The Godfather Part II

A completely different film from its predecessor in terms of narrative structure and tone, THE GODFATHER PART II fulfills the cliché of being a sequel that delivers and, in some ways, surpasses the original. Following the drama surrounding the Corleone family at the end of the first film, PART II takes two decidedly unexpected detours: one into history, the other into politics.

In the present, much of the film's focus is on the FBI investigation of the mob in New York, predominantly the sects led by Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). In the past, the film tells the story of a young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) establishing his influence in New York and working toward bloody revenge. These time-framing devices make the film's 3-plus hour runtime fly by as the Vito story gives deep emotional context and resonance not only to this film but to THE GODFATHER as well. Coppola parallels the life and transformation of Michael Corleone to that of his father masterfully, providing deeper insight and understanding of his descent into his father's criminal empire.

Coppola weaves all of these narrative threads together beautifully and achieves the unbelievable task of making a film worthy enough to follow his earlier masterpiece. A wholly different experience in every respect. It's less mythic, but much more epic, both in emotion and scope. One of the most ambitious sequels ever made.