Kicking off the year with The Godfather Part II feels monumental. Before diving into the review, I want to highlight that this film ranks number 19 on Variety’s 100 Greatest Films of All Time list. This review is part of my ongoing series, where I watch and analyze all 100 films from that list. Next year, I’ll move on to another source’s list of the greatest 100 films, with the ultimate goal of reflecting on what makes these movies iconic and creating my own list of the greatest 100 films of all time.
I have a firm rule about watching sequels only after seeing the originals. Luckily, I had already seen The Godfather a few years ago and still remembered its key moments.Without further ado, Let's get into The Godfather Part II Review.
Spoiler Alert: This review contains spoilers!
Opening Thoughts on The Godfather Part II Review
The film opens with a flashback to the origins of Don Vito Corleone, showing how his family was massacred by a ruthless Don in Sicily. This tragedy forces young Vito to flee to America during the Italian immigration wave through Ellis Island. As the narrative unfolds, the movie transitions to the present-day story of Michael Corleone, Vito’s youngest son and the current head of the Corleone family.
This dual narrative structure sets the tone for an epic story that explores the roots of power and the consequences of wielding it.
The Art and Symbolism
A fascinating element of the film is its portrayal of art across both timelines. In Vito’s timeline, we see a traditional play, reflecting the cultural and communal aspects of early Italian-American life. In Michael’s timeline, the art is more complex—a combination of music and theater—mirroring the family’s evolution and the sophistication of their world. This parallel subtly underscores how the Corleone legacy has transformed over time, blending the old-world traditions with modern ambition.
I loved seeing Don Vito’s backstory because it provides a glimpse into the humble beginnings of the Corleone family and the first significant transition of their rise to power.
Politics and Gang Violence
The interplay between power, politics, and crime is masterfully handled. Early in the film, Michael hosts a communion celebration for his son, Anthony, while simultaneously dealing with a corrupt senator who tries to exploit him. Despite Michael’s generosity, the senator remains openly racist and attempts to impose unfair costs on the Corleone casino business.
This dynamic captures the constant tension between the Corleones and the political establishment, highlighting the family’s need to maneuver through treachery at every turn.
Pacing of the Movie
At over three hours long, the pacing reflects the filmmaking style of its era. Scenes linger, allowing the tension to build gradually, and the narrative unfolds with deliberate care. While modern audiences might find this slow, I appreciated the attention to detail and the time it gives the viewer to absorb each moment.
Michael Corleone: A Complex Character
Michael Corleone is a deeply flawed yet captivating character. While he views his family as criminals, he cannot escape their influence. His mistrust—especially of those closest to him—creates cracks in the family’s foundation.
A memorable line about Vito’s philosophy is repeated early in the film: “Vito did business with many people but trusted none of them.” Michael, however, blurs the lines between trust and business, ultimately suspecting betrayal even when the threat is external.
The film masterfully keeps the audience guessing. Just when it seems Michael might betray his family, he makes a calculated move, embodying the famous adage: Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
The Contrasting Legacies of Vito and Michael Corleone
Vito began his criminal enterprise after witnessing the exploitation of Italian business owners and families in New York by a local Don. He was deeply troubled by the question: How could an Italian treat their own people this way? Following the devastating loss of his parents and brother in Sicily, and after losing his job due to mob interference, Vito chose a path of survival and resistance. Instead of simply opposing the mob, he joined their world but sought to bring some measure of justice and protection to his community.
This sense of morality—doing wrong to achieve some good—was a hallmark of Vito’s character, even as his organization grew into a powerful empire, as seen in The Godfather Part I. However, this trait seems absent in Michael by Part II.Michael, who once resisted involvement in the family business, has become more ruthless than his father ever was. His choices, driven by paranoia and power, reflect a stark departure from Vito’s calculated but often compassionate leadership.
Family Dynamics
The Godfather Part II is a timeless exploration of power, betrayal, and family. Its deliberate pacing, intricate narrative, and powerful performances solidify its place as one of the greatest films of all time.
Loyalty is a recurring theme, and the Corleone family dynamic is rife with tension. Fredo’s betrayal is particularly poignant. Given the emphasis on loyalty in the first film, it’s baffling that Fredo thought Michael would forgive him so easily.
The movie also explores taboo topics, like Michael’s divorce from Kay and her confession that she had an abortion without his knowledge. This decision, particularly shocking within the context of their Italian Catholic background, marks a turning point in their relationship. While Michael’s physical aggression toward Kay is inexcusable, her choice to have an abortion behind his back adds complexity to their already fractured marriage.
The Timeless Themes
The film beautifully parallels Vito’s rise to power and Michael’s struggles to maintain it. Vito’s story shows the determination of a young man seeking justice for his family, while Michael’s journey depicts the emotional toll of power, betrayal, and mistrust.
The juxtaposition of Vito’s calculated revenge against the man who killed his parents with Michael’s cold disconnection from his own family highlights the generational shifts in the Corleone legacy.
Final Thoughts
The Godfather Part II is a timeless exploration of power, betrayal, and family. Its deliberate pacing, intricate storytelling, and exceptional performances make it a cinematic masterpiece.
This film absolutely deserves its place at number 19 on Variety’s list. Without hesitation, I would include The Godfather Part II on my personal list of the greatest movies of all time.
Comments