The Godfather: Ralph Fiennes Reveals Why He Can’t Stop Watching the 1972 Classic

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It’s rare for a film to be called a masterpiece, but the 1972 gangster movie The Godfather is almost universally considered one of the greatest films ever made. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it revolutionized American cinema and remains incredibly popular and highly regarded more than fifty years later. The film had two sequels, with the first receiving similar praise, though the second is generally seen as less successful.

Over the years, The Godfather has consistently earned high praise from critics and filmmakers. Widely considered a masterpiece by one of cinema’s greatest directors, it’s often credited with inspiring countless people to pursue careers in film. Recently, a new admirer shared their appreciation for the movie, explaining how a childhood experience with it sparked their lifelong passion for cinema.

Ralph Fiennes “Can’t Stop Watching” The Godfather

While publicizing his new movie, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Ralph Fiennes shared his four all-time favorite films with Letterboxd. He explained that these films initially captured his imagination through his parents, and he later came to appreciate them on his own. His top picks include High Noon, 8 1/2, and Andrei Roublev, but he reserved his greatest admiration for…

Ralph Fiennes recalls growing up hearing about The Godfather from his parents. They both spoke of it as a remarkable film about the Mafia, and he remembers his mother especially loving it and wanting to share that passion with him when he was older. Fiennes still loves the movie today, saying he gets completely absorbed every time he watches it. He describes a special, almost magical quality that keeps him captivated from beginning to end.

This actor has a long and successful career, appearing in many well-known films. While he’s popular for his roles in big franchises like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, he’s also highly respected for more serious acting work, including a recent performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination. He’s collaborated with acclaimed directors like Steven Spielberg on Schindler’s List and Wes Anderson on The Grand Budapest Hotel, both considered classics. Despite his impressive career, it’s surprising that he hasn’t yet worked with Francis Ford Coppola.

Nia DeCosta also included a Francis Ford Coppola film among her personal favorites, initially selecting The Godfather. To avoid choosing the same films as Ralph Fiennes, she replaced it with another Coppola masterpiece, the 1979 Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now. There’s no question that Coppola is one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, and his work, especially The Godfather, has deeply influenced countless directors and actors. Even over fifty years after its release, The Godfather continues to have a significant impact on Hollywood’s leading creatives.

Why The Godfather Is Still So Iconic Today

The film continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, even those born long after it first came out. It possesses all the qualities of a true classic. The story, adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel by Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, is brilliantly written, developing characters, relationships, and plot in a way that feels natural and engaging. The memorable orchestral score, composed by Nino Rota, adds to the experience, hinting at future tragedy with its strings and evoking a sense of Italian grandeur.

The Godfather boasts some of the most memorable acting in cinematic history. Al Pacino, James Caan, and Dianne Keaton all deliver fantastic performances, but Marlon Brando truly shines as Don Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone family. Brando’s portrayal of Vito is arguably the most famous acting performance ever, and it’s been widely referenced, imitated, and parodied for the past fifty years. It’s equally well-known that he famously declined the Academy Award for this role.

Francis Ford Coppola’s classic 1972 film remains popular because it explores universal themes found in stories throughout history. Tragedies, particularly the downfall of a powerful figure – whether due to fate, personal flaws, or societal pressures – have always captivated audiences. Some viewers find satisfaction in the character’s misfortune, while others feel sorrow, but the story resonates with everyone. The tragic arc of Michael Corleone is a prime example of this in film, as he ultimately becomes consumed by the life he initially fought against.

For decades, The Godfather has remained a beloved and influential film, constantly appearing in pop culture, even in shows and movies for kids. The story behind the making of the film was recently told in the 2022 miniseries The Offer, which detailed the difficult process of securing the rights to Mario Puzo’s novel and bringing the movie to life. Even now, fifty-four years after its release, The Godfather is still considered a classic.

The Godfather Inspired Many Modern Classics

Since its release fifty-four years ago, The Godfather and its sequels have been incredibly successful, and directly fueled the rise in popularity of gangster films and television shows. Director Martin Scorsese, in particular, owes some of his success to The Godfather, which helped establish an audience for similar stories.

Gangster stories remain incredibly popular, likely due to their enduring appeal. HBO’s The Sopranos can be seen as a spiritual successor to Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather films, successfully bringing the genre to television. The longer format of a TV series allowed The Sopranos to delve even deeper into its characters than The Godfather could in a trilogy. The show’s success proved that audiences still loved gangster narratives, paving the way for other popular series like The Penguin and Peaky Blinders.

The success of The Godfather proved that audiences are drawn to stories about characters experiencing tragic falls from grace – a theme that’s been popular in many recent hits. A prime example is Breaking Bad, which follows Walter White’s transformation over five seasons from a seemingly ordinary, though self-absorbed, teacher into a ruthless drug lord. The show is widely considered a television masterpiece, and its star, Bryan Cranston, won five Emmy Awards in a row for his portrayal of Walter White.

More than fifty years after it first came out, The Godfather continues to influence filmmakers. Besides The Offer, which explores the making of the 1972 movie, Waltzing with Brando tells the story of Marlon Brando’s life, focusing heavily on his iconic role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather.

Everyone agrees that The Godfather and its sequel are incredibly important and influential films. Even modern actors and directors admire the groundbreaking 1972 movie, which inspired countless filmmakers. Ralph Fiennes is right to include it among his favorites – many film lovers feel the same way. The Godfather has been a classic for over fifty years and will likely remain one for many more.

The Godfather is available to stream on The Roku Channel.

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2026-01-17 04:09