The sequel to the 1972 blockbuster, "Part II" somehow manages to be an even better film than its predecessor, despite the absence of Marlon Brando and (except for a flashback scene) James Caan. While "Part II" did not exceed the box office gross of the original, it did better at the Academy Awards, winning six Oscars versus the three that "The Godfather" had won. These Oscars included some of the most important: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Robert DeNiro) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Author Mario Puzo and Coppola).
"Part II" is two hundred minutes in length, but
the film seems to pass more quickly. Set in the
1950s, the story picks up soon after "The
Godfather" left off: Michael Corleone has moved
some operations to Las Vegas, but remains
involved in New York organized crime. He also
seeks to expand operations to pre-Castro Cuba, in
partnership with aging, chronically ill Hyman
Roth (Lee Strasberg). He also has to defend
himself against congressional hearings into his
criminal activities. As in the first film,
Michael ruthlessly punishes those who oppose or
betray the 'family' (i.e. himself). Although his
success continues, he also becomes ever more cold
and distant: nearly a personification of evil.
The only emotions that remain are the desires to
punish those who have hurt him.
There also flashbacks of Michael's father Vito
first as a boy, then as a young man. Vito (De
Niro) immigrates to America, alone, to escape a
vendetta against his family. Although he can be
as ruthless as his son would later be, Vito also
rewards with favors those who are on his side.
Since the people he kills seem to deserve it,
Vito comes off better than Michael does. De
Niro's detached cool provides a welcome break
from Pacino's relentless gloom, and it was wise
of Coppola to shuffle the two films together
despite the film's length and the disturbance of
continuity.
Those who believe that Troy Donahue never made a
good film stand corrected. Donahue has a small
role as Talia Shire's fortune-hunting suitor.
Michael V. Gazzo, who has a marvelously raspy
voice, has a great supporting role as
troubled mobster Frank Pentangeli. As in
the first film, John Cazale and Robert Duvall
give excellent performances.
"The Godfather Part II" also won Academy Awards
for its score, co-credited to Nino Rota and
Carmine Coppola (Francis' father), and for its
sets. (96/100)
The sequel to THE GODFATHER tells the story of both a young Vito Corleone Robert De Niro newly arrived in America and his son Michael Al Pacino 40 yea...More at Family Video
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