The Godfather: Part II

"This is the business we chose." The second part of the brilliant adaptation of an unforgettable book. Taking over the baton from Brando is the duo of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, who are absolutely incredible. No need to add more. Simply one of the best and most essential films of world cinema. (01/15/2007)

I won’t claim that The Godfather II being my 1000th review was a coincidence. It wasn’t, I intentionally saved this anticipated movie experience for this very festive moment. It wasn’t worth much, though. I don’t know whether it was because of the excessive expectations, but the film never managed to pull me into the story, and I also tended to fall asleep due to the incredible runtime. The direction and the performances are flawless, but if Coppola were to film a three-hour long, very faithful adaptation of a parliamentary session with Al Pacino and De Niro, it would also get five stars, right? The sixth place in the top feels very exaggerated to me. (12/14/2008)

Rarely does the sequel succeed as perfectly as the original film, but with the second Godfather it almost did. We build on the life of Michael Corleone, who has become the new godfather, head of the family business, and we follow the complications his life brings. Al Pacino's excellent performance, which is even better than in the first movie, is a breathtaking spectacle. In parallel with Mike's story, however, we also follow the rise of his father, Vito Corleone (the only part that draws on Puzo's original book),his arrival in America, and the acquisition of much-valued respect. Robert De Niro is excellent as the young Vito and almost equals Pacino. An excellent sequel that exceeded my original expectations. The last scene of the film is completely disarming, and watching it kind of made me saddened for all those who were already... dead. (10/07/2006)

This mafia opus confirms its quality in the second part as well. Although Al Pacino is not Marlon Brando, the whole story of one mob family is still absolutely incredible. The five-star rating is indisputable here. Where else will a director offer you a better insight into the life of mobsters than in this film? (12/04/2012)

Coppola made a lot of money with the first part, and it shows in the second part. A sweeping production design, hundreds and hundreds of extras, but somewhere the emotions have disappeared. Especially in the first half, the storyline with Michael Corleone is rather uninteresting. On the other hand, the memories of Vito Corleone are impressive; it is a pleasure to watch the then little-known De Niro. All my qualms were put to rest with the final act and the emotionally tense ending. The last shot of Michael Corleone's face is unforgettable, a man burdened by a heavy conscience, with wrinkles under his eyes and greying hair, a man who has gained power but lost love. (10/19/2003)