Wow, why do I like The Godfather. I think the question should be "Why shouldn't I like The Godfather. I'm sure someone could compile a much shorter list as to why someone shouldn't like The Godfather than one of all the many reasons someone should. But, seeing as the question is why do I like it, I'll answer.

1) Acting (Brando, Pacino, Duvall, Caan, Cazale, Keaton, I'm sorry folks, but it doesn't get any better than that.)

2) The story (Sure, it's a romanticized depiction of Mafia life, but really, it's not so much about the mafia as it is about family, the importance of maintaining a good relationship with your family, and the value of friendship.)

3) The direction (It's amazing that with such a small budget, Francis Ford Coppola made the single greatest film of all time (IMO). Gordon Willis' lighting is fantastic, and set the standard of what lighting should be like in a film. Paramount took a big chance on a relatively unknown director, and an actor who was known for his off-screen shenanigans, and on an actor who they wanted fired the minute they saw his screen test (Pacino). Thank God it payed off).

I could go on for hours, but I'll try and make this brief. The Godfather is the epitome of modern film making. It set such a high standard, that few (if any) films have reached it. After 33 years, it's still an incredibly interesting topic for discussion, and it's also a film that spawned the greatest Godfather website on the Internet (actually endorsed by Mario Puzo), and the greatest discussion board on all things Godfather. In short, I like The Godfather because it's a great film, and has brought me to this message board and has introduced me to such wonderful people. It's weird, how a movie with such a dark backdrop, involving murder, drugs, rackets, etc, can bring so many people together. Who'd a thunk it?

There are too many reasons to list for loving the Godfather movies but as a history major and future teacher there is one that stands out. Many of you have stated that the Godfather reminds you of your own childhood and times with your family. I would suggest that the Godfather reminds America of her good old days. If you notice the story of the young idealistic war hero Michael begins in 1945 after the end of WWII. The war was over, the economic depression had dissipated, and anything seemed possible. The 1950s are a time of prosperity and growth then in the 1960s things seem to fall apart. The Vietnam war divides the nation, feminism, divorce,and abortion create different atmospheres at home and an innocence seems to be gone forever. It is not lost on me that the same story happens to the Corleone family. From the happy simple times of the post war years to the turbulent years of the sixties they follow closely the timeline and growing pains of the nation.

Hey new on the site, pleased to meet u all. I am new to the whole genre of the godfather, I hadn't seen it before but herd people talking about it my Dad really liked it and got the DVD so one night he sat down and put on The Godfather, I wasn't to pleased as I didnt think it would be my kinda thing...but as I sat there and saw the characters develop before my eyes I was hooked...I cared for them for some reason they were so beleiveable and I always wanted the Coreleones to suceed!! When it was done I was dying to watch 2 and 3. I think they are all brilliant and have watched them a few times since. After watching the godfather trilogy I have been interested in watching other films such as Donnie Brasco in which I thought Al Pacino was great! And I hope to see Godfellas and Scarface soon. I Also just finished reading the book aswell and loved it! I like the Godfather as it has let me learn about kinds of films i never thought I would like.