Faith in Film, Week 7

Title: “The Godfather” (1972)

Starring: Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Diane Keaton, James Caan, and Robert Duvall

Synopsis: “The Godfather” is an American classic, and for good reason. There aren’t many American top ten lists that don’t have “The Godfather” at or near the top. The film won Best Picture when it was released in 1972 and remains an iconic classic. It is often considered the consummate “guy” movie, which makes sense given the cultural and time period setting. Both the Italian culture depicted and the era where the movie takes place were highly male dominated, and the characters respond accordingly. One of the places where the tension of that dynamic is tested is between Michael Corleone (Pacino) and his wife, Kay (Keaton).

Michael Corleone and the tension he has between being pulled into the world of the “family business” and trying to be a straight citizen is the focus of the film. That tension is best demonstrated in Michael’s interaction with two key people in his life — his father, Don Vito Corleone (Brando), and his wife. The film offers an excellent example of the dire ends that await us when we give into external pressures and bow to the temptations that pull us off the path of true faith. That happens because the evil one often attacks us at the point of our greatest weakness, which for Michael Corleone was his family.

Questions for Consideration:
1. What is your greatest area of weakness?


2. How do you respond when you feel tempted to stray from the path of God?


3. How do you maintain your faith?

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