Review of The Godfather Part II (1974) by Noname   — 31 Dec 2014

As part deux of the epic crime saga focuses on Michael's era as the new Don, the story swivels back and forth between two generations - Don Vito's revenge-driven, humble rise to the eponymous title and his son, Michael's present day tale of ascension.

With Pacino's compelling performance completing Michael's transformation into a ruthless, moral-torn Mafia boss, Robert De Niro's Academy Awards- winning portrayal of young Vito is a character born from tragic misfortune.

With Michael Corleone leading the family, the chronicle of one man's deal with the devil challenges human dilemmas at best: Has Michael's seedy business that's filled with murder and mayhem made him a family man of integrity he thought he is? Or has this so-called business of protecting his family is somehow a desperate measure for one man's rise to totalitarian power? Say what you want 'cause judging from the surprising third-act, Michael has chosen the path of becoming the man he thought he would never be, a one-way ticket without looking back - a fearful man that embodies insecurity and cold-heartedness all in the name of business.

However, his father, Vito Corleone was a man of contrast - he fought injustice and would do anything to defend what he once lost as a kid - family. Such simultaneously parallel play on both traits, the kind and compassionate nature against the vile and ruthless tragic hero, had single-handedly shaped one of Coppola's finest period pieces to date.