The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on Mario Puzo's bestselling novel of the same name. It follows Don Vito Corleone, the head of a New York crime family, and his sons. As the family faces demands from the rival crime family and the changing times, the Don's reluctant son Michael takes over the family business. The film portrays the struggles of Italian immigrants in America through the lens of the Corleone family, depicting both their family values and their violent criminal operations. It was praised for its depiction of Italian culture and its influence on changing perceptions of Italian Americans.