15. The Godfather
AFRICANGLOBE – Gangsters became such a fascination in the early 20th century that Hollywood, always looking for a new trend, jumped on it with gusto. They haven’t stopped since. Some of the most memorable films of all time come from this genre, which touches on so many factors that make up America, including an entrepreneurial spirit. Of course, the entrepreneurs in these cases work outside the law, which is not advisable (a point all of these movies make, usually). But in watching these movies from the perspective of a business owner, each offers a lessons we could all do well to remember.
Take business classes to learn finance, management and data analysis. Watch these movies to have certain basic rules illustrated in every colorful way.
The Godfather
The Lesson: Surround yourself with Trustworthy, skilled people
One can argue that this film, which still finds its way on “best of” lists more than 40 years after its release, contains many valuable insights into American politics, business and even family life. But for our purposes here, this movie, better than any in all of filmdom, offers the perfect personification of the capable “right-hand man” in the character Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall).
The adopted brother of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) proves invaluable in many ways. It’s not just that he’s loyal. It’s also that he knows what he’s doing. Witness how he deals with the Hollywood producer, for example. That’s the sort of person you want in your inner circle. Almost everyone else betrays Michael, even people on his own team (leading one to say, when he is caught: “Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him”). In a gangster movie this means a whole lot of people end up sleeping with the fishes, but in your life the most likely result is a failing business. Look for people like Tom.
