Lessons from the Godfather

I can never get enough of the Godfather trilogy. I am a huge fan of these Mafia films. This three installments are the pedestal upon which we, movie fans were able to survey the scale of Francis Ford Coppola’s achievements.

Godfather films are no more about gangsters than Shakespeare’s King Lear is about geriatric folly. This series as a whole transposes the drama, pathos and violence of Greek tragedy into a modern metropolitan setting. In doing so, it seeks to plumb the measure of contemporary men.

Here are some memorable quotes from the trilogy:

“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – in The Godfather; Vito Corleone directed this remark at his eldest son, Sonny, who has just come down after he had the bridesmaid against the door, conceiving Vincent Mancini in the process.

“It’s not personal Sonny, it’s strictly business.” – in The Godfather; Michael to Sonny after broaching the plan to avenge their father’s shooting.

“Women and children can be careless, but not men.” – in The Godfather; Vito Corleone to son, Michael.

“Never hate your enemies, it affects your judgement.” – in The Godfather III; Michael to Sonny’s illegitimate son, Vincent Mancini.

“If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it is that you can kill anyone.” – in The Godfather II; Michael to the family’s adviser and lawyer Tom Hagen, as they plot to kill Hyman Roth, a Jewish gangster.

“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – in The Godfather II; Michael to his associate, Frank Pentangeli, whilst explaining his business policies.

“When they come, they’II come at what you love.” – in The Godfather III; Michael to Vincent Mancini.

“All my life I kept trying to go up in society. Where everything higher up was legal. But the higher I go, the crookeder it becomes.” - in The Godfather III; Michael to Vincent Mancini.

I have this burning desire to watch all three installments at one go. Uhmm...about 10 hours straight. I think I will do so soon.... on those lazy weekend afternoons, during year-end, near Xmas time.