Tools for this page
Print

The Godfather

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    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.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships
updated 10.09.09

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.
  • Role models:

    Not too many characters you would want your kid emulating...
  • 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

This review of The Godfather was written by Elliot Panek

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether or not they feel the level of violence in the movie is necessary.
  • 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?
  • What makes this movie a classic?
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on The Godfather

What’s the Story?

The film follows the Corleone family and their rapidly multiplying troubles. Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) is on his way out, and the most promising potential heir is his handsome, war-hero son, Michael (Al Pacino). As family members cope with the trials of gangster life, the latent power structures of society and family become evident.

Is It Any Good?

Epic in scope while maintaining a patience and intimacy characteristic of European art cinema, THE GODFATHER is rightly considered one of the greatest films ever made. The Godfather continues to influence producers of films, television shows, and video games more than 30 years after its release. Nino Rota's score, the sumptuous set design, and Brando's raspy pseudo-whisper have become part of our collective cultural memory.

The film possesses an operatic quality, yet it's more understated than it is flamboyant. It takes its subjects seriously, bestowing legitimacy upon the internecine power struggles of the Mafia normally reserved for classical themes in high art. The film's release initiated a period when American filmmakers dared to take themselves and their artistic ambitions seriously (perhaps too seriously). There is something deeply resonant in the film's treatment of filial piety, the need for respect, and our culture's abiding interest in the parallel moral universe of the Mafia.

Movie Details

Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment, Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Run time: 175 minutes
Theatrical release: 3/11/1972, DVD release: 5/11/2004
MPAA Rating: R for Violence, Language

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about The Godfather?

or

to post a review

See all 34 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Possibly the greatest film ever made!

    This is one of my favorite movies, it's not just another mob film. It's THE Mob film. This is movie presents the most realistic depiction of life in the Mafia that you will ever see! It doesn't glamorize their violent and horrible lifestyle. It just weaves a fantastic story, where Family, and Respect are everything. As for violence, well... I mean what am I supposed to say? It's a GANGSTER film! There is quite a bit of very graphic and realistic violence, there are several shootouts, some of the main characters are killed with lots of drama and emphasis on the blood/gore. As for sexual content, there is one brief scene where intercourse is implied, but not much is shown. Not too much language, a few uses of f**k, sh*t, b***ch etc... This is a classic, but is only appropriate for mature audiences. It should be OK for 14+.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    one of the best movies ever made

    by far this one of the best movies i have ever scene. the only reason i got to see it, though, was because it was an edited version on AMC. though i saw it and am 12 doesn't mean its for everyone. i had to see it twice just to grasp what was going on. the plot is very hard to get the first time if your a kid so you may need to watch it twice. the violence may be to much for some so it all depends on your preferences. overall awesome movie.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Excellent Movie; Not for the Kiddies

    Ah, The Godfather. Probably one of my favorite movies all time. Of course I'm not a parent. A parent would probably find the violence alone to be too much for their child, and I admit, it is pretty brutal. Not just the actual gore, but the sheer violence and abruptness of it is what merits the "R" rating. While I did list language as a concern, obcene words are sporatic throughout the movie, and any teen should be able to deal with. There is also a single, brief topless scene in which sex is implied, but never shown. All in all, a classic film, but not for kids. Teens should be able to handle it, though.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    It's a mafia movie that is fairly violent. There is also a topless scene. Very little profanity. There are also mature themes but anyone over 12 should handle it fine

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    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?

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    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.

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title pause for age 14 and give it 1.0

    lame

    boring as hell ( I dont care if it is a classic it is boring!!!)

  11. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

  12. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title pause for age 14 and give it 5.0

  13. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title pause for age 13 and give it 5.0

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title pause for age 16 and give it 1.0

    Complex, interesting, graphic violence

    After seeing this movie, it's clear to me why it's considered a classic. It's not among my favorites because it's just not my type of film, but I have to admit that it was an amazing movie. The story is complex and gives you a lot to think about, and all the actors are very good. This movie is way too violent for kids and younger teens - at one point I had to cover my eyes - but if you can deal with it, it's definitely worth seeing.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Relentless Perfection

    First let me say that this is not my favorite movie of all time but, i must admit it is the best motion-picture ever definatly in my top 3. It's reely not that violent, let your kids watch this one, Mabey they'll learn a thing or two? even so, considering that it's the best movie ever made, Why not make an exeption?

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    This is classic and a must-see for everybody!

  17. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    should have been pg-13

    why r

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    good stuff

    10+ up should watch

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Simplz: Zoo

    Simplz: Zoo

    Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name