[Taltarzac725]

I see that HBO is showing both the Godfather and the Godfather II on January 17, 2016. Love these movies by Francis Ford Coppola. I have met few and far between Italian-Americans who live and or act like those in these films.

https://youtu.be/gsB9ZPO4ipA

[tomwed]

Take away the crime and it was a fairly close resemblance of Italian American family life according to a documentary about the movie. The wedding, dancing, food, collecting checks for the bride, the songs, the wedding photos, making gravy, picking up cannolis, interest in clothes, language, looking out for your family honor and honoring your Godfather and parents.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by tomwed

Take away the crime and it was a fairly close resemblance of Italian American family life according to a documentary about the movie. The wedding, dancing, food, collecting checks for the bride, the songs, the wedding photos, making gravy, picking up cannolis, interest in clothes, language, looking out for your family honor and honoring your Godfather and parents.

It is quite a different movie without the crime.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

It is quite a different movie without the crime.

What is common between Italian Americans and Italian American gangsters? The Godfather series is also about family. It's a twisted family when it comes to violence but the non-violent traditions are the same. I think you said you haven't witnessed either.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by tomwed

What is common between Italian Americans and Italian American gangsters? The Godfather series is also about family. It's a twisted family when it comes to violence but the non-violent traditions are the same. I think you said you haven't witnessed either.

I have had some nice Italian-American neighbors in a few places I have lived like Reno and also here in the Villages. They do love to cook.

[2BNTV]

Being of Italian descent, I came from a neighborhood where some people were connected to the mob. They were not hard core criminals like in the movie. About 99.9% were hard working families that enjoyed their culture of food, being a close knit family and inviting friends to their homes where food was in abundance.

The Godfather and II was a story about a family that happened to be Italian. Minus the violence, it mirrored what happens to most families of all cultures. When you are children, you play together. When you are teenagers, you may go on double dates. When you get married, you go to each others houses and the cousin children play together. When you get much older, differences may develop in the family structure. Finally, if the parents are fairly wealthy and had several children, when they pass away, the stuff hits the fan as to who gets what.

We all know the mob exists but it is in many cultures, not just the Italian culture. I know Italians being depicted as a bunch of thugs with no class has been popular with the movie makers, so The Godfather joins the list of other films that portrays a seemly side of life.

Again, this is a story of one Italian family. I suggest reading the book as the story line is not like the movie and gives more background into these flawed people.

BTW - The Godfather II was the only sequel to win the academy award.

[Taltarzac725]

Francis Ford Coppola - Rotten Tomatoes

This is tonight that the Godfather I and II are on HBO. They repeat it seems like too at other times. https://youtu.be/gsB9ZPO4ipA

[2BNTV]

Thanks for posting but I have the DVD's so I can watch without interruptions.

I have watched it sooooooooo many times that is is a good movie to have a nap to, as when I awake, I can keep viewing without missing a beat.

The book is so different than the movie in terms of sequence, (Godfather). The book has a goodly portion devoted to Lucy Mancini, (Sonny's girlfriend). She sneaked away with Sonny at Connie's wedding, to do the wild thing.

[rubicon]

Why are we having this conversation?

Because shallow hal (Hollywood) always depicts Americans of Italian descent as mobsters . Its why I have no love for Robert Di Niro or Joe Pesce, etc for selling out.

Its why cops are accused of being on the take because when shallow hal does a cop movie cops are always depicted as on the take: to wit Shades of Blue etc etc etc.

Growing up in my Italian neighbor was like having a very large extended family. It was love, good food, exchanging recipes, early mass on Sunday and helping your neighbors when in need and importantly taking pride in being Americans.

It demanded its children be honest, ethical, truthful and obedient...don't lie because the punishment will be worse. It was lessons that taught that drink a little wine for celebration was good but abuse of alcohol was not. and it was bragging about every neighborhood kid that was advancing in society.

To heck with Hollywood

[Taltarzac725]

HBO Now Airing 7.5-Hour 'The Godfather Epic' Featuring Un | The Playlist

The two Godfather movies are put together in chronological order with some added footage that had been cut from the original theatrical releases.

[Thnonne]

Correct, this is called the Godfather Epic, it is a great way to view the 2 movies in chronological order.