The Godfather: Part II - Review

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer" – A review of The Godfather: Part II. 

It's a rare thing when a sequel outdoes an original film, but every now and then, something magic happens and a sequel builds on and improves the original premise. The Godfather: Part II, released in 1974, is one of those very special films.

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film truly builds on the foundations of the original film, continuing to follow the Corleone family, whilst absolutely forging its own identity as an excellent cinematic experience. There are two main storylines; one follows the rise of young Vito Corleone, played by Robert De Niro, whilst the other follows his son Michael, portrayed by Al Pacino. The films shifts from early 20^th Century New York to the late 1950s, and explores themes such as ambition, legacy and betrayal.

At the heart of this film is a story about the nature of power, how ambition can lead to corruption, and the sacrifices people need to make in order to survive in a world of violence and loyalty. You're invited to reflect on the costs of leadership and the erosion of personal morals and values, especially when you consider the differences between Vito's moral code and Michael's ruthlessness. As with the first film, The Godfather: Part II does not need to rely on shocking violence to remain compelling.

The performances are of course fantastic. Al Pacino's Michael is deeply compelling and nuanced as you really get to feel his internal struggle, and Robert De Niro offers a resilient, quiet strength in his portrayal of Vito. The whole cast is exceptional though; emotional depth and drama elevates this film above your typical crime film.

The cinematography is great in The Godfather: Part II as well. Coppola's use of muted colour palettes and shadowy lighting creates a sombre mood that perfectly reflects the moral ambiguity of several characters. The film's pacing is deliberate, moments of silence forcing you into moments of reflection, heightening the sense of tension and unease.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this film. The music and cinematography is excellent, adding so much atmosphere and tension to every scene, the writing is intricate and well thought through, and the way the film explores family, power and identity is completely compelling. This is no mere crime film but a meditation on the human condition, and one that I'd encourage anyone to watch.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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