One of cinema's most celebrated and influential films, The Godfather, has arrived on BBC iPlayer, offering UK viewers a new way to watch this legendary classic for free.
A Cinematic Landmark Finds a New Home
Originally released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Mario Puzo's 1969 novel quickly cemented its status as a defining work of American cinema. Over five decades later, the first instalment of the epic saga is now accessible to stream on the BBC's platform.
The film chronicles the powerful and morally complex world of the fictional Corleone crime family in 1940s New York. It focuses on the aging patriarch, Vito Corleone, and his reluctant son, Michael, who is gradually pulled into the family's clandestine empire.
An Unmatched Legacy and Critical Acclaim
Boasting a legendary cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Sterling Hayden, the film's impact has only grown with time. It spawned two sequels, with The Godfather Part II released in 1974 and The Godfather Part III following in 1990.
The original film continues to receive overwhelming praise. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 97% rating. Critics and audiences alike hail it as a benchmark in storytelling.
"This is not only grand entertainment, but an emotional and intellectual experience to rival any in cinema," one review states. Another notes, "The Godfather remains a powerful film that explores intricate themes... Coppola's storytelling ties it together."
Audience Adoration for a Timeless Classic
Fans have consistently shared their admiration online, with many calling it a "perfect movie from beginning to end" and an "absolute masterpiece." In 2022, marking its 50th anniversary, it was celebrated as "the most memorable, most influential, most quoted, most beloved... most revered American movie ever made."
The BBC's own synopsis on iPlayer captures the core conflict: "Vito Corleone heads a major Mafia ‘family’ in 1940s New York, an enterprise his youngest son, Michael, hopes to escape. However, violent rivalries arise over time, and as Vito ages, Michael is gradually dragged back to the heart of the business."
With its arrival on BBC iPlayer, a new generation of viewers can now easily experience this cultural milestone, while long-time fans have a convenient reason to revisit the epic drama that reshaped modern filmmaking.
