Both prequel and sequel to The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece of American film returns to cinema screens in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Part I. Parallel narratives follow Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), now Don of the family, and his father Vito (Robert De Niro), arriving in America as a young immigrant. Following the murder of his family by a local Mafia chieftain, nine-year-old Vito flees Sicily for New York, where, in time, he becomes involved in criminal activity, eventually known throughout the community as a man to be respected and feared. Michael must contend with a failing marriage, unhappy siblings, and ‘business problems’ that threaten his life.

Dazzling in its depth and complexity, the film provides an embarrassment of riches from a cast and crew at their creative peaks, from cinematographer Gordon Willis to Pacino, De Niro, and, of course, Coppola.

Notes by Kevin Coyne