Understanding the Five Families of New York in The Godfather

The Godfather is not merely a narrative about the Corleone family’s ascent and decline within the mafia world; it encompasses a more expansive saga that involves five rival families embroiled in a vicious crime war. This cinematic trilogy, renowned for its artistry, commences with the highly esteemed film The Godfather, which continues to be celebrated as one of cinema’s all-time greats. The cast showcases legendary actors such as Marlon Brando and the later stalwarts of Hollywood, including Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

Central to the Godfather trilogy are prevailing themes of trust and the precarious nature of alliances among the crime families. Initially, The Godfather presents the Corleone family at the apex of power. However, as events unfold, Don Vito Corleone finds himself betrayed by those he relied upon. The trilogy intricately illustrates how fragile the foundations of power can be, especially within the context of the five iconic crime families of New York, each characterized by varying degrees of trustworthiness and ambition.

The Corleone Family

The Rise of the Corleone Family in The Godfather Trilogy

The narrative outlines the six Dons of the Corleone family, starting with Vito Corleone, who, while in command, begins to consider retirement for one of his sons to take the reins. Renowned as one of the most affluent and formidable families in the mafia, Vito Corleone operates the Genco Pura Olive Oil Company as a legitimate business facade to disguise illegal operations, including gambling and extortion. Although Vito places Sonny in charge, this decisions proves imprudent.

While Vito is known for his brutality, his self-discipline allows him to wield power effectively. This is illustrated by extreme actions, which include a noted incident involving a severed horse’s head. Conversely, Sonny’s impulsive nature leads to his manipulation and untimely demise when he is ambushed, with his brother Michael stepping into the leadership role. Michael evolves into the most powerful Corleone Don while receiving advice from his sister Connie and his father’s adopted son, Tom Hagen. Michael’s ruthless retaliation at the film’s climax stands as a hallmark moment in cinematic history.

The Corleone family’s downfall is precipitated by betrayal from the Barzini and Tattaglia families, bolstered by the Stracci and Cuneo families. In an audacious finale, Michael Corleone orchestrates the elimination of all adversaries, including the leaders of rival families, effectively consolidating power while leaving his enemies in disarray. This strategic move positions Michael to seize control of the city’s underworld effectively.

The Barzini Family

Emilio Barzini: The Main Antagonist

Don Emilio “The Wolf”Barzini leads the Barzini family, historically the most dominant mafia faction in New York until Vito Corleone’s ascendant power. Their resentment towards the Corleones stems from the Olive Oil War, and with a firm grip on the drug trade, they had long plotted revenge before the events of The Godfather. Working in tandem with Virgil “The Turk”Solozzo, the Barzinis sought to eliminate Vito Corleone, resulting in Sonny’s assassination on his way to the toll booth.

Maximizing the lessons imparted by Vito’s extensive experience, Michael is cautioned about Barzini’s treachery. Michael’s foresight allows him to anticipate Emilio’s betrayal, as Barzini also recruits Sal Tessio to turn against the Corleones. The family feigns reconciliation after Sonny’s death, yet Michael meticulously schemes for revenge. Utilizing Corleone enforcer Al Neri, Michael ensures Barzini’s execution in a dramatic street shootout, establishing his dominance.

The Tattaglia Family

The Tattaglia Family: Key Players in Vito’s Assassination

Led by Don Philip Tattaglia, this family primarily operates nightclubs and escort services and lacks the gravitas held by their Corleone and Barzini counterparts. While Philip’s personal interests often overshadowed business acumen, his sons, Bruno and John, proved to be more astute strategists. Their partnership with Solozzo facilitated an aggressive foray into the drug market, synchronizing with the attempt on Vito’s life.

In a notable scene, Philip demonstrates his misplaced priorities, as he is more concerned with his appearance than the fate of the families. Ultimately viewed as the weakest family, the Tattaglias are implicated in the orchestrated shootings of Vito and Sonny, although Philip was not the mastermind behind the plot. Following Bruno’s murder, Michael sets his sights on Tattaglia, ultimately leading to Philip’s death at a hotel by Michael’s command.

The Stracci Family

The Stracci Family: An Insidious Network

Less noticeable than their counterparts, the Stracci family leverages political connections and an extensive trucking fleet, making them potentially more hazardous through their combination of legitimate business practices and corruption. Although in the novel, the Stracci family aligns with the Corleones, in the film, Don Victor Stracci’s loyalty shifts, siding with Barzini against the Corleones.

While their role is minor in the original film, the Stracci family’s betrayal of Michael translates into the darker narrative threads of the story. Victor Stracci’s demise occurs early in the “baptism of blood”sequence, and the torch is passed to his brother, Mario, while the family dissipates thereafter, with the remaining influence overshadowed by the Corleone resurgence.

The Cuneo Family

The Cuneo Family: Masters of Disguise

Carmine Cuneo in the Godfather franchise

Led by Don Carmine Cuneo, this family appears to operate under the radar of law enforcement, initially using a fleet of milk trucks to mask their illegal activities. Though their influence might seem subtle, the Cuneo family plays a supportive role in the alliance against the Corleones, joining forces with the Tattaglias and Barzinis in their assault.

The Original Five Family Dons and Actors in The Godfather
Character	Actor
Vito Corleone	Marlon Brando
Emilio Barzini	Richard Conte
Philip Tattaglia	Victor Rendina
Victor Stracci	Don Costello
Carmine Cuneo	Rudy Bond

Like the other family leaders that conspired against the Corleones, Carmine Cuneo meets his end at Michael Corleone’s hands during the film’s climax. Caught by Willie Cicci in a hotel revolving door, Carmine is shot multiple times as he curses the family. Following his death, Leo Cuneo briefly steps into power, but much of the family ultimately succumbs at the hands of Joey Zasa. The rapidly unfolding conclusion of The Godfather is laden with action, yet the memorability of Cuneo’s demise remains a key highlight.

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