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The interplay between Vito and Bonasera is what makes this one of the most powerful opening of any movie ever made. Those first four words--"I believe in America"--set Bonasera's ideal of the "American Dream" against his need for the justice denied him by his adopted country--and Vito's ability to give him justice in the old fashioned, Sicilian way that he needs now. It's a marvel to watch Bonasera trying to reconcile the two by turning Vito into a gun-for-hire--and Vito's patient but pointed explaining that the justice he seeks is paid for by friendship, respect and honor, not money. "You found paradise in America: you had a good trade, made a good living, the police protected you, and there were courts of law.. You didn't need a man like me." When Bonasera finally capitulates, kissing Vito's hand, we have, right at the beginning of the movie, a very clear idea of what Vito is about. Bravo!