14 mars 1972
Pays
United States of America
Productions
Paramount PicturesAlfran Productions
La Seconde Guerre mondiale vient de s'achever. À New York, le « parrain » Don Corleone, l'un des chefs respectés de la mafia, se sent vieillir. Il refuse de s'adapter à son temps et de se lancer, comme ses pairs, dans le trafic de drogue. Une frilosité qui entrave la bonne marche des affaires des autres « familles » et qui lui vaut d'être la cible d'un attentat. Don Corleone survit à ses blessures, mais reste très diminué. Mike, son plus jeune fils, qui jusque-là se tenait à l'écart des affaires de son père, devient le plus dévoué de ses héritiers. Plus efficace que ses frères, Sonny et Fredo, il venge son père et organise l'élimination de ses adversaires…

About

Quick guide

A decade‑long saga of power, loyalty and revenge within an Italian‑American crime family.

Set between 1945 and 1955, the film follows the Corleone family as they navigate violence, family loyalty, and the politics of organized crime. Vito Corleone survives an assassination attempt, forcing his youngest son, Michael, to step into the violent world he had tried to avoid. The story culminates in a relentless pursuit of justice that blurs the line between family and law.

What to know

  • Runtime 175 minutes
  • Language: English
  • Rating: TV‑14
  • Director: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
  • Budget: $6 million
  • Box‑office: $250 million worldwide

Watch if

If you appreciate character‑driven drama, intricate dialogue, and a masterful exploration of power and family dynamics, The Godfather offers a richly textured cinematic experience.

Skip if

If you’re sensitive to graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes, you may find the film too intense and emotionally heavy.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavylanguage strongmature themespsychological elementssuspensefulslow burnsome goreintense actionpolitical themes
Film Overview
The 1972 classic spans a decade of crime, family, and power. From Vito’s narrow escape to Michael’s brutal rise, the narrative maps the Corleone dynasty’s rise, fall, and relentless quest for control in mid‑century New York.
Main Characters
Vito, the aging Don, and his sons—Sonny, Fredo, and Michael—are central. Their personalities range from hot‑headed to calculating, each driving the family's fate. Allies like Tom Hagen and enemies like Sollozzo and Barzini deepen the intrigue.
Plot Structure
The film opens with an assassination attempt, sets off a chain reaction of revenge, and follows Michael’s reluctant descent. The narrative blends courtroom drama, violent pay‑back scenes, and quiet family moments to build tension.
Central Themes
Power, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of wealth dominate. The story examines how ambition can erode family bonds and how violence begets more violence.
Cinematic Style
Coppola’s direction, Gordon Willis’s lighting, and Nino Rota’s score combine to create an iconic atmosphere. The film’s pacing is deliberate, emphasizing dialogue over action.
Legacy and Impact
The film earned 31 awards, set new standards for crime dramas, and remains a benchmark for storytelling, character development, and production design.

FAQ

46 Q&A
What is the name of the main family in The Godfather?
The main family is the Corleone family.
What is Tom Hagen's role in the Corleone family?
Tom Hagen is the Corleone family's lawyer and consigliere.
Who is the middle son of Vito Corleone?
The middle son of Vito Corleone is Fredo.
Who is Vito Corleone's daughter?
Vito Corleone's daughter is Connie.
What year was The Godfather released?
The Godfather was released in 1972.
Who is the patriarch of the Corleone family?
The patriarch of the Corleone family is Vito Corleone.
Who plays Michael Corleone?
Al Pacino plays Michael Corleone.
Who is the youngest son of Vito Corleone?
The youngest son of Vito Corleone is Michael.
What is the source material for The Godfather?
The source material for The Godfather is the novel by Mario Puzo.
Who attempts to assassinate Vito Corleone?
Rival crime families attempt to assassinate Vito Corleone.
Who is the oldest son of Vito Corleone?
The oldest son of Vito Corleone is Sonny.
Where is Vito Corleone shot?
Vito Corleone is shot on a street in New York City.
What does Vito Corleone refuse to get involved in?
Vito Corleone refuses to get involved in the drug business.
Where does Michael Corleone go after Sonny's death?
Michael Corleone goes to Sicily after Sonny's death.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Godfather?
The screenplay for The Godfather was written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola.
Who directed The Godfather?
Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather.
Who takes over the family business after Vito is shot?
Michael Corleone takes over the family business after Vito is shot.
Who plays Tom Hagen?
Robert Duvall plays Tom Hagen.
Who plays Fredo Corleone?
John Cazale plays Fredo Corleone.
What business does the Corleone family control?
The Corleone family controls organized crime, including gambling and protection rackets.
What happens to Sonny Corleone?
Sonny Corleone is ambushed and killed.
What event leads to an assassination attempt on Vito Corleone?
Vito Corleone's refusal to get involved in the drug trade leads to the assassination attempt.
Who plays Sonny Corleone?
James Caan plays Sonny Corleone.
Who plays Vito Corleone?
Marlon Brando plays Vito Corleone.
What is the name of the singer who is also Vito Corleone's godson?
The singer who is also Vito Corleone's godson is Johnny Fontane.
What is the famous line delivered by Marlon Brando?
The most famous line is "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."
Where does Michael Corleone live in exile?
Michael Corleone lives in Sicily, Italy during his exile.
What event is depicted at the beginning of the movie?
The movie begins with the wedding of Connie Corleone, Michael's sister.
What does Michael Corleone do to Sollozzo and McCluskey?
Michael Corleone shoots and kills Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey in a restaurant.
What is the significance of the orange in The Godfather?
Oranges often appear before a death or a violent event in the movie.
What is the name of the rival family to the Corleones?
The main rival family to the Corleones is the Tattaglia family.
Who is Michael Corleone's second wife?
Michael Corleone's second wife is Kay Adams.
How long is The Godfather?
The Godfather is 2 hours and 55 minutes long.
What is the final scene of The Godfather?
The final scene shows Kay Adams watching as Michael Corleone's capos kiss his hand and call him Godfather, while the door is closed on her.
What is the MPAA rating for The Godfather?
The Godfather is rated R.
What is the famous line delivered by Al Pacino?
Al Pacino, as Michael Corleone, famously says, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."
What happens to Michael's first wife?
Michael's first wife, Apollonia, is killed in a car bombing meant for him in Sicily.
What is the meaning of the door closing at the end of the film?
The closing door symbolizes Michael's complete transformation into the new Don and his separation from his old life and innocence.
What other films are in The Godfather trilogy?
The other films in The Godfather trilogy are The Godfather Part II and The Godfather Part III.
Who is the head of the Tattaglia family?
The head of the Tattaglia family is Philip Tattaglia.
What song is famously associated with The Godfather?
The song famously associated with The Godfather is its main theme music, often called "The Godfather Waltz."
Who does Michael Corleone marry?
Michael Corleone marries Kay Adams. He was previously married to Apollonia Vitelli in Sicily.
Who won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Godfather?
Marlon Brando won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Vito Corleone, but he famously refused the award.
What awards did The Godfather win?
The Godfather won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor for Marlon Brando, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
What does Michael Corleone decide to do with the family business at the end?
At the end, Michael decides to take over the family business and become the new Don, consolidating his power.
Who is the consigliere of the Corleone family?
Tom Hagen is the consigliere of the Corleone family.

Acteurs

Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando
Don Vito Corleone
Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Michael Corleone
James Caan
James Caan
Sonny Corleone
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall
Tom Hagen
Richard S. Castellano
Richard S. Castellano
Clemenza
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton
Kay Adams
Talia Shire
Talia Shire
Connie Corleone Rizzi
Gianni Russo
Gianni Russo
Carlo Rizzi
Sterling Hayden
Sterling Hayden
Captain McCluskey
John Marley
John Marley
Jack Woltz
Richard Conte
Richard Conte
Barzini
Al Lettieri
Al Lettieri
Sollozzo