“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – this iconic dialogue is still fresh in the memory of every cinephile. Indeed, this line was spoken by one of the most revered cinematic characters Vito Corleone in the movie The Godfather. The movie, a popular crime drama released in 1972, still holds its ground among the finest, even more than five decades later. But how long are the Godfather movies?
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather is hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made on earth, and right so. Even in the year 2023, if there exists a list of cinematic masterpieces, The Godfather always features in the top 3. Whether it’s the memorable dialogues, acting performances, cinematography, or screenplay, the movie received worldwide appreciation and has left a significant influence on popular culture.
Let’s dig deeper and discuss its plot, run-time, and star cast. We will also try to understand why Godfather matters in 2023 and how it serves as a benchmark for the art of filmmaking.
How Long Are the Godfather Movies?
The Godfather, often criticized for its slow pacing, runs for nearly three hours long. While most contemporary films believe in the ‘Less is more’ philosophy and try to pack their narratives into under 120 minutes, The Godfather stretches to 2 hours and 55 minutes, however, still worth it. The movie takes time to develop its plot and characters, creating an immersive storytelling experience that you practically forget about the clock.
The deliberate slow-burn approach of the director allows viewers to understand the character’s transformation, particularly the moment when the lead protagonist Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando) takes the back seat and Michael (portrayed by Al Pacino), once a young innocent soldier, enters the world of crime. This character evolution forms the core narrative in the film’s development, highlighting the consequences of choosing a life of organized crime.
Despite the extended run-time, you are spellbound to the screen, courtesy of exceptional acting performances from Brando and Pacino, and a world-class screenplay. Catch The Godfather movie trailer here:
How long is The Godfather 2?
In 1974, a sequel to the movie was released under the title The Godfather Part 2. Surprisingly, according to Francis Ford Coppola, the principal writing for the sequel started in 1971, even before the original movie hit the cinema hall.
The movie presents itself as both a prequel and sequel, as it picks up stories from two different eras – the young Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro), and the current reign of the Godfather, Michael. The movie is even longer as it highlights the two different stories back and forth. The total run-time of The Godfather Part 2 is 3 hours and 22 minutes.
The Godfather Part 2 is a classic parallel drama covering the current story from 1956, after Michal Corleone takes charge of the syndicate crime business following the death of his father Vito Corleone. The other story sheds light on the early days of Vito Corleone, covering his transformation from a Sicilian child to the head of organized crime in New York City.
Although the movie was initially lauded for its excellent cinematography and outstanding acting performances, it was heavily criticized for being overly slow-paced. Although the movie failed to mint the same commercial success as the original one, the majority of the critics gave it a thumbs up. However, over time, “The Godfather Part II” underwent a significant critical reevaluation and is now regarded as one of the greatest films in world cinema.
The Godfather 2 has a 96% approval rating based on 125 reviews, with an average rating of 9.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes.
How Long is the Godfather Part 3?
After a gap of nearly 16 years, a third and final segment of the trilogy was released – The Godfather Part 3. Coppola intended the series to remain a Duology and wanted to name it ‘The Death of Michael Corleone’, which would serve as an epilogue. However, the proposition was turned down by Paramount Pictures.
The Godfather Part 3 received mixed reviews, with most of them labeling it as a forced storyline. Nevertheless, as always, Al Pacino and Andy Gracia were praised for their performances. Also, the majority of critics gave favorable responses to the direction, editing, and cinematography, and the movie ended up receiving 7 Academy Awards nominations.
The Godfather Part 3 is the shortest of the three segments, running for 2 hours and 42 minutes. But, the storyline is not as gripping as the first two parts, and the movie failed to make a good overall impression.
With a collection of nearly $137 million. It was a box office success; however, in terms of appeal and impact, it proved to be the weakest movie of The Godfather series.
The Godfather Movies Plot:
The Godfather trilogy is the story of a powerful Italian-American family involved in organized crime in New York City. Let’s take a look at the movie plot:
1. The Godfather Part 1:
- Year of Release – 1972
- Directed By – Francis Ford Coppola
- Screenplay By – Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola
- Producer – Albert S. Ruddy
- Cinematography – Gordon Willis
- Editing – Peter Zinner and William H. Reynolds
- Production House – Paramount Pictures
- Box Office Collection – $291 million
Plot – Set in the 1940s in New York, the movie begins with the grand wedding celebration at Vito Corleone’s residence – the head of the Corleone criminal empire. Due to some personal disagreements, Vito becomes the target of another mafia family, who eventually try to assassinate him. Survived but mentally and physically broken, Vito is succeded by his son Michael, who was once an Army soldier.
The theme revolves around family bonds, power, politics, loyalty, and vengeance. But what the movie depicts the best is how Michael, once distant from the family business, transforms himself and gets into criminal activities. Witnessing the change in Micheal from an outsider to a ruthless and shrewd leader is just mind-blowing to watch.
Ultimately, the movie shows the two sides of organized crime – One marked by power and wealth, while the other suffers from personal loss. It’s a timeless tale of crime!
2. The Godfather Part 2:
- Year of Release – 1974
- Directed By – Francis Ford Coppola
- Screenplay By – Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo
- Producer – Francis Ford Coppola, Gray Frederickson, and Fred Roos
- Cinematography – Gordon Willis
- Editing – Barry Malkin, Richard Marks, and Peter Zinner
- Production House – Paramount Pictures
- Box Office Collection – $93 million
Plot – The second chapter presents a unique narrative that shifts between two different periods. The current story takes place in the 1950s when Michael is trying to expand his family business and criminal empire simultaneously. The other one portrays the early life of Don Vito Corleone from the early 1900s.
While Michael suffers personal setbacks and betrayals in his quest to legitimize his business, the young Vito develops from a young immigrant to a formidable crime leader in the Ney York City.
3. The Godfather Part 3:
- Year of Release – 1990
- Directed By – Francis Ford Coppola
- Screenplay By – Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola
- Producer – Francis Ford Coppola
- Cinematography – Gordon Willis
- Editing – Barry Malkin, Lisa Fruchtman, and Walter Murch
- Production House – Paramount Pictures
- Box Office Collection – $137 million
Plot – The final part of the series follows an aging Michael Corleone in the year 1979, trying to legitimize his family’s criminal empire and provide a better future for his children. However, the movie takes an unusual turn when the younger generation puts the family back on the same path.
Michael, now 60, thinks about his legacy, donating millions and trying to erase the wrongdoings on his part. However, his efforts are complicated by a more powerful gangster who is somehow connected to his daughter’s love. Michael, who is trying to link his black money to Vetican, has to fight with the mafia to protect his family. Overall, the film highlights Michael’s redemption, family troubles, and the consequences of his criminal past.
The Godfather Movie Cast:
Let’s take a look at some key star cast from the Godfather movies:
- Marlon Brando (Vito Corleone) – The iconic patriarch of the Corleone family and a powerful criminal.
- Al Pacino (Michael Corleone) – Michael, Vito’s son, is the key character in all three movies.
- Robert De Niro (Young Vito Corleone) – De Niro portrays the early life of Vito with exceptional depth and skill.
- James Caan (Sonny Corleone) – Caan portrayed Sonny, who is the hot-tempered eldest son of Vito.
- Diane Keaton (Kay Adams) – Kay is Michael’s love interest and provides a pivotal perspective on the Corleone family.
- Talia Shire (Connie Corleone) – Connie is the complex and troubled sister of Michael, skillfully portrayed by Shire.
- John Cazale (Fredo Corleone) – Cazale plays the vulnerable second son of Don Vito Corleone.
- Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen) – Duvall plays the family’s consigliere, Tom, with intelligence and loyalty.
- Andy Garcia (Vincent Mancini) – Garcia appears in the third installment as Vincent, the son of Sonny Corleone.
- Sofia Coppola (Mary Corleone) – Sofia plays Mary, Michael’s daughter, in the third film.
Frequently asked questions:
As per the sources, the fourth chapter of the series was on the cards but never materialized due to creative differences between the director and the writer. However, the idea was dropped following the death of Puzo in 1999.
No, It’s not a true story. The Godfather movie is inspired by Mario Puzo’s novel of the same title and the organized crime world.
The Godfather movies are available to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.
The original Godfather movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The original Godfather movie won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Godfather Movies have an average rating of 9.2/10, 9/10, and 7.6/10 respectively on IMDB.
The Godfather movie part 1 is undoubtedly the best in the trilogy.
Final Word:
The Godfather movies are long, but their slow-paced sequences leave a deep impression on viewers’ minds, thanks to the compelling writing, cohesive screenplay, and exceptional performances. The three movies collectively received a staggering 29 Academy Awards nominations, winning 9 of them, including two Best Motion Picture Awards.
More than their cinematic excellence, the films are appreciated for their influence on popular culture and the history of the American Film industry. The American Film Institute declared The Godfather (Original) the second-greatest film in American cinema, trailing only behind the legendary Citizen Kane.
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