“The Godfather” is a cinematic masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its story of family, power, loyalty, and the complex underworld is filled with lines that are both memorable and profound. The characters’ words resonate with a sense of authority, wisdom, and the harsh realities of their world. These 42 quotes from “The Godfather” capture the essence of the film, offering insights into life, relationships, and the choices one must make. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates powerful dialogue, these quotes are bound to make an impact.
1. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
2. “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.”
3. “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
4. “Never tell anybody outside the family what you’re thinking again.”
5. “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
6. “Great men are not born great, they grow great.”
7. “The Don always taught me one thing: keep your mouth shut and your ears open.”
8. “I don’t like violence, Tom. I’m a businessman. Blood is a big expense.”
9. “Revenge is a dish that tastes best when served cold.”
10. “I believe in America. America has made my fortune.”
11. “You can act like a man! What’s the matter with you? Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio?”
12. “Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.”
13. “Do you spend time with your family? Good. Because a man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
14. “I’ll give him something to think about.”
15. “It’s a Sicilian message. It means Luca Brasi is sleeping with the fishes.”
16. “You talk about vengeance. Is vengeance going to bring your son back to you? Or my boy to me?”
17. “In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns.”
18. “We’re all part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to you.”
19. “The lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.”
20. “There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
21. “I never wanted this for you. I work my whole life – I don’t apologize – to provide for my family, and I refused to be a fool, dancing on the string held by all those bigshots. I don’t apologize – that’s my life – but I
thought that, when it was your time, you would be spared this.”
22. “Time erodes gratitude more quickly than blood.”
23. “Power wears out those who don’t have it.”
24. “The only wealth in this world is children, more precious than any currency.”
25. “You don’t make decisions because you can’t live with the consequences.”
26. “A lawyer carrying a briefcase can steal more money than a hundred men with guns.”
27. “What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?”
28. “If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it’s that you can kill anyone.”
29. “I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen.”
30. “The things that have passed between us, the insults, the injuries… let’s put them aside.”
31. “My father made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
32. “There’s no way to tell a good wine from a bad one without opening the bottle.”
33. “He’s a good boy. He’s a good son. He’s a good soldier.”
34. “You can’t even trust your own family these days.”
35. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but I really don’t care what you think.”
36. “The one thing I learned from Pop was to try to think as men of affairs think.”
37. “The more people I meet, the more I love my dog.”
38. “You’re nothing but a second-rate, punk, a wise guy.”
39. “This is business. It’s not personal.”
40. “I’ll take care of it. I’ll take care of everything.”
41. “I’m tired of being a nice guy. I’m tired of being pushed around.”
42. “You’ve got to have some balls to be a Don.”
Conclusion
These 42 quotes from “The Godfather” are a testament to the power of the film’s dialogue. They encapsulate the complex web of relationships, the moral ambiguities, and the harsh realities that the characters face. Whether it’s about family loyalty, business acumen, or the lengths one must go to maintain power, these quotes offer a wealth of insights. They can serve as reminders of the human condition, even in the context of a fictional crime world. As we reflect on these words, we can see how they’ve become ingrained in our cultural lexicon and continue to influence our understanding of power dynamics and personal relationships. Let these quotes be a celebration of the iconic film and a source of inspiration for our own interpretations of life’s challenges and choices.
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