The Godfather: Part III - Review

"Finance is a gun. Politics is knowing when to pull the trigger" – A review of The Godfather: Part III.

The Godfather: Part I and II were absolutely phenomenal films, with the second being arguably better than the first. Would the third and final instalment continue with this upwards trajectory?

Sadly, not so much.

Released in 1990, The Godfather: Part III is the final chapter of Francis Ford Coppola's trilogy, bringing closure to the saga of Michael Corleone. Set in the late 1970s, the film centres on Corleone's efforts to legitimise the family's business and secure his legacy. After years spent consolidating power and enduring great personal loss, Michael attempts to remove himself from the criminal underworld, striving for redemption and reconciliation with his estranged family, especially his daughter Mary and nephew Vincent.

The story unfolds as Michael pursues a partnership with the Vatican, seeking to invest in the Internazionale Immobiliare, a move intended to improve his reputation and bring redemption. However, his ambitions are thwarted by betrayal, corruption, and the persistent influence of organised crime. The plot is full of intrigue, assassinations, and complex family dynamics, and the consequences of past decisions are finally felt…

The film explores themes of redemption, legacy, and guilt. Michael's struggle to atone for his sins is key to the plot, highlighting the moral cost of power and the difficulty of escaping your own past. The tension between family loyalty and individual desire is a recurring theme, as is the corrupting influence of institutional power—both religious and criminal.

This all sounds fantastic, and it absolutely wasn't bad. For me though, and a lot of critics at the time, one key casting choice is a major issue – Sofia Coppola. Playing the key role of Mary Corleone, Sofia was cast last minute, replacing Winona Ryda, and the director's daughter was criticised heavily for being inexperienced and for delivering a somewhat flat performance, with some speculating that her casting was a decision born of nepotism. When you're cast in a Godfather film, amongst such iconic actors, the bar is set incredibly high, and sadly Sofia just couldn't quote match up.

Aside from the controversial casting, I also can't help but find the plot somewhat convoluted and, to be frank, I don't really think this film needed to happen. The second film was perfect – this final chapter wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't great, and was a disappointing ending to such an iconic story.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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