Top 10 Moments from The Godfather (1972)
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Vito and Michael Talk Alone for the Final Time
Before his death, Vito and Michael have one last conversation. Vito admits that he never wanted Michael to be part of the family business. He had always hoped Michael would lead a legitimate life.
A very strong family moment, despite how ruthless they may be.
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The Meeting
Following Sonny's assassination, Vito holds a meeting with the five families to end the feud. He assures them that he will withdraw his opposition to their heroin business and forgo avenging Sonny's murder.
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Michael Becomes the New Don
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Carlo's Assassination
Michael manages to extract a confession from Carlo about his involvement in Sonny's assassination. At first, it seems like Michael is going to let Carlo live, even giving him a plane ticket to Vegas. However, when Carlo gets into the car to be taken to the airport, he is executed by Peter Clemenza, who garrotes him with a wire. Carlo kicks and breaks the windows of the car as he dies.
Although I don't approve of the mafia, I was still satisfied when Carlo died. As evil as the mafia may be, I just couldn't feel bad for him at all. If anything, he deserved what he got!
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The Horse's Head in the Bed
After Johnny Fontaine seeks help from Vito to secure a movie role, Vito sends Tom Hagen to persuade the head of the studio, Jack Woltz, to give Johnny the part. Jack, of course, refuses, and no matter what Tom says, nothing convinces him. That is, until the next morning, when Jack wakes up to find the severed head of his prized stallion in his bed. He screams out in horror, as anyone would if they were to find a horse's head in their bed. This scene has been parodied to death in various movies and TV shows like The Simpsons and The Loud House.
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Sonny Beats Up Carlo
While visiting Connie, Sonny sees that Carlo has been beating her again and tracks him down in the street. He relentlessly pummels Carlo, which is almost humorous, as many of the punches seem to miss. He beats him, bites him, and hits him with a trash can and lid, then proceeds to kick him. All of this happens while countless people watch. Sonny warns Carlo that if he ever touches his sister again, he will kill him.
Very satisfying scene. I was even happier when Carlo was strangled to death!
I can't blame Sonny, though. If I were him, I would have done the same to Carlo!
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Vito Slaps Johnny Fontane
In this scene, Johnny Fontaine speaks with Vito about his inability to land a movie role. Johnny starts to bawl like a child, prompting Vito to snap at him, yelling, "YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN!" Vito then assures Johnny that everything will be taken care of, and Johnny mentions that filming starts in a week. This is when Vito delivers his iconic line, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."
To be fair, sometimes we need a slap in the face to realize we need to toughen up.
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Sonny's Death
After receiving the call that Carlo has beaten Connie again, Sonny drives off to deal with him. However, along the way, at a toll booth, Sonny is ambushed by Barzini's men, who open fire on him. He takes far more bullets than any person should and still doesn't die until he collapses on the ground, only to be shot again and kicked in the head to finally finish him off.
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Carlo Beats Up Connie
Possibly the hardest scene to watch. After Connie finds out about Carlo's mistress, she goes off on him, smashing plates and vases. Carlo proceeds to beat her with his belt. Connie takes refuge in the bathroom, but Carlo kicks open the door and relentlessly beats her some more (off-camera, of course). It is later revealed that all of this was part of Carlo's plan to have Sonny killed. He had his mistress call Connie, knowing she would react this way, leading to the beating. This, in turn, caused Sonny to come after him, allowing Barzini's men to ambush and kill Sonny.
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Connie's Wedding
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Michael Shoots Sollozzo and McCluskey