The first two Godfather films are some of the greatest movies ever constructed. Nearly every aspect of each production was impeccably crafted, and, in particular, much praise has continuously been afforded to the writing of the original film and its sequel. Both films were adapted from Mario Puzo's novel and co-written by both Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola.
The films are richly written, featuring some spectacular characterizations and character development, intriguing plots, academic themes, and memorable lines. Many lines from the first two Godfather films have become iconic, and while it's hard to say which film has the better script, it's easy to say that they are both filled with wonderful quotes.
10 The Godfather: "I'm Gonna Make Him An Offer He Can't Refuse."
This is not only the most famous quote from the Godfather films, but arguably one of the most famous catchphrases in the history of cinema. It has been endlessly repeated, parodied, and referenced throughout the decades, both in film and in real life.
In fact, the American Film Institute ranked it as the second greatest movie quote of all time, only behind Gone with the Wind's "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." It's ominous, it's tantalizingly ambiguous, and it's a stone cold classic.
9 Part II: "Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer."
The Godfather Part II contains its fair share of classic quotes, including "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." It's another line that has transcended the movie to become a historic piece of our collective pop culture consciousness.
The idea behind the quote can be traced back to Sun Tzu and his popular military treatise The Art of War. Michael certainly knows a thing or two about the art of war, and he passes on Sun Tzu's knowledge to betrayer Frank Pentangeli.
8 The Godfather: "That's My Family, Kay. It's Not Me."
The Godfather contains one of the greatest character arcs in movie history with Michael Corleone. By the end of the film, Michael has claimed his father's mantle as Don and openly lies to Kay about his role in the massacre that just took place.
This greatly contrasts with his character at the beginning. He opens the film a noble war hero, and when he tells Kay some horrific stories about his family, he assures her, "That's my family, Kay. It's not me." It's tragically ironic, considering what comes later.
7 Part II: "I Know It Was You, Fredo. You Broke My Heart."
The Godfather Part II is arguably the more tragic story, as it concerns the collapsing of the entire Corleone family. Following some business in Cuba, Michael makes the horrifying discovery that Fredo betrayed the family and has been working with Johnny Ola.
During a large party, Michael approaches Fredo, grasps his head in his hands, and states the movie's famous line before kissing him on the mouth. It's not only a beautiful Godfather quote in and of itself, but it also marks the beginning of the end of the Corleone family.
6 The Godfather: "It's Not Personal, Sonny. It's Strictly Business."
In some ways, the first half of The Godfather serves as a revenge drama. Following a failed business deal, Sollozzo tries having Vito Corleone assassinated. When that fails, the Corleone family seeks revenge against Sollozzo and sends Michael in to do the dirty work.
Michael plays the event through the lens of avenging his family, but it marks the beginning of his slippery downfall. With this devastating quote, audiences realize that Michael is losing his nobility to the family and that he will become tainted by their violent reputation and business dealings.
5 Part II: "It Ain't The Way I Wanted It! I Can Handle Things! I'm Smart! Not Like Everybody Says, Like Dumb!"
With this quote, Puzo and Coppola prove themselves masterful writers, effortlessly blending comedy with pathos while giving incredible depth to the character of Fredo. Before this, Fredo was mostly seen as the stupid and useless brother whose only job was to entertain clients.
With this line, audiences are given a fascinating glimpse into his vulnerability and the thoughts he harbors as the family's lowest-rung member. But mixed with the pathos is some great comedy with the line "Not like everybody says, like dumb!"
4 The Godfather: "I Do Renounce Them."
The Godfather contains what could very well be the greatest montage in cinematic history. It is a masterclass of editing and writing, wonderfully contrasting the baptism of Connie's child with the elimination of the rival families.
After the priest asks Michael if he renounces Satan's work, Michael answers in the affirmative ("I do renounce them") while the film shows us Michael enacting Satan's work by having multiple people killed. It's a fantastic summation and representation of his tragic downfall.
3 Part II: "My Final Offer Is This: Nothing."
By The Godfather Part II, Michael Corleone has been turned into a heartless man. The Michael of Part I is completely gone, replaced by a remorseless business man who openly defies those he is speaking to.
This is perfectly showcased in one of the movie's opening scenes, as he coldly states, "My final offer is this: nothing" to the visiting Senator Pat Geary. The line is not only badass, but it depicts a vastly different Michael Corleone than the one viewers knew and expected.
2 The Godfather: "Leave The Gun. Take The Cannoli."
While they are tragedies filled with death and tantalizing drama, The Godfather also finds some time for comedy. "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli" has become one of the most famous and repeated quotes from the first film.
And even though it's funny, it also speaks to the remorseless nature of these gangsters. After violently dispatching with an ally, Clemenza is only interested in the food in his possession.
1 Part II: "Fredo, You're Nothing To Me Now. You're Not A Brother, You're Not A Friend."
Following Fredo's admission to Michael, Michael cuts off all connection with his older brother. While Fredo (and the audience) may have been expecting some leniency, Michael shows none of it, telling him, "You're nothing to me now. You're not a brother, you're not a friend."
It's a dramatically devastating line for both Fredo and viewers, and worst of all, Michael means it. In the end, Michael has Fredo taken out on a boat and shot, the collapse of the Corleone family finally complete.
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July 15, 2021 at 12:00AM
