There is no doubt about classifying The GodFather films into this calibur, but m,y question is what makes films such as these to being in this realm? I mean obviously you have to have a good cast, story line, and many other attributes to say the least. I personally thought the "Road to Perdition' was a great film, however, I am not so sure if I would go so far as to put this movie into a realm of "classic'. I thought that Tom Hanks did an excellent job (as always) and the supporting cast wasn't a slouch either,but I believe The GodFather films and a few other films have set the mark for 'classic'mafia films. Movies of this cailiber are few and far between and we may never see movies of the GodFather's quality again. Thoughts, comments or questions?

I think that one element of becoming a "classic" is how the film holds up over time. The Godfather was obviously a great film when it was released, but the fact that it has stood the test of time and new generations embrace it makes it a classic. I don't see Road to Perdition following this path.

Another mafia classic in my opinion is GoodFellas. Not only was it a great film, but it is still talked about in circles such as this message board.

Hi,
Classics aren't forgotten. Also I could watch the Godfather films 1000 times and still be entertained. The same can be said of Goodfellas and Casino.

Paul

Classics span the age groups...and like others have said stand the test of time itself....

New people watching and enjoying them each time they are shown.

problem is will they still stay that way with some of the dubbing and cutting that we are seeing lately? Aren't they only getting a part of the pie, not the whole thing when that happens?

Classics are supported on the acting ability of the cast, not on the tricks from the special effects wizard.

We have been so immersed with films having to go over the top with actors that kick box, leap from skyskrapers, show the impact of a car explosion in great detail, in effort to lure an audience.

THANK GOD The Godfather was not filmed now. How much it would have differed. For example in the book it goes into detail of how Luca Brasi did the Capone murders. Hacking off the feet, then the the legs and the knees and so forth. I'm sure some other director like Oliver Stone would have shown this aspect of the film in great detail, but would that have made it a better film?
In my opinion, No.
It's like Key Largo, it's an excellent movie based on the actors abilties and able to convey tension that you can cut with a knife.
...and yes, can stand the test of time.
CAP

Casino...when he pops the guys eyeball out...First time for everything

Well, I think Road to Perdition will stand teh test of time. It may even be my next up behind The Godfather Legacy. I think htat Bgsy is a classic type of mafia film, but it doesn't seem to get talked about much these days. Now, I'd like to make the statement to get me whacked in that Casino did set some cool standards and that first hour with Scorse's directing, brilliant. The violence was superb, but too qucik. I think things just got lost later on (although Pesci was hilarious with all his mischief, geting kicked out of Las Vegas step by step). I just don't go with this one like the others and don't care for it like those.