His henchman, luca brasi, held a gun to a bandleaders head and forced him to release johnny from a contract. Biggest plot hole in godfather ii, and probably the whole. Gazzo, michael and kay are shot at in their bedroom. Feb 15, 20 despite my personal problems with the film, the godfather part ii is a great film that is a must see just as much as the godfather is. Five minute film school the godfather part ii film school hooligans. A giant part of the plot moves towards that line michael corleone says hello because it pulls the trigger on the judicial process and so on. The godfather 2 stands first on the international internet movie database imdb in the list of the best movies of all times. After refusing a request of pentangeli the man who has replaced clemenza, played by michael v. The godfather part ii airs in theaters for three days only. Michael, vitos youngest son and a decorated ww ii marine is also present at the wedding. Johnny fontane, a frank sinatrastyle singer and the godfather s godson, arrives at the party and makes the guests freak out in a positive way. The character we recall from the godfather as the best and brightest of don vitos sons, the one who went to college and enlisted in the marines, grows into a cold and ruthless man, obsessed with power.
But its not simple to create a world so morally ambiguous, to introduce unforgettable characters, and to keep viewers fully cognizant of a plot so dense. This story, of don vitos younger days, occupies perhaps a fourth of the films 200 minutes. Coppola, who was given more control on the film, had wanted to make both a sequel and a prequel to the film to tell the story of the rise of vito. It could be as simple as michael thinking roth was after him, and trying to frame him.
Id like to add something i read once about godfather part ii. The 3 hour, 22 minute saga is a milestone of american cinema. The godfather creates its world so gracefully that we begin to think that its a straightforward tale. Theres a question that has been tormenting me for years. The music obviously the same as the first was perfect and just fit so greatly with the rest of the movie. The godfather part ii begins back in sicily in 1901. One involves mafia chief michael corleone in 19581959 after the events of the first movie.
Coppola took it further with the godfather part ii, and the success of those two films, critically, artistically and financially, was a catalyst for the production of numerous other depictions of italian americans as mobsters, including films such as martin scorseses goodfellas and tv series such as david chases the sopranos. During godfather i, when michael was plotting the assassinations of the 5 family heads, he mentions to his father that his son anthony is thee years old, and reading the funny papers. Vitos mother and father are killed when he was a child in italy. In godfather ii, we begin at anthonys first communion, and the date given is 1958. Almost one hundred thousand people voted for this academic award. Francis coppolas breathtakingly ambitious prequelsequel to his first godfather movie is as gripping as ever.
Al pacino, james caan, diane keaton, talia shire and robert duvall join marlon brando, who gives an unforgettable, careerreviving performance as don vito corleone. The film follows two stories of gangsters rising to power. This onepage guide includes a plot summary and brief analysis of the godfather by mario puzo. Vitos mother pleads for ciccio to spare him, but ciccio refuses. The continuing saga of the corleone crime family tells the story of a young vito corleone growing up in sicily and in 1910s new york. The godfather 2 is the continuation of a worldknown film which is popular in america and other countries. The early life and career of vito corleone in 1920s new york is portrayed while his son, michael, expands and tightens his. A young vito andolini oreste baldini attends his fathers funeral with his mother. Partially based on puzos 1969 novel, the film is in part both a sequel and a prequel to the godfather, presenting two parallel dramas. In a flashback, the corleone family is seated at the dinner table ready to celebrate vitos birthday. Hyman roth born hyman suchowsky is a fictional character and the main antagonist in the godfather part ii. Part 1 features brilliant performances by both al pacino and marlon brando. Nov 24, 2015 a behind the scenes look at the critically acclaimed sequel to francis ford coppolas the godfather. Why the godfather, part ii is the best of the trilogy.
The godfather is set in the 1940s and takes place entirely within the world of the corleones, a fictional new york mafia family. Il fait suite au film le parrain, sorti deux ans avant. Read the full synopsis of the godfather, 1972, directed by francis ford coppola, with marlon brando, al pacino, james caan, at turner classic movies. Rosatos say michael corleone says hello, but we know that michael didnt give the order. The main storyline, following the events of the first film.
We follow 2 timelines, one tells the story of how vito corleone became a mafia man, the second picks up where the godfather left off. The first involves mafia chief michael corleone in 1958 and 1959 after the events of the first film. It opens inside the dark office of the family patriarch, don vito corleone also known as the godfather and played by brando, on the wedding day of his daughter, connie talia shire. In the godfather part ii, we learn the early life of vito corleonefrom a boy born in sicily to one of the most respected mafia dons of new york interwoven in the film is micheal corleones rise as he attempts to expand his business empire into las vegas, florida, and prerevolution cu. Part ii is a very suspenseful drama with a very exciting story, with great acting and great special effects. The godfather agrees to make the attackers suffer as bonaseras daughter suffered not murder them though, in exchange for a future favor. Im not sure if id go so far to say i wouldnt have chosen it as best picture, but i might because i really love chinatown which was also nominated from 74. The godfather trilogy was released in 1992, in which the films are fundamentally in chronological order. One plot deals with vito corleones development within italian and italianamerican communities in the early 1900s.
The godfather part ii scene analysis the peopling of new. Coppolas parallel structure allows him to compare and contrast two american eras and consider the political and cultural changes of. In the years since its release the film has gained the reputation of being the rare sequel that equals or perhaps surpasses the original. The godfather, part ii deals with the continuing story of that family, as new patriarch michael tries to expand its many businesses. The godfather 2 study guide contains a biography of francis ford coppola. The godfather part ii presents two parallel storylines. The movie also weaves into its plot a fictionalized account of reallife events the 1978 death of pope john paul i and the papal banking scandal of 19811982. It is the third and final installment in the godfather trilogy. Sep 24, 2012 the godfather part iv by andy morris 24 september 2012 after the success of godfather s i and ii, the failure of the third film to conclude the saga led to a twodecade search for a final chapter. The godfather part ii is the best between the two films, and it continues to grasp attention of.
Hence the part at the end when he says he just wants to kill his enemies. Partially based on puzos 1969 novel the godfather, the film is both sequel and prequel to the godfather, presenting parallel dramas. During the funeral, the local mafia leader, don ciccio giuseppe sillato, kills his brother too. Release date, plot, cast and everything you need to know about the potential return of the epix series. This outline relates the scenes in the order in which they occur in the movie. The godfather part ii is the most profound story ever told 12.
The godfather and the godfather part ii remain the only originalsequel combination both to win best picture. Part ii 1974, plus mistakes, quotes, trivia and more. The godfather part iii is a 1990 american crime film written by mario puzo and francis ford coppola, and directed by coppola. The godfather don vito corleone is the head of the corleone mafia family in new york. A sequel surpasses the original in many regards, the godfather part 2 is a haunting tale of betrayal, revenge and deception that is brought to life thanks to francis ford coppalas amazing. The movie also weaves into its plot a fictionalized account of. Aug 27, 20 the godfather ends with michael getting his capos and ascending to his leadership position, godfather ii opens with a communion party and michael mirroring vitos duties from the first. While there has been no official confirmation of the series return, theres every reason to believe that godfather of harlem will be back.
Directed by jeff warner, the film featured some behind the scenes content from all three films, interviews with the actors, and screen tests. Part ii, american gangster film, released in 1974, that was a sequel and companion piece to the 1972 blockbuster the godfather, adapted from the 1969 novel by mario puzo. Along with the lord of the rings, the godfather trilogy shares the distinction that all of its installments were nominated for best picture. The opening shot is of michael corleone, now godfather, having his ring finger kissed. Part ii has more of a corrupt and evil twist to it but i guess the end signifies that. As part of his plan he sends pentangeli to make peace with the rosato clan in. A man puts a cord around his neck and says michael corleone says hello. Vitos youngest son, michael pacino, who has distanced himself from the family. Watching his transformation from the one son meant to steer clear of the family business into its leader was fas. The early life and career of vito corleone in 1920s new york city is portrayed, while his son, michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate. It is the second installment in the godfather trilogy. Part ii, gangster film 1974 that was a sequel to the godfather 1972. Francis ford coppola continues his epic godfather trilogy with this. It completes the story of michael corleone, a mafia kingpin who tries to legitimize his criminal empire.
Director francis ford coppola highlights the professional and personal challenges michael has to face by contrasting them with those of his father in their very different times and cultures. Part ii doesnt make anything look easy the way the godfather did. Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing the godfather, part ii 1975 near you. The novel was adapted for the screen in 1969, winning several academy awards, including one for puzo best adapted screenplay. This episode explores the rise and downfall of michael corleone, and provides a look back at. Fuller and richer in detail than its predecessor, this film ranks among my top 5 motion pictures ever made. The godfather part ii 1974 movie summary and film synopsis.
Why the godfather, part ii is the best of the trilogy far. In part iii, it is the death of mary on the opera house stairs. Michael is told of the death of his brother sonny, and the very next watches as his new wife apollonia is blown to bits in a bomb meant for him. The other examines vitos early years in sicily and new york.
Just as the godfather opened with a wedding reception, part ii opens with a celebration of anthonys michaels son first communion. Five minute film school the godfather part ii youtube. The godfather by italianamerican author mario puzo follows one mans descent into becoming the head of a sicilian mob. Biggest plot hole in godfather ii, and probably the whole trilogy. Michael tells kay about how the godfather helped johnny out. The godfather part ii is, at its heart, a story of how absolute power corrupts absolutely in the case of michael corleone. Could someone please explain the plot of godfather ii to.
In the years since its release the film has gained the reputation of being the rare sequel that equals or. Fathom events, tcm and paramount pictures present the godfather part ii, returning to cinemas for a special threeday event. The only remarkable thing about francis ford coppolas the godfather, part ii is the insistent manner in which it recalls how much better his original film was. The godfather part iii is a 1990 american crime film produced and directed by francis ford coppola from the screenplay cowritten with mario puzo. A look inside was a 73minute documentary released in 1991. Aug 29, 2018 it is by considering another key problem with the controversial part iii that we can further appreciate what made part ii the best entry in the series. Coppolas parallel structure allows him to compare and contrast two american eras and consider the political and cultural changes of the 20th century.
The godfather, part ii has two counterpointed plots dealing with two stages in the same family about forty years, one generation, apart. Coppola, who was given more control on the film, had wanted to make both a sequel and a prequel to the film to tell the story of the rise of. Part ii is the fulfillment of the tragedy, which is why it is superior to the first film and rightly regarded as the greatest motion picture ever made. The godfather part ii tells two interconnected stories, according to the official fathom events synopsis.
Francis ford coppola interview on godfather part iv gq film. Michael seems to be uninterested in being a part of the family business. So, rosatos attempt to kill pentangeli in that bar. By featuring the counterstory of vito, it also encourages us to compare the leadership styles of the two in order to understand why the father succeeded where his son failed. In the godfather 2, frankie pentangeli walks into a bar. You see, what makes it such a compelling film is that it shows how in an earlier time in america, you could prosper financially while keeping strong family bonds, while after wwii, the force of capitalism became so great it could tear a family apart. The godfather 2 shuttles back and forth constantly from past and present, contrasting the life of vito corleone in the early twentieth century, from his humble beginnings through his ascent into power, with that of his son michael corleone in the second half of the twentieth century, whose influence is declining. Why would the assassin say michael corleone says hello if roth ordered the hit. Moving through the deep shadows and heavy glooms of his vast estate, michael corleone presides over the destruction of his own spirit in the godfather, part ii.
I really think that this is a plot hole purposely placed to make the plot go on. Lucia lopez the final scenes of the godfather part ii are quite interesting, especially in the camera techniques used. He is also a minor character in the novel the godfather returns. The film begins with a flashback to 1901, where the grisly massacre of the. The characters we see early on the third godfather barely reflect the logical evolution of those we left at the end of the second. In august 1945, during the lavish wedding reception of his daughter connie, don vito corleone, head of a large new york crime family and godfather to the italianamerican community, listens to requests for favors, honoring a longstanding sicilian tradition that a father cannot refuse a request on his daughters wedding day. Biggest plot hole in godfather ii, and probably the whole trilogy the feds allowing frank pentangeli contact with tom hagen. Roth is a jewish mobster and investor and a business partner of vito corleone, and later his son michael corleone. In the godfather, it is the murder of the heads of the five families during the baptism of connies son and the murder of connies husband, carlo. The combination of a professional stage direction by coppola, magnificent play of talented actors, and amazing scenario has guaranteed unprecedented rate of success. As michael plots his careful, lethal moves, the recurring, unforgettable image. The first to movies of the godfather series are really like the same movie. This is also the day that michael corleones family discovers that he left college and enlisted in the marines.