Hello
i am doing a study on the godfather films and i find this website very useful, i much appriciate it and the members.
i was woundering if some of the users of this forum could help me in giving there views on the following question-

How is the Italian-American mafia represented in The Godfather?
Is the film a critique or a defence of the criminal organisation?

what do you guys think??

many thanks

Welcome to the board! New members can always offer a fresh perspective on these topics.

So we'd like to know what YOU think! Rather than do your homework for you, offer your own opinion first on those two questions. You'll find plenty of people here who will either agree and expand on your opinion or disagree and provide their own commentary.

tony b.

i think the film is at times a good representation of the mafia, in ways where it shows that the mafia is more a family orientated organisation. it doesnt potray the mafia a gun holding gangsters who kill at random any fool who step in their way.

i feel Coppola's Godfather movies introduced a new tone, a kind of solemn dignity, to Mafia entertainment. coppola created a sense of respect towards the mafia

ill add more comments later, im at work at the mo'

thanks

I think it is neither a defense nor a criticism of the mafia. I have always thought it is a movie first and foremost about family. Vito as the head of the family and the tribulations of his children.

yes i agree with marlon.
i think there is a good representation of good family values present throughout the film.

Hello everybody. It's been a long time away from this forum...

My point of view is that the Italian American Maffia is represented with nostalgia: the 20's and 30's: Gamblin, Women, Booze, Unions were the business. Don Vito refuses to get into hard drugs. He knew it would take things to a different level of violence.
Also the family is important, the base of it all. The big decisions are made having the family in mind. I think the Godfather without the family stuff would be a plain Gangsters movie.

In a way it shows that if you live by the gun, you die by the gun.

Regards