The Godfather: Part II Reviews

I do have to agree that calling Godfather Part II a sequel is rather insulting. It is one of those rare sequels that almost outdoes the first, and considering how amazing the first Godfather was that says a lot. The Godfather Part II is longer, but in some ways it is also richer. People may say like with the first it is slow and takes a while to unfold. Of course, but I think that was deliberate. Both this and the first Godfather have an elegiac quality to them that makes them even more compelling.

For one thing, the film is very well made. The cinematography is simply gorgeous, whether it is dark or autumnal or picturesque, and the settings are wondrous. The music once again is outstanding, it is haunting and sticks in your head for a very long time. Then there is a brilliantly written screenplay that is intelligent and thoughtful, masterly direction from Francis Ford Coppola and a fabulously constructed story. The film does have some wonderful scenes-: the scenes where Vito flees Sicily has the grandeur of a silent movie, while the scenes in Cuba actually avoid being clumsy and confusing and the climax is extremely chilling. Not to mention the Pop Goes the Weasel scene, which was very funny.

The acting is superb once again. Vito is brilliantly portrayed by Robert DeNiro in one of his better performances. I was also taken with Robert Duvall as loyal Tom, John Cazale and Diane Keaton. But the picture belongs to Al Pacino. He was great carrying the first Godfather movie, but he is even better here. He is simply phenomenal, and to be honest I think he should have won that Oscar. Overall, an amazing film and one of the best sequels ever to be conceived. 10/10 Bethany Cox

(BluR) It's a myth that this is better than the first. More uniform, sans great secuences, but better episodes (I prefer the Havanna episode, and everything regarding Lee Strasberg)...

I do have to agree that calling Godfather Part II a sequel is rather insulting. It is one of those rare sequels that almost outdoes the first, and considering how amazing the first Godfather was that says a lot. The Godfather Part II is longer, but in some ways it is also richer. People may say like with the first it is slow and takes a while to unfold. Of course, but I think that was deliberate. Both this and the first Godfather have an elegiac quality to them that makes them even more compelling.

For one thing, the film is very well made. The cinematography is simply gorgeous, whether it is dark or autumnal or picturesque, and the settings are wondrous. The music once again is outstanding, it is haunting and sticks in your head for a very long time. Then there is a brilliantly written screenplay that is intelligent and thoughtful, masterly direction from Francis Ford Coppola and a fabulously constructed story. The film does have some wonderful scenes-: the scenes where Vito flees Sicily has the grandeur of a silent movie, while the scenes in Cuba actually avoid being clumsy and confusing and the climax is extremely chilling. Not to mention the Pop Goes the Weasel scene, which was very funny.

The acting is superb once again. Vito is brilliantly portrayed by Robert DeNiro in one of his better performances. I was also taken with Robert Duvall as loyal Tom, John Cazale and Diane Keaton. But the picture belongs to Al Pacino. He was great carrying the first Godfather movie, but he is even better here. He is simply phenomenal, and to be honest I think he should have won that Oscar. Overall, an amazing film and one of the best sequels ever to be conceived. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Initial Thought: It took me several years to get this series started. At least it's only taken me two since starting the series. These are some long films that you have to make time for. It's hard to sit for about four hours to watch things. That's one of the reasons I don't watch as many shows as I do movies. Anyways it's about time I caught up with this series.

Characters/Acting: A lot of the same surviving characters return again here. There are also a few new additions. Also Robert De Niro takes over for Marlon Brando. It was really hard to understand Michael V. Gazzo with his rough voice and accent. Everyone here gives such great performances. Robert De Niro's Vito definitely deserved the Oscar. I would have liked more of John Cazale though. I really liked getting a more in depth look at some of the characters.

Story: The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York is portrayed while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-revolution 1958 Cuba. It's start straight to the point. I liked seeing how Vito Corleone came to be such a powerhouse. There were some nice twists and turns. For an almost three and a half hour film this doesn't really drag. It throws in action and suspense into it's story driven plot. I thought the atmosphere of the whole thing was pretty dark and brooding. There were a few points that I felt I missed something, but I could be wrong. The ending was pretty emotional to my surprise.

Directing/Writing: It's Francis Ford Coppola if you aren't familiar with him you are a lost cause. Even before watching his films I had heard his name constantly. Even Mario Puzo who helms the script has several well known films. So with this in mind and how praised this film is I know I made a smart choice. The writing here is just superb. I mean when you have such talent you would expect great things. This could very well be a movie of it's own rights, but they made a fitting sequel. They do excellent work.

Final Thought: This was a really great classic follow up to a classic film. There are some truly great moments throughout the whole thing. Everyone here gives stellar performances. If you haven't seen this yet then you should do like me and get it done. It's very much worth the time.

‘The Godfather: Part II’ continues the story of ‘The Godfather’ and features Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in the lead role, as opposed to the first film in which his father Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) was the main character. Pacino continues the role of Michael and gives a fantastic performance, Brando stole the show in the first film, his absence in this film probably gave the best performance to Pacino.

This is a great movie, it’s full of iconic, memorable scenes and murders, it’s also got complicated but interesting different moments in time, serving as both a sequel and a prequel to ‘The Godfather’. I don’t like it as much as the first, but I barely enjoy the first one more, and they’re both among my favourite films! This is really enjoyable like the first one, and probably the best sequel of all time!

Every year, I organize a poll concerning the best movies according to the Listal members and even though ‘The Godfather part I’ usually wins or ends up in the top 3, this movie doesn't get much love. Indeed, in spite of its greatness, it will always remain a sequel, probably the best sequel ever made but still a sequel nonetheless. Anyway, the fact remains that it is a great flick, probably as good as the first one. The masterstroke was to continue the story with most of the same characters but it still stands on its own though. To do so, Coppola chose a different structure which was quite spellbinding. Indeed, not only you follow Michael Corleone in his rise (or fall, it depends how you see it) as the new godfather but you follow also Vito Corleone going from Sicily to New York with literally nothing and slowly climbing his way up in the mob hierarchy. To make things even more amazing, to portray a young Vito Corleone, Coppola picked up a then still unknown Robert de Niro so he had two acting giants at the top of their games to play 2 generations of Corleones. Honestly, it doesn't get much better than that. To conclude, it is a great gangster drama, the best sequel ever made, it is absolutely worth a look and a must see for any decent movie buff.

If The Godfather served as a haunting eulogy for the American nuclear family, its sequel charted the death of the American Dream, ironically through those who unquestionably achieved it. Irony and cynicism pervades its narrative and its aesthetic, the golden hues of its tinting a comment not only on our sepia-toned nostalgia but America and its amber waves of grain. The Godfather Part II is a portrait of a tragic hero who is neither tragic (in that he is not deserving of a sliver of pity) nor heroic; though the film bifurcates and splits focus with another character from another time period, it is ultimately about the fall of Michael Corleone.

Loved all of them.Who knows maybe because I'm Italian.I related so much of it to my dad and grandpa.

There are no words to describe this movie.Maybe the best movie ever made and definitely the best sequel for a movie.
In the second part of THE GODFATHER Francis Ford Coppola presents two stories simultaneously. Since we have a consolidation of Michael Corleone as a Godfather, leader of Corleone. Trying to overcome the difficulties of enemies in politics and crime, for his work in the gambling, the betrayal in his own environment,and family problems.



On the other hand we see the first year and the rise of Vito Corleone in the throne of the Italian Mafia, the beginning of the village of Corleone in Sicily, his first years in New York and how he became the Godfather.
In both stories we see that the characters they love, betray, and revenge, in a life that makes it increasingly hard.
Again if the first film was amazing, no words to describe this creation of Coppola, where all players give their best to achieve an excellent result.
Al Pacino gives an amazing performance as Michael Corleone.Michael continues to be plagued by personal dilemmas and Pacino, is still able to manage, both emotionally and practically.He have confirmed that is worthy son of his father, however, must give proof, only to have the ability to expand his empire, but he inherited, and he has the strength to support his family without having to mingle with his jobs.
Robert De Niro Vito Corleone?What can you say for this performance?
The fact that De Niro won an oscar speaks for itself. And this, not because he put this prize to collect, but they really deserved it. A performance of robust, integrated,and away from mannerism. A performance of thought, a performance which supports the future character of the hero.
And the big surpise?John Cazale as Fredo Corleone.Simply amazing plays weak and fearless brother of Michael who just want respect.The amazing scene between him and Michael is a lesson to all young actors.



Some years after the "Godfather", Coppola returned to the continuity of history. A continuation of the first equal, a sequel that can not fail to enchant and not cripple even the most discerning viewer. Traveling through space and time, while playing with shadows and memories of the past and images of this creates an atmospheric gangster drama characters. Two unrelated stories, however, seem to have a common axis that leads them, despite the gap of years that separates them. All this is complemented by, once again, powerful interpretations of major actors, great men.

"You broke my heart, you broke my heart." Amazing, beauty, gripping, outstanding are just some words to describe what some call "The Sequels of all Sequels." One of the best sequels ever made. The first time I watched this movie I fell in love, some people think I am a little crazy because I like it a lot more than the first. Yes the first is awesome, but this is much better.

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro are just amazing in this movie. De Niro won an Oscar for this and defiantly deserved it. Pacino should have won, he was awesome in this movie. He mad everything so intense and after everytime he yells you just look to the person next to you and say "this guy can act" Diane Keaton was also very good in this.

The movie flows very well. The flashbacks are really played out well, and you are not confused on which is the modern time and the flashback. The cinematography once again is amazing. Like the first the dialouge is top notch. The music flows with every scene in this movie and brings it all together. I teared up in one part where Michael hugs Fredo and the music was at the right part and because it was so perfect it brought tears to my eyes.

Another perfect movie for me. Probably the best sequel I have ever saw, and will always be in my top 5 for best movies of all time.