The Crime? The Godfather gives viewers as clear an insight into the inner-workings of an Italian-American crime family as we are ever likely to witness on-screen. This first entry into the definitive trilogy covers the years between 1945 and 1955 and centres on the transformation of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) from kind-natured WWII-veteran to ruthless mob boss by the films close. With his father Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) who had till this point been the patriarch progressing in age and declining in health, Michael is forced to enter the violent, criminal lifestyle he had always wished to avoid. Why Is It Great? A list of the great crime films in cinematic history without any mention of the Godfather would be like sitting down to eat your burger only to realise that McDonalds hadnt put any beef patties in your Big Mac. Forget about crime films The Godfather is one of the greatest films of any genre and it and its sequels (yes, even three) could all justifiably have a place on this list. The Godfather has transcended the stage of just being a film it is well and truly ingrained on the cultural tapestry of the West and if you havent seen it you would be well advised to rectify this as soon as opportunity presents itself.