The Godfather Part II (1974)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  202 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo

IMDB Rank: 9/10

Part 1 Time: 126 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  76 Minutes

Where does the first part end? In 1920’s New York City, young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) kills Fanucci (Gastone Moschin) a member of the Black Hand. Vito then returns to his wife and children.

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  Vito Corleone cradles baby Michael Corleone while speaking to him in Italian.

First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) returns to New York city from Cuba, Michael watches his wife Kay (Diane Keaton) sewing at home

 How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, this intermission brings a clear break for both timelines. First 1920’s Vito Corleone is now rising in power. Present day Michael Corleone has returned from Cuba and must make tough decisions, in order to protect the Corleone family investments and overall survival.

Which part is better? Considered by many as the best sequel ever made, it becomes difficult to clearly determine a better part. Part one is given a slight edge due to Corleone’s Cuba investment plot, Fadeo’s (John Cazale) betrayal, and Vito Corleone’s rise to power. Part two deals with the positive and negative aftermath of these events.

Academy Awards: 1975; Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Robert De Niro), Best Director, Best Writing, Screenplay Adapted From Other Material, Best Art Direction- Set Decoration, Best Music, Original Dramatic Score, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Nominated- Al Pacino), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Nominated- Michael V. Gazzo), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Nominated- Lee Strasberg), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Nominated- Talia Shire), Best Costume Design (Nominated).

National Film Registry: 1993