The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.
A flawless epic with mastery to be found in all parts, a true cinema classic.
On re-watching: every new reviewing reveals more fascinating details and more context in the narrative.
Halliwell****: "A brilliantly-made film with all the fascination of a
snake pit: a warm-hearted family saga except that the members are
thieves and murderers. Cutting would help, but the duller conversational
sections do heighten the cunningly judged moments of suspense and
violence."
Maltin****: "The 1970s' answer to GONE WITH THE WIND, from Mario Puzo's
novel...Pulp fiction raised to the highest level; a film of epic
proportions, masterfully done, and set to Nino Rota's memorable music.
Absolutely irresistible."
