The Godfather: Part II (1974)

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Cast

Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, Morgana King, G.D. Spradlin, Richard Bright, Marianna Hill, Gastone Moschin, Troy Donahue, Dominic Chianese, Amerigo Tot, Joe Spinell, Bruno Kirby, Frank Sivero, Maria Carta, Francesca De Sapio, Giuseppe Sillato, Roman Coppola, John Megna, Julian Voloshin, Larry Guardino, Danny Aiello, John Aprea, Leopoldo Trieste, Salvatore Po, Harry DEan Stanton, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, Gianni Russo

Storyline

The early life and career of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1920s New York is portrayed while his son, Michael (Al Pacino), expands and tightens his grip on his crime syndicate stretching from Lake Tahoe, Nevada to pre-revolution 1958 Cuba.

Opinion

Perfectly working both as a sequel - and prequel as well - and as a stand alone film, The Godfather: Part II is a magnificent, exciting, deep, emotional film that not only portrays a Mafioso family, but also a man whose legacy is too heavy to be carried by himself only.

Still fantastically written by Mario Puzo, one of the strengths of the film is the comparison between younger Vito, played by Robert De Niro, and Michael. While Vito is both a peaceful family man, and a ruthless man when it comes to business, Michael is an insecure man that hides himself behind a mask of ruthlessness.

The direction by Francis Ford Coppola is flawless. Moreover he recollaborated with many of the crew members of the first time, and the result is, again, an outstanding photography by Gordon Willis and an Oscar worthy set design by Dean Tavoularis, and co.

The acting is superb. Al Pacino is mesmerising as Michael Corleone. Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and John Cazale provide top performances, although three people stand out among the supporting cast: Robert De Niro, flawless portraying young Vito Corleone, Lee Strasberg, portraying Hyman Roth, and Michael Gazzo, portraying Frank Pentangeli.


Quotes

Michael Corleone: There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

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