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The Godfather

(1972, Rated R, Drama, Starring Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    The classic tale of a Mafia family. Not for kids.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Disobeying the law and murdering enemies is a necessary evil. All authority is corrupt.
  • Violence :

    Numerous graphic murders, domestic fights, beatings.
  • Sex :

    Brief nudity (breasts), brief sex scene (fully clothed).
  • Language:

    A few curses, numerous racial slurs.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Extensive use of alcohol and tobacco.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Godfather

Parents need to know this movie contains graphic violence. There are machine gun killings, brutal beatings, betrayals, blood. The murders are not unnecessarily gory or lengthy, but their startling abruptness and the expressions of horror on the victims' faces make these images unforgettable. The violence always has gravity. There is brief nudity and sex, and a few curse words. Children too young to see the violence in this film wouldn't be able to appreciate the intricacies of the plot and so would have no interest in the movie.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether or not they feel the level of violence in the movie is necessary. What makes this movie a classic? When if ever, it is okay to operate outside of a corrupt legal system (do the ends justify the means). What might lead an individual, or a group, to systematically disobey the law?
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Godfather?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

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  •  Any concerns?

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See all 30 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    Kids ages: 10, 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Great movie, Very Realistic Violence

    This movie has absolutely no nudity, but Michael is seen holding up a girl against a door, pushing her and she is moaning, they are fully clothed. The main thing to be worried about is the realistic violence. A character named Sonny is massacred at a tollbooth and blood is all over him and he is screaming. They are also bad role models, stealing, killing.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    Kids ages: 10, 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    This is a great mafia movie. Filled with action, and makes you want to see part two. I believe that only 17 and up should see this because of the violence in it.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Good movie, bad role models

    Awesome mafia movie, a little violent for younger veiwers, but the best of it's kind. Can give bad role model for younger children though.The question is, would you want the kind of people in this movie hanging out with your kids?

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    If There was a billion star option, thats what I would give It

    I saw this for the first time a year and a half ago and i've seen it 5 times since. This is hands down the greatest movie I've ever seen. The acting is incredible and everything about it is as well. However, it is very violent, and has a brief seen of nudity. It is okay for anyone over 12 or 13 who is mature.

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