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Original poster

Which is the better film? The Godfather or Goodfellas?

32 replies

Greenbeanmcgee · 18/02/2023 12:05

I'm having a lighthearted debate with a friend over these two movies.

If you like either of these movies, which do you prefer?

I enjoy both but I'm definitely Team Godfather.

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dreamingbohemian · 18/02/2023 12:14

I wouldn't say Goodfellas is better per se but I enjoy watching it more.

I actually prefer Godfather II as the de Niro parts are so great

grosslyunfair · 18/02/2023 12:17

I love them both but marginal preference for Goodfellas. Both masterpieces!

Saucery · 18/02/2023 12:17

I prefer Goodfellas, but The Godfather isn’t bad.

Bard6817 · 18/02/2023 12:20

that’s like picking a favourite child.

One is a little bit more grown up - subtle - elegant - maybe even a little bit beautiful.

The other is fun as well as harsh reality of day to day business.

DelilahJane · 18/02/2023 12:22

Casino is my all time favourite. Probably because how glamorous Sharon Stone looks for most of the movie.

Followed closely by Goodfellas, Ive tried to watch the Godfather a few times but always fall asleep.

PuppyMonkey · 18/02/2023 12:23

I rewatched Goodfellas quite recently and was surprised it actually seemed a bit… well not half as good as I remember.

LoisWilkersonslastnerve · 18/02/2023 12:48

I love Goodfellas and Casino. The Godfather is a work of art though.

hettiethehare · 18/02/2023 13:04

Team Godfather here - beautiful, elegant, haunting, tense, fantastically crafted plot development. Probably my all time favourite film.

DH is totally Team Goodfellas though.

Rauha · 18/02/2023 13:05

The Godfather for sure.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 18/02/2023 13:09

The Godfather and The Godfather Part II taken together are the best films ever made. (Part III is a good film, but not up to the standard of the first two. Great shame Robert Duvall couldn't be persuaded to take part.)

I've seen Goodfellas and was underwhelmed. I want to like Scorsese films but often don't, much.

magicstar1 · 18/02/2023 13:28

Goodfellas is very entertaining, and I do enjoy it, but The Godfather is a better movie. I took my mother to the cinema last year for the 50th anniversary, and it was so much better actually watching and concentrating on the storyline. I picked up on so many new little things.

This has reminded me of when DH and I told FIL that he should watch Goodfellas, and we lent him the dvd. He gave it back and said he didn’t like it, that the story didn’t make sense, and he couldn’t follow it at all.
Turned out it was a double sided dvd and he’d watched side 2 lol.

user1471521072 · 22/02/2023 00:48

Godfather is better.
I also prefer the Godfather part 2 because of De Niro playing the young Vito Corleone.

edithjc · 22/02/2023 05:40

I prefer Goodfellas. But I like Casino even more than Goodfellas. Also, I've huge love for The Sopranos. Godfather is a classic but I haven't watched it as many times as Goodfellas or Casino. Well, I've watched Apocalypse Now even more than The Godfather.

Niftythrifter · 22/02/2023 18:12

Based on the fact that I didn’t switch it off in the first thirty minutes I will say Goodfellas which is what O did when I attempted He Godfather.

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Greenbeanmcgee · 22/02/2023 20:12

Thanks all. It's interesting to see which people prefer and why,. I love Godfather Part 2 also but although I really enjoyed the young Vito parts in 2 on first viewing, I'd now rather spend more time with Michael, Tom and co. I'm going to watch it again soon though so it'll be interesting to see if my thoughts change. It's still one of my favourite movies though.

Great shame Robert Duvall couldn't be persuaded to take part.)

I totally agree but I don't blame him considering the pay difference. 3 just wasn't the same without Tom. It may still not have been as good as the first but Tom's presence would have changed so much.

I rewatched Goodfellas quite recently and was surprised it actually seemed a bit… well not half as good as I remember.

I haven't seen Goodfellas for years and though I really enjoyed it at the time, I have a feeling that might be my reaction too. It'll still outclass most movies though even if that's the case.

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ancientgran · 22/02/2023 20:29

The Godfather but particularly the cut where they put the Godfather and Godfather II in chronological order. That is the ultimate for me.

CathyorClaire · 22/02/2023 20:37

I've probably watched Goodfellas but can't remember it.

Recently watched the entire Godfather trilogy and thought it tremendous dross. Likewise Scarface which I remember enjoying at the time but which now looks horrifically dated.

Not sure many of the classic mobs have aged well.

Eminybob · 22/02/2023 20:39

Goodfellas for me. More entertaining and fast moving I think.

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Greenbeanmcgee · 22/02/2023 20:40

The Godfather but particularly the cut where they put the Godfather and Godfather II in chronological order. That is the ultimate for me.

I'm desperate to see this cut. Hopefully it'll be shown on tv again or better yet released.

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EatingWormsMichael · 22/02/2023 20:40

Goodfellas! I love the pace of it. Ray Liotta is outstanding. In fact all of the cast are excellent. The scene where Layla plays while bodies are uncovered across the city is jaw dropping. Sigh, I love it.

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Greenbeanmcgee · 22/02/2023 20:41

Recently watched the entire Godfather trilogy and thought it tremendous dross. Likewise Scarface which I remember enjoying at the time but which now looks horrifically dated.

Dross?! That's an infamnia!

I'll give you part 3 though. That's terrible.

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RufustheFloralmissingreindeer · 22/02/2023 20:43

Same eating

i really like casino as well but goodfellas will always be my favourite

donny brasco is good from the other side and im very intrigued by what ancientgran just said

CathyorClaire · 22/02/2023 20:49

I'll give you part 3 though. That's terrible.

The disjointed Part 3 definitely the worst.

I'll now collect my concrete coat and swim with the fishes 😀

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Greenbeanmcgee · 22/02/2023 21:26

I'll now collect my concrete coat and swim with the fishes 😀

Grin


Oh CathyorClaire? Won't see her no more.

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ancientgran · 22/02/2023 21:49

RufustheFloralmissingreindeer · 22/02/2023 20:43

Same eating

i really like casino as well but goodfellas will always be my favourite

donny brasco is good from the other side and im very intrigued by what ancientgran just said

I saw it donkeys years ago, Mario Puzo recut it and it was shown on TV in 3 or 4 episodes. I loved it and I would love a copy on DVD but I've never found one.