Rating of
4/4
The Godfather: Part II review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/11/11
Not everybody would understand the impact of The Godfather series unless you completely give your utmost attention and interest on the themes. Many film lovers would say that The Godfather II is better than the first. I beg to differ since the first chapter will always be the basis of a sequel and it had a more complete solid cast and positive themes. Marlon Brando declines but Robert De Niro excels as the young Don on the rise. It showed the history of the Corleone family while simultaneously presenting the power of his youngest son Michael, intensely executed by Al Pacino. Memorable lines included/nominated in AFI’s 100 quotes: Michael – “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." “I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart.” Hyman Roth - "Michael, we're bigger than U.S. Steel." What could have been the result if Brando had returned; would it still be the classic and considered one of the best sequels ever?
The protagonists were exceptional as well with the addition of Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth and Gastone Moschin as Don Fanucci. The inventive and interesting plot, film’s musical score, solid character development, elegant cinematography and script just made this conclusion a classic in its own right. The only qualm I had was Frank Pentangeli’s (Michael V. Gazzo) distressed character since Richard Castellano did not comeback as one of my favorite henchmen, Peter Clemenza. The Academy disrespected Pacino’s brilliance by not giving the statue for Best Actor (which he later received in an adequate role) but deservingly recognized De Niro. The Godfather II was darker, had a better story in terms of the Corleone family background and superb artists involved. A sequel winning an Academy Award was unheard of, but the people recognize a masterpiece if they ever saw one. People somewhere are debating which the momentous films were better decades after its release. That speaks volumes of how extraordinary part I and II were. It is movie making at its finest, at least you get the best of both worlds.
