Arguably better than its predecessor, The Godfather II takes up the Corleone family story with Michael (Al Pacino – House of Gucci, Dog Day Afternoon) firmly ensconced at the head.
The mid 1950s has seen considerable change in the world of organised crime, with the dollars to be made in the casinos of Las Vegas along with the burgeoning drug trade. Along with the political minefields for the New York families setting up in California and Arizona, the Corleones main threat is from Miami-based Hyman Roth (Lee Strasberg – …and justice for all, The Cassandra Crossing). With trusted advisor Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall – Tender Mercies, The Judge), Michael makes his move. Interspersed within the contemporary tale is that of the arrival of Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro – Taxi Driver, The Irishman) from Sicily to New York in the early 1900s.
A superb period piece from director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now) with the engrossing De Niro narrative adding depth and insight into the rise of the Corleone family, The Godfather II has depth and surprising humanity considering its violence-based subject matter.
Nominated for 11 Oscars in 1975 including best actor (Pacino), supporting actor x2 (Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo), supporting actress (Talia Shire), costume design, won 6 – best film, director, supporting actor (De Niro), adapted screenplay, set design, soundtrack (Nino Rota).
Rating: 92%
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