The Godfather Part II - The Coppola
Restoration starring Al Pacino,
Robert De Niro
Joins Its Older Brother At The Top Of Film History
Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of
Mafia chief Vito Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzos bestselling novel
The Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning,
1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in
turn-of-the-century New York Citys Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out
of the story of Vitos transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting
that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the
familys business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is,
The Godfather II is an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that
touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong
case that our destinies are written long before were born. This was De
Niros first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous
impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors

(including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacinos film and a
masterful performance. --Tom Keogh
Personal Review: The Godfather Part II - The Coppola
Restoration starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro
Most sequels don't do justice when compared to the originals (such as
Jaws 2, Speed 2, Poltergeist 2, and of course, every Disney sequel ever
created). Only a few are either equal or better than the original (Terminator
2, The Dark Knight, Aliens). The Godfather Part II is considered to be
either equal or better than the original classic Godfather. I guess it
depends on everyone's opinion.
But anyway, this is yet another phenomenal masterpiece by master
filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. It has a much grander scale, mainly
because it focuses on two stories. The contrast between young Vito
Corleone rising as a powerful Don and the ascension of his son Michael
many years later is so painfully obvious. Here, we have young Vito
spreading his love with his own family while still making progress in his
own private (and seemingly dangerous) business. And then we have
Michael, whose cold heart and harsh judgments start to destroy those
close around him. Vito would not be proud of how his business is being run
during the 50's.
While the first Godfather is set in New York City, Las Vegas, Hollywood,
and Sicily, the locations in second Godfather is much more broad:
Corleone in Sicily, New York City, Lake Tahoe, Florida, Pre-revolutionary
Cuba, etc. They all look so beautiful and they all match with the
appearance and feeling of the film.
The strongest points of this film are the performances by the actors. No
doubt whatsoever that Robert de Niro was born to play young Vito
Corleone. He's got the calm appearance, firm intelligence, and the Sicilian
language down perfectly. He deserved the Oscar win. Al Pacino continues
to amaze as Michael Corleone. His silent and not-so-silent rage is so
believable, I would be so afraid to be standing face-to-face with this guy.
Diane Keaton is a great actress, and she shows her outstanding acting
abilities during the fight with Kay and Michael. It's an immensely intense
scene, and kudos to actress Talia Shire for the suggestion that would
break Michael's heart forever. Robert Duvall does what he does best as
Tom Hagen; his professional look is truly outstanding. Michael Gazzo as
Frankie Pentangeli is overall very worthwhile, although I do miss Richard
Castellano as Peter Clemenza. Lee Strasberg knows how to be a good
antagonist, and he shows it off as Hyman Roth. He really knows what
makes people hate villains; it's a performance no one would ever forget.
The standout in the film is the late John Cazale as Fredo, Michael's
brother. Considered the weakest son in the Corleone family, his desire for
respect and love is so heartbreaking. I could almost feel for the guy when
he confronts Michael during the snowfall. Unfortunately, Cazale died of

cancer when filming The Deer Hunter. I could only imagine what sort of
success he would've achieved in film if he survived.
In my opinion, The Godfather Part II is equal to the original Godfather.
Both are now a part of my favorite films list. I haven't seen The Godfather
Part III just yet, and many people agree that it is the weakest in the trilogy.
I see for myself if it's underrated, so-so, or just plain crappy.
Grade: A+
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