The Godfather: Part III (1990)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Al Pacino, Andy García, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Sofia Coppola, Eli Wallach, George Hamilton, Joe Mantegna, Richard Bright, Bridget Fonda, Raf Vallone, Franc D'Ambrosio, Donal Donnelly, Helmut Berger, Don Novello, John Savage, Mario Donatone, Vittorio Duse, Enzo Robutti, Al Martino, Jessica DiCiccio

Storyline

In the midst of trying to legitimize his business dealings in New York and Italy in 1979, aging mafia don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) seeks to vow for his sins while taking a young protégé (Andy García) under his wing.

Opinion

Many years - and films - later, Francis Ford Coppola returns with the third, final, and not needed chapter of the saga featuring the Corleone family. 

Notwithstanding doesn't achieve the greatness of its two predecessors, The Godfather: Part III works quite good as a standalone film, and is still a quite respectable sequel, though a little slow and not much involving in some parts.

Still written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, the story is way too detached from the first two films. The religious background, and the business with the Vatican are way out of place, as the disjointed scene of the death of Michael Corleone, or the romance between Michael's daughter Mary, and Michael's nephew Vincent Mancini - Sonny's illegitimate son. Still it has a certain moral improvement, violence is no longer celebrated, and there is even the repentance of Michael, that confesses his sins nearly in tears.

Following the "Never change a winning team" proverb, Coppola recollaborates with cinematographer Gordon Willis, and the result is an outstanding photography.

The acting is so-so. On the one hand we have a still brilliant Al Pacino - though I didn't really like Michael's new personality -, and a great support given by Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy García and an outstanding Eli Wallach, who plays Don Altobello. On the other hand we have the director's real-life-daughter Sofia Coppola. She has the same strange expression for most of the film, she acts like a spoil girl, and she constantly speaks in the same tone.

Quotes

Michael Corleone: Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.

Michael Corleone: Never let anyone know what you are thinking.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

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.

The Godfather (1972)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Francis Ford Coppola

Country

USA

Cast

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda, Al Lettieri, Gianni Russo, Sterling Hayden, Lenny Montana, Richard Conte, Al Martino, John Marley, Alex Rocco, Morgana King, Salvatore Corsitto, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Angelo Infanti, Johnny Martino, Victor Rendina, Tony Giorgio, Simonetta Stefanelli, Louis Guss, Tom Rosqui, Joe Spinell, Richard Bright, Julie Gregg, Jeannie Linero

Plot

When the aging patriarch (Marlon Brando) of a famous crime family decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns, a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families.

Opinion

I've been trying hard to find some flaw, but the truth is it's literally impossible since there isn't even a moment in the film that isn't great.

The Godfather is a superb, exciting, entertaining, captivating film filled with grand emotions and, as well as a magnificent portrayal of power, betrayal and family - or of organized crime, if you prefer. Maybe the greatest film of all time, it should be a synonymous of the word masterpiece.

Beautifully written by Mario Puzo, the long running time - almost three hours - flies by, without the need of explosions, magic tricks, 3D, car chases, or whatever else nowadays directors believe makes a great film.

Francis Ford Coppola doesn't miss a beat, and the result is a flawless direction. The cinematography by Gordon Willis is outstanding, and some of the scenes can be considered the best in history of cinema. The musical score is simply amazing and memorable.

The acting couldn't be nothing but superb, and there is nothing more pleasing than watching a film starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. Marlon Brando delivers an extraordinary performance as Don Vito Corleone. Al Pacino is perfect as Michael Corleone. Top performances also from the rest of the cast.

Quotes

Don Corleone: I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.

Don Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.

Michael: My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.

Michael: Only don't tell me you're innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and makes me very angry.