Review of The Godfather Part II (1974) by Shane M — 21 Sep 2014

Note: Full rewrite happening soon. My 100th R-rated movie! Finally, I hit my goal before I turned 17! The 3rd best movie I've seen, as well as the best sequel and prequel ever made. Hard to believe the sequel measures up to the original, huh? If you really pay attention to the film and focus on its narrative and narrative structure, you'll see why some people (including me) consider this on par to the original Francis Ford Coppola masterpiece.

Continuing Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Part II follows two different stories, Michael Corleone in 1958 protecting his family business ventures after a failed attempt of his life, and Vito Corleone escaping from Sicily in 1901, traveling to New York, raising his family, and establishing the Corleone crime family.

This film does everything The Godfather did, but adds a few new things in order to keep up with the cinematic landmarks the original made. This film does the usual crime formula by adding in tons of graphic violence and language, giving it the traditional look.

Part II also explores a darker look at the American Dream, and exploring themes of morality, family, loyalty, tradition, power, integrity, and responsibility. Part II also has the ability to change between time periods at the right time, whether it's focused on a certain character or event, it remains well-timed and relevant.

Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo are able to input the incredible storytelling from the first, and are able to keep everything balanced, as well as keep the pace even, despite the fact the sequel is longer, at 3 hours, 20 minutes.

The length allows tons of depth into the film, showcasing tons of emotional complexity, including complex characterization. Coppola is able to get the most out of his incredible cast, and is able to capture the look and feel of each scene to a fault, showcasing that the first film helped him craft a masterful film that won him an Oscar for his work (as well as writing), despite wrongfully losing for the first film (although he won for writing, and WHY??????!!!!!!).

The cast showcase some of the best performances ever put to film, and main actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro are the undoubted best. Pacino captures everything about Michael, from his emotion and reaction to events, to his devotion to work and family, and lost an Oscar for it (so ridiculous.

**** YOU ACADEMY!!!!!!). De Niro won his first Oscar by capturing the physical and emotional struggle Vito went through in New York, as well as convincingly speaking Italian for almost all the times he speaks.

Nino Rota and Carmine Coppola capture the mood of each scene, and craft one of the most iconic scores in film history, and Gordon Willis' work as a cinematographer is undeniable as he captures each scene with finesse, and the camera angles help with the music.

This film is true filmmaking at its best, and a must-see for true film fanatics.