... Those fears were un-necessary as The Godfather Part II is a film in it's own right. You don't really have to have seen the first one to get the basis of this. To class it as a sequel is wrong and quite rightly it's named the second part of a much larger story.
Some years have passed since ... Read review
The Godfather Part II is one of the rare breed of cinematic sequels which is as good as, ... more
and perhaps better than, the original. Al Pacino heads the star cast as Michael Corleone, heir to the criminal empire established by his Mafioso father, the late D...
Main Title / Immigrant The New Carpet A Kay Ev'ry Time I Look In Your Eyes / After ... more
The Party Vito And Abbandando Senza Mama / Ciuri-Ciuri / Napule Ve Salute - Livio Giorgi Godfathers At Home The Remember Vito Andolini Michael Comes Home Marcia Stilo Italiano Ninna Nanna A Michele - Nino Palermo Brothers Mourn The Murder Of Don Fanucci - Marcia Riliosos And Festa March End Title
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Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of Mafia chief Vito ... more
Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novelThe Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning, 1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is,The Godfather IIis an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born. This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film and a masterful performance.--Tom Keogh
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Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of Mafia chief Vito ... more
Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novelThe Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning, 1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is,The Godfather IIis an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born. This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film and a masterful performance.--Tom Keogh
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of Mafia chief Vito ... more
Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novelThe Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning, 1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is,The Godfather IIis an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born. This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film and a masterful performance.--Tom Keogh
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1998 - Drama - Director: Martin Brest - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Marcia Gay Harden, Jake Weber, Claire Forlani, Jeffrey Tambor
Advantages: great acting, direction, pacing, story Disadvantages: none
I'm sure at the time it was announced there would have been many people that thought another Godfather film would tarnish the reputation of what is a classic. Those fears were un-necessary as The Godfather Part II is a film in it's own right. You don't really have to have seen the first one to get the basis of this. To class it as a sequel is wrong and quite rightly it's named the second part of a much larger story.
Some years have ... ...installed as the head of the Corleone family. He is still married to Kay and is making moves to expand the family's presence in Las Vegas with the casinos. We also move back to the turn of the century and see Don Vito Corleone's rise to power from a young boy sailing into New York to taking over the streets of the city.
In the modern day story strand it's all about control, loyalty and betrayal. Michael spends time in Miami trying ... more
I'm sure at the time it was announced there would have been many people that thought another Godfather film would tarnish the reputation of what is a classic. Those fears were un-necessary as The Godfather Part II is a film in it's own right. You don't really have to have seen the first one to get the basis of this. To class it as a sequel is wrong and quite rightly it's named the second part of a much larger story.
Some years have passed since the first film and Michael is now firmly installed as the head of the Corleone family. He is still married to Kay and is making moves to expand the family's presence in Las Vegas with the casinos. We also move back to the turn of the century and see Don Vito Corleone's rise to power from a young boy sailing into New York to taking over the streets of the city.
In the modern day story strand it's all about control, loyalty and betrayal. Michael spends time in Miami trying to make a bigger move into Las Vegas. But of course there are problems with the other families and someone is out to get rid of him. We see him escape near death and discover some truths that he never thought possible. But his absence causes a big strain on his family life and on his return it's not the business anymore but his own personal life that cause's problems.
In the Don Vito strand we see the reason he comes to America. He is a simple man who loves his family dearly and works honestly to provide for them. But soon alternative ways of making money become open to him and with initiative and bloodshed he moves up into power with ease.
Most films have trouble maintaining one plot line but this moves amongst them with ease. The great thing about the Godfather films is tat they are epic pieces of storytelling that suck you in from the outset and never let go. Sometimes it's hard to keep track on a characters motives but you always have some idea of the narrative and get the idea of who they are. Because of this it demands repeat viewings as there is bound to be something you missed the first time around.
No film can really succeed if it hasn't got good acting. But here every single role is well written and rounded out. The two different story strands are dominated by two of the best actors of their generation. Al Pacino once again plays Michael; he is dominant, menacing and assured. Never one to resort to any real violence he still poses a threat. Pacino got an Oscar nomination but lost out to Art Carney. I haven't seen the winning performance but all I can say is it must have been out of this world to beat Pacino.
Robert De Niro plays the young Don Vito and has a harder task that Pacino. He is playing a man we already know but in younger years. However De Niro nails the mannerisms and voice perfectly. Again he is commanding with menace and danger conflicting with subtle emotion when the family scenes are played out. Unlike Pacino, De Niro did take home a supporting actor Oscar and it was well deserved.
IN supporting roles there are the reliable likes of Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton. Talia Shire also has an expanded role from the first film and gained an Oscar nomination. Although I have to say it's one of those performances that doesn't have a lot to do in the film and makes you question the nomination. Lee Strasburg as Hyman Roth is also excellent as a dying man with a lot of power but somewhat out of his depth.
Coppola again directs with a real refinement. It's obvious the scope and budget was more accessible in this picture and as a result we get some dazzling scenes. The old streets of New York are wonderfully realized and it's mainly due to the cinematography of Gordon Willis. Not many films use darkness as well as light but his methods give the film a timeless look. There are also subtle moments such as the temperamental light as Don Vito lurks in the shadow waiting to make a hit.
The Godfather Part II is a rare thing; a film that betters it's original. It's an enthralling look at power and incredibly paced. The film runs for close to 200 minutes and every single one of them is rewarding.
Advantages: Another great movie Disadvantages: A little complicated on first viewing
The critics have acclaimed The Godfather Part II as the greatest sequel of all time. Many have gone on to say that it is better than the original. I am not sure and I will try and explain why. Before I begin I will say that the film I watched was the 25th anniversary video. Similar to the original there are spoilers at the beginning of the video! So fast forward past those and watch the interviews etc after you have watched the movie. The second ... ...first film ended. However, the main part of the story is approximately 10 years after the original finished. Michael is the new Don. He is the head of the Corleone family and after re-instating them as the most powerful of the 5 New York families he relocated the family to Nevada. He has the problem that he is filling the shoes of a massively popular and well respected man. Can he continue to run the family in the way the Godfather did and can he ...
tommy7 07.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part II (DVD)
Advantages: Engaging, immersive, great script Disadvantages: May be too violent for some people
The Godfather: Part II is the second installment in the Godfather saga, chronicling the life and times of the Corleone family. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and co-written with Mario Puzo, this film won 6 academt awards, including best picture and best supporting actor for Robert De Niro.
A noticeable difference with this film is that it presents two parallel storylines. One involves the now head of the Corleone family, Michael (Al Pacino), from ... ...a casino in Las Vegas, the other is a flashback showing his father, Vito "Don" Corleone from his childhood in Sicily to his founding of the Corleone crime family in New York.
As with the first one, there is a lot of violence and murder, so it's not to everyone's taste. I know this film is held up as the exception to the rule that the sequel is always inferior to the original, but I disagree. To me, the quintessential mafia film has to be set in ...
Walter_Kovacs 04.02.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part II (DVD)
Advantages: Rounded characters, improved story, good writing, Duvell as solid support Disadvantages: None at All
...is without doubt one of the finest directors/screenwriters of the 20th Century. we know about his Godfather contributions, but when you also consider Patton, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now & RumpleFish, we have to appreciate what a superb writer he really is.
But The Godfather films will be his most-remembered for all the right reasons, and deservedly so, especially working in collaboration with Mario Puzo, one of best authors of the time.
Coppola ... ...bits" work so well in the hands of the Master that it gives the movie (any of his movies in fact) a more intelligent & rounded gloss.
I must freely admit to preferring G2 to the original because it offers so much richness & character-defining elements than the first. Although Brando was very good & suitably threatening in the first, he would also slow the pace of the film down to a stroll bringing the other characters down with him.
However, with ...
dreamstar70 04.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part II (DVD)
Advantages: Another superb film Disadvantages: Slow in parts
The Godfather II is the second part of the Godfather trilogy. This film sees Michael in charge of the Corleone family having taken over from his father Vito. Running parallel to Michael's rise to power and reign over his father's mafia empire is the story of Vito first coming to America as a boy from Sicily and his rise through the crime ranks. The arrival on the young Vito in America gives a background to the character portrayed by Marlon Brando. ... ...insistence on family being the most important thing. Watching how he has struggled as an outsider to create his reputation as a man on honour makes you realise that this is a legacy that must be passed on and that 'the family' must stay together. This film goes further than the first in exploring the idea of loyalty to 'the family' and the corrupting influence of power. Michael physically seems old beyond his years and Al Pacino puts in an astounding ...
jesperado77 25.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part II (DVD)
Advantages: The mix of the two greats is amazing Disadvantages: The longness of the movie may put some veiwers off
Starting when the first movie left off, this film brings in the continual change of Michael just as well as the original. The first left us with Michael Corleone, the head of the Corleone family, trying to turn his portion of the American-Italian mafia into straight guys earning a straight living, this one continues, but to no avail. With flashbacks to his fathers growth in power, this movie explains the beginnings of Michaels family. His fathers ... ...De-Niro. His class act steals the show. This was arguably one of his best performances. His delivery of lines ties in with Brandos performance, which brings great continuity to the character. The music and scores fit in perfectly with the storyline, making the Godfather experience all that more special. With the theme tune being played throughout the director shows great creativity in disguising it in various parts of the Corleone life. Also the ...
Gaz_23 15.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Godfather Part II (DVD)
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Advantages: Two of three films are bonafide masterpieces. 21 hours of stuff. Disadvantages: Not as pristine a collection as it could have been.
be treated to the 95 second "1974 Network TV Introduction" Francis Ford Coppola is shown working on GodfatherPart2 and explains some of the modifications that were made to The Godfather so that it would be allowed to be shown on network television.
The "DVD Credits" lists and gives some information about the people who helped create this exemplary DVD package. I won't tell you where, but it's very much worth your time and effort to find the special (Easter Egg) hidden feature located in this section of the disc.
Francis Ford Coppola's commentary tracks for all three films make for consistently compelling, and highly informative listening. He does not pat himself on the back or spend an inordinate amount of time over-praising co-workers or actors. He talks about production problems, decisions that were made regarding ...
Best Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced Or Published 1975 (Mario Puzo)
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Supporting Role 1975 (Robert De Niro)
DVD Description
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), forty years later, running the family empire. On the streets of Hell's Kitchen in 1917 New York City, Vito is initiated into the ways of the local cosa nostra by his friend Clemenza (Bruno Kirby). After killing the local mafioso in a towel-wrapped gun, Vito becomes the new man to be respected and feared. Meanwhile, a dour Michael Corleone negotiates with business partner Hyman Roth (legendary method actor Lee Strasberg in his first film role) in Cuba and testifies in front of a Washington Senate committee. Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen), Diane Keaton (Kay Corleone), Talia Shire (Connie Corleone), and John Cazale (Fredo Corleone), reprising their roles from THE GODFATHER, are outstanding as the people forced to watch the new godfather's moral destruction. Robert De Niro, speaking in Italian, captures the mannerisms of Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone from the first film brilliantly. THE GODFATHER PART II is one of the only major sequels ever made that might just surpass the original.
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Strong, inspired acting by main protagonists; intricate, complex story; refreshing edge to the trilogy
Clumsy and cartoonish; pretentious and overly operatic; unsubtle; in the shadow of its predecessors; too self-conscious; underrated and smeared by critics (*)
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