The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, chronicles the Corleone crime family under patriarch Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his son Michael (Al Pacino). The film revolutionized gangster movies with its sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and stunning cinematography. It won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and became the highest-grossing film of 1972. Its cultural impact is immeasurable, with countless quotations entering popular culture. The film explores themes of family, power, and the American Dream's dark side.