|
Rated: R
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, et al.
Director: Francis Ford Coppola Review
Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of
Mafia chief Vito Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novel
The Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning,
1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in
turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and
out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure,
contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to
spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the
first film is, The Godfather II is an amazingly intricate, symmetrical
tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and
makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born.
This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes
an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant
actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film
and a masterful performance. --Tom Keogh
----------- This is the only sequel to ever
have achieved the same critical acclaim as the first movie in a series,
with both I and II winning the "Best Picture" Academy Award. There were a
number of features I enjoyed about this movie. The frequent "deep
background" information was wonderful and well-done, incorporating the
only major section of "The Godfather" novel to be missing from the first
movie -- and showcasing Robert DeNiro as the young Don Corleone. I also
enjoyed the historical connection with the Cuban revolution. I was less
comfortable with the family interactions in this movie. While the tension
between Michael and Fredo made sense (based on Fredo's extreme jealosy),
the tension between Michael and Tom did not make sense. The reckless
sexual behavior of Michael's sister did not make sense -- and the entire
abortion sub-plot, which destroyed Michael's marriage was utterly
unbelievable. (How on earth is a woman in a secure, guarded compound going
to procure a secret abortion in the early 1960's? Especially if that woman
is the wife of the Don?) Nevertheless, in spite of these flaws, the movie
is an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend it -- but grant it only 4
stars.
 |
