The Godfather is taken into account one of many best motion pictures ever made and is universally acknowledged as a monumental staple in cinema historical past. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather relies on Mario Puzo‘s best-selling novel by the identical identify and went on to win a number of Academy Awards, together with Greatest Image and Greatest Tailored Screenplay. Whereas the movie options unforgettable characters and phenomenal performances by the general forged, it is also probably the most quoted motion pictures of all time.
With out query, The Godfather is among the most quotable gangster motion pictures and has been referenced all through numerous motion pictures and tv reveals, together with The Sopranos and American Gangster. Some are extra fashionable and memorable than others, however out of the handfuls of unbelievable quotes and one-liners, these are the very best quotes from The Godfather, ranked.
The Godfather
- Launch Date
- March 14, 1972
- Director
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Runtime
- 175 minutes
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20 “I consider in America.”
Amerigo Bonasera
Because the movie begins, the very first thing audiences hear is the patriotic phrases of Amerigo Bonasera (Salvatore Corsitto) who, not like Don Corleone, made an trustworthy, law-abiding residing and foolishly believed that he and his household can be handled similar to anybody else within the nation. Bonasera represents the a whole lot of immigrants who got here to the US believing in justice and freedom, solely to study that each come at a sure value.
These first strains are extremely highly effective and symbolize the hope that Bonasera in addition to many others who got here to the US looking for a greater life. Sadly, as Bonasera continues, it turns into a bit disheartening that his real hope for his life in America and being an upstanding citizen did not repay when he and his household wanted it probably the most.
19 “Oh, Paulie….will not see him no extra.”
Peter Clemenza
Whereas Peter Clemenza (Richard S. Castellano) is cooking within the Corleone kitchen, Sonny (James Caan) is available in and asks him how Paulie is feeling, to which Clemenza casually replies in a manner that principally says the man is six ft below. At this level, audiences know the destiny of Paulie and in addition that Sonny is the one who gave the order, however Clemenza’s quick-witted response is a bit humorous.
The best way Clemenza delivers this line is a wonderful instance of the movie’s darkish humor and his nonchalant tone is the icing on your entire second. As an alternative of bringing the temper down or making it right into a drawn out dialog, Clemenza resorts to laying it out brief, candy, and to some extent he is aware of his Godson will simply perceive. Mobsters are recognized to talk in code, which is universally understood by everybody within the household, however Clemenza’s manner is each cryptic and fairly humorous.
18 “You discuss vengeance. Is vengeance going to carry your son again to you? Or my boy to me?”
Don Vito Corleone
After the brutal demise of his oldest son, Sonny, Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) requests a gathering with all of the households to finish this warfare and mindless bloodshed. As they meet and focus on phrases of settlement, Philip Tattaglia (Victor Rendina) expresses his considerations about Don Corleone and anybody else in his household coming after him and his household for revenge towards killing Sonny. Whereas Tattaglia has motive to be involved, Don Corleone’s response is certainly one of depth and humility.
Out of all of the heads of households, Don Corleone is with out query the wisest and top one within the room. As a lot as he’s grieving the lack of his son, he refuses to be the reason for anybody having to undergo such a loss and precisely factors out that no quantity of violence, revenge, and blood can ever carry their family members again. This particular quote speaks to Don Corleone’s empathy and real compassion, that are only a few qualities of the character that make him not solely an efficient chief, but additionally one that’s trusted and revered by many.
17 “My father is not any completely different than another highly effective man, any man with energy, like a president or senator.”
Michael Corleone
When Michael (Al Pacino’s iconic character) lastly returns from Sicily, he goes to see Kay (Diane Keaton), who’s shocked to see him standing in entrance of her. As they stroll collectively, Michael talks extra about his father and the household enterprise, making an attempt to persuade Kay that his father is not any completely different than anybody else who holds a place of energy. Kay reveals her sheltered perspective on the world when she factors out that different males in energy do not have folks killed, which could not be farther from the reality.
Michael makes a thought-provoking level in his comparability between his father and others in official positions of energy, the one distinction being their pictures on the whole society. A President or politician is usually seen as one who upholds and protects folks, whereas Don Corleone is seen as a mob boss who has no coronary heart and kills folks for his private acquire. The quote can also be top-of-the-line because it reveals how each Michael and Kay grew up in very completely different worlds, and in the end foreshadows the unlucky destiny of their marriage.
16 “Girls and youngsters can afford to be careless, however not males.”
Don Vito Corleone
Whereas sitting outdoors within the backyard, Don Corleone and Michael proceed to debate and strategize their subsequent strikes and Emilio Barzini (Richard Conte). Don Corleone apologizes for going over every part quite a few occasions along with his son, calculating each element and making certain he has all his bases coated. He explains how he has strived all his life to not be careless, understanding one minor slip up might have detrimental penalties.
This explicit quote speaks to Don Corleone’s perception that if he or any man messes up, it might price them or another person their life, whereas if a lady or youngster makes a mistake, the implications are a lot much less dire. It additionally demonstrates how Vito believes males all the time must look over their shoulder, whereas ladies and youngsters have a way more carefree, relaxed existence, which is true in his world. That is one quote that stands out for exhibiting a bit extra depth into the character of Don Corleone in addition to his mindset, rating as top-of-the-line in your entire movie.
15 “Look how they massacred my boy.”
Don Vito Corleone
After Vito’s oldest son, Sonny, is gunned down, his physique is transported to the funeral dwelling owned by Amerigo Bonesera (Salvatore Corsitto). When Vito arrives, he asks Bonesera if he is able to return the favor he agreed to on the day of Connie’s wedding ceremony. Whereas Bonesera thinks the don goes to ask the worst of him, Vito merely asks him to do every part he’s able to to make his son appear like he used to after being shot a number of occasions.
Vito is understood to maintain his feelings to himself as a protection mechanism, however within the scene along with his son, it is unattainable for him to not choke up after seeing the brutality his youngster endured. In Italian and Sicilian tradition, it is custom to have an open casket and for the assailants to have completed such injury to Sonny is one other insult in itself. The scene and quote function proof that though Vito does not brazenly share his emotions, he is not and not using a coronary heart that hurts and aches like another human. It is one factor to lose a toddler, however to have them killed in such a way is devastating to any father or mother, regardless of how robust they current themselves to the world.
14 “Have you learnt who I’m? I am Moe Greene! I made my bones whenever you have been going out with cheerleaders!”
Moe Greene
When Michael arrives in Las Vegas, he meets with Jewish mobster and former Homicide Inc. executioner, Moe Greene (Alex Rocco), who’s credited with constructing Sin Metropolis. Regardless of Greene’s immense contributions and in depth historical past, he is shedding cash and Michael does not provide however as a substitute tells him that the Corleone household goes to purchase him out, which does not go over effectively. As Michael calmly continues to inform Greene that he has no selection within the matter, Greene lets his mood get the very best of him.
Greene does not have an enormous half within the movie, however within the scene with Michael in Las Vegas, he provides a memorable look in addition to one of many movie’s most iconic quotes. Regardless that Greene has some extent and Michael hasn’t been round so long as he has, that does not matter with regards to enterprise. Greene relies on the infamous gangster, Bugsy Siegel, who was recognized to have an inflated ego and a scorching head that ultimately landed him in scorching water. Rocco completely faucets into Siegel’s persona with not solely the scene but additionally this line, which lands exhausting with a little bit of humorous afterthought.
13 “Mr. Corleone is Johnny Fontanes’s godfather. Now Italians regard that as a really shut, a really sacred non secular relationship.”
Tom Hagen
After Connie’s wedding ceremony, Vito sends Tom Hagen to Los Angeles, the place he meets with Hollywood producer, Jack Woltz (John Marley), who initially brushes the younger consigliere off. As soon as he asks round about him, he rapidly modifications his tune and reconsiders seeing Hagen. Initially, Woltz thinks Vito is simply making an attempt to do Fontane a favor, however Hagen makes it very clear that the Don’s connection to Johnny Fontane is as sacred because the bond between households.
Whereas the time period “godfather” is a title of respect given to Vito by his friends, his favor for his godson reveals the in depth lengths he’s keen and able to going to, particularly for his household. Anybody who’s requested to be a godparent of a kid all the time feels a sure sense of accountability for them and contemplating how Vito responds to Woltz’s reply, it is secure to say that Vito takes being Fontane’s godfather as significantly as Hagen says, perhaps much more, making this an important quote.
12 “Solely do not inform me you are harmless as a result of it insults my intelligence and makes me very indignant.”
Michael Corleone
Within the last moments of The Godfather, Michael tells Carlo (Gianni Russo) that they’ve to hold again they usually return to the home. Whereas Carlo is anxiously dialing the telephone, Michael blindsides him by bluntly accusing him of being chargeable for the homicide of Sonny. After Michael coaxes Carlo into admitting that Barzini approached him, he does not give a response like most individuals would anticipate. Regardless of his phrases, Michael’s lack of any facial features or emotion can also be a inform of what’s to return subsequent for Carlo.
Michael’s comment to Carlo is a pleasant menace that causes extra worry in his brother-in-law than any bodily motion might have at that second. That is simply top-of-the-line last quotes within the movie that represents how chilly and calculated Michael has formally develop into. Whereas most would wish to inflict ache on anybody who harm their household, Michael goes the additional mile, gaining his satisfaction by watching Carlo stroll out the door like he is dodged a bullet, solely to be met by Clemenza.
11 “That is my household, Kay, that is not me.”
Michael Corleone
At Connie’s wedding ceremony, Kay (Diane Keaton) is stunned to see Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) arrive and asks Michael how he is aware of him. Michael tells her his father is Fontane’s godfather and even helped him out as soon as with Luca Brasi (Lenny Montana). After insisting that he give particulars, Michael indulges her by telling her the stunning manner Vito and Luca helped Fontane out of his contract with a band chief.
This quote is by far top-of-the-line within the movie as a result of it not solely establishes Michael’s opinion of his household, but additionally serves as a little bit of ironic foreshadowing as effectively. It is not that he does not love his household, he simply does not thoughts not being concerned of their enterprise and desires to make it clear to Kay that he is not like them. In a twist of irony, Michael finally ends up turning into precisely what he initially by no means sought to be in life, deeming this to be a necessary quote from The Godfather.
10 “A person who does not spend time along with his household can by no means be an actual man.”
Don Vito Corleone
Throughout Connie’s wedding ceremony, Vito meets along with his godson and well-known singer, Johnny Fontane, who wants his godfather’s assist in getting him a component in a film that would put him again on prime. After listening to Fontane’s dilemma and shouting at him for breaking down into tears, his oldest son, Sonny, enters the room and as he asks Fontane if he is been spending time along with his household, he provides a fast look at Sonny, who is not precisely the upstanding household man.
Vito’s line about what defines a “actual man” speaks volumes about his personal private morals and values, in addition to its reference to Sonny, which makes it one of many finest quotes within the gangster movie. Whereas the query is directed at Fontane, it’s a jab at Sonny, who has been playing around along with his mistress (and Connie’s maid of honor) at his sister’s wedding ceremony. Though he loves his son, he’s ashamed of Sonny’s extra-marital affair and ignoring his responsibility as a husband and a father, making his level clear with out addressing the difficulty straight.
9 “I do not like violence, Tom. I am a businessman; blood is an enormous expense.”
Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo
When Vito survives being shot a number of occasions, Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo (Al Lettieri) has his males choose up Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) in hopes that he can cool Sonny down and attempt to carry peace between the 5 Households. He tries to sway Hagen’s opinion of him by revealing his true intentions of making an attempt to determine an answer as a substitute of resorting to violence whereas additionally threatening him in the identical breath.
Sollozzo’s line is among the finest strains in The Godfather as it reveals the character’s diplomatic facet, but additionally, on the identical time, serves as a warning that he is ready to return after Vito and the Corleone household once more if it involves that. He is not somebody who needs to resort to violence due to what it might price him, but when all else fails, he is keen to make use of it if it is a means to an finish.
8 “In Sicily, ladies are extra harmful than shotguns.”
Calo
After Sollozzo and Captain McClusky are killed, the film shifts to Italy as Michael is shipped to Sicily for his personal security and hides on the market till the mud settles, and it is secure for him to return. Whereas Michael nonetheless thinks about Kay who has relentlessly tried to contact him, destiny steps in when he meets a ravishing Sicilian girl, Apollonia (Simonetta Stefanelli) and it seems they each have been struck by Cupid’s arrow. As Michael cannot take his eyes off her, his buddy, Calo (Franco Citti), provides him some phrases of recommendation.
Calo’s quote about Sicilian ladies is a permanent warning to Michael about their father’s and husband’s fierce loyalty and protectiveness over them, making them seemingly untouchable by Michael or anybody else. Michael understands this and does not strategy Apollonia however as a substitute, speaks to her father about assembly her below the supervision of her household, revealing Michael’s upstanding honor and respect.
7 “Mr. Corleone by no means asks a second favor as soon as he is refused the primary. Understood?”
Tom Hagen
After Connie’s wedding ceremony, Vito sends Tom Hagen to California to fulfill with director, Jack Woltz, who’s directing the film Fontane needs a component in. Hagen’s preliminary assembly with Woltz does not go over too effectively, however when Woltz finds out who Fontane’s godfather is, he rapidly modifications his tune and invitations Hagen over for dinner. Woltz refuses to present Fontane a component in his upcoming film however says he is keen to do another favor for Don Corleone.
Hagen is often a relaxed, cool, and picked up man, however when Woltz provides to do one thing else for Vito, Hagen snaps again, reminding Woltz of who he is refusing with top-of-the-line quotes in The Godfather. His line can also be a refined warning to Woltz that after he is made his choice, there is no going again with Vito and if he requested a second favor, it might give Vito the fame of being a pushover.
6 “I would like anyone good – and I imply excellent – to plant that gun. I do not need my brother popping out with simply his d**ok in his hand.”
Santino “Sonny” Corleone
Whereas Vito is recovering within the hospital, Michael discovers that Sollozzo remains to be making an attempt to kill him and sits down with Sonny and the others to attempt to determine a plan. They resolve that Michael will agree to fulfill with Sollozzo and Captain McClusky and kill them with an ingenious plan of planting a gun within the restaurant rest room earlier than they arrive. As they kind out the small print, Sonny realizes the potential hazard his youthful brother may very well be getting into if something goes fallacious.
Sonny’s line is each comical and memorable, because it speaks to Sonny’s real concern about his brother with out showing weak or emotional. He is aware of Michael can deal with the job, however provided that every part goes in line with plan, and whoever crops the gun has to know precisely what they’re doing to make sure nothing goes fallacious.
5 “By no means inform anybody outdoors the household what you are pondering once more.”
Don Vito Corleone
When Sollozzo meets with Vito and the Corleone household, he is not happy when Vito passes on his provide and as Sollozzo tries to motive with him, Vito begins to reply, however is abruptly interrupted by Sonny. As Vito places his hand out, Sonny understands what his father is saying and shuts up. After the assembly, Vito scolds his son about his outburst with top-of-the-line strains in The Godfather.
Vito is among the best gangster characters by taking part in his playing cards near his chest and solely says what must be stated. Sonny has a fame for being impulsive and, whereas his intentions could have been good, his father makes a sound level to him about refraining from revealing his private plans or data to his opponent, which, sadly, is one main high quality of Sonny’s that results in his downfall.
4 “Do not ever take sides with anybody towards the household once more. Ever.”
Michael Corleone
Now appearing boss, Michael Corleone travels to Las Vegas to fulfill with fellow mobster, Moe Greene (Alex Rocco), who primarily constructed Sin Metropolis and allowed Michael’s older brother, Fredo (John Cazale), to affix his operation. Whereas Michael is greeted by his cheery brother and a joking Greene, the tone of the room sours as Michael provides to purchase Greene out. Throughout their argument, Fredo pipes in defending Greene, which does not change his brother’s thoughts however solely angers him.
After Greene storms out, Michael coldly turns to his older brother and provides him a warning that in the end foreshadows Fredo’s largest mistake in The Godfather: Half II, making it top-of-the-line quotes within the movie. Vito had all the time instilled the significance of the household being united and Michael reminded his brother of this important lesson. The household must current themselves as a unified pressure, as a result of when you give in to petty arguments and bickering, you can lose the higher hand.
3 “It is not private, it is strictly enterprise.”
Michael Corleone
After Vito is gunned down within the streets and miraculously survives, Sollozzo asks to fulfill with Michael to suggest a possible deal, which Sonny instantly shoots down. Whereas Sonny is greater than keen to go to warfare, Tom thinks they need to hear Sollozzo’s provide, mentioning that this can be a matter of enterprise, not private. As the 2 brothers get right into a heated argument, Michael agrees to the assembly, supporting Tom’s level in addition to Sonny’s, and decides to kill Sollozzo and McClusky.
Tom is true that the hit was pushed by enterprise issues, however Sonny can also be partially proper, as Sollozzo went after their father and patriarch of the household and ignited this battle. Michael’s response to Sonny echoes Tom’s preliminary assertion and is taken into account to be one of many very best strains within the film that is still related all through Michael’s journey. Michael helps Sonny’s choice to kill Sollozzo, not due to the hit, however as a result of it might guarantee the security of their enterprise in addition to their household.
2 “Depart the gun, take the cannoli.”
Peter Clemenza
As soon as the household figures out it was Paulie who went towards the household, Sonny tells Peter Clemenza to maintain it sooner relatively than later. When Paulie and Rocco choose up Clemenza within the morning, Clemenza’s spouse reminds him to not overlook the cannoli which he picks up when the three of them go to take a look at a spot on the West Facet. On the drive again, Clemenza tells Paulie to drag over and will get out of the automobile to alleviate himself. Whereas outdoors in entrance of the silent cornfield, Rocco shoots Paulie and as Clemenza returns to the automobile, he delivers one of many best strains in film historical past.
“Depart the gun, take the cannoli,” is fingers down top-of-the-line and most memorable strains of The Godfather that has been referenced in motion pictures and reveals for many years. The road primarily tells Rocco to go away every part, together with the gun in addition to the automobile and the horrific scene, however to take the cannoli, which his spouse would expect. Clemenza is sensible, as he would a lot relatively run into issues with the police than have hassle along with his spouse.
1 “I’ll make him a suggestion he cannot refuse.”
Don Vito Corleone
Throughout Connie’s wedding ceremony, Michael tells a narrative about his father serving to Fontane get out of his contract and explains that he made the band chief a suggestion he could not refuse. He explains that the provide was a gun to the top and two choices; both launch Fontane from the contract or be shot. Later, after Vito agrees to assist Fontane get the half within the film, he tells his godson to not fear as he’ll make him a suggestion he cannot refuse, foreshadowing a possible comparable encounter with Fontane’s band chief.
There is not any query that Vito’s iconic line, “I’ll make him a suggestion he cannot refuse,” is the very best quote from The Godfather. In 2005, the American Movie Institute ranked the well-known line because the second-best film quote of all time, and it’s thought of by many film followers to be an epic one-liner. Other than being probably the most well-known film quotes, the road serves as a refined warning, revealing to audiences precisely how highly effective the Corleone household is and that nobody has ever refused a suggestion from them and lived to inform the story.
