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The Godfather Part II

Name: The Godfather Part II
Genre: Drama, Misdaad
Released: 1974-12-20
Duration: 202 min
Rating: 8.571
Cast: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale

19749202 min

DramaMisdaad

Uitgebracht

20 dec 1974

Land

United States of America

Producties

Paramount PicturesThe Coppola Company

De jonge Vito Corleone groeit op op Sicilië en weet zich in New York op te werken tot een machtige gangster. Zijn zoon Michael probeert eind jaren '50 het "familiebedrijf" uit te breiden.

About

Quick guide

A continuation and prequel that follows Vito’s rise and Michael’s expansion of the Corleone family empire.

The Godfather Part II blends Vito’s early years in Sicily and New York with Michael’s mid‑century rise. Set in two timelines, the film shows Vito’s migration to America and ascent to power, while simultaneously following Michael as he consolidates control over the family’s criminal enterprises and ventures into new territories like Las Vegas and Hollywood. The narrative weaves historical events and personal ambition, offering a deeper look at the Corleone dynasty’s complexities. The film also explores Vito’s early struggles with poverty and crime, his rise within the immigrant community, and his eventual dominance in the underworld. It examines how family loyalty can drive both devotion and treachery, while political alliances shape the family's fortunes. The layered storytelling underscores the costs of ambition and the relentless nature of power.

What to know

Dual timelines of 1910s New York and 1950s America.
Vito’s background as an immigrant from Sicily.
Michael’s efforts to expand into Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Cuba.
Strong political connections with real‑life figures like Hyman Roth.
Heavily dialogue‑driven scenes and complex character relationships.
Includes historical events such as the Cuban Revolution and WWII.
Requires understanding of the original film to fully follow plot.

Watch if

If you enjoy detailed character studies of a crime family, appreciate layered storytelling, and appreciate a film that balances history with personal drama, you'll find The Godfather Part II engaging and rewarding.

Skip if

If you prefer light‑hearted films, are sensitive to graphic violence or mature themes, or dislike complex, slow‑moving narratives that require careful attention, this movie may not suit you.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavymature themespolitical themespsychological elementssad toneslow burnlanguage strongsuspenseful

Dual Narrative Structure

The film intertwines two storylines: Vito’s early years in Sicily and New York, and Michael’s mid‑century maneuvers in the 1950s. By juxtaposing these arcs, the director shows how past actions echo in present ambitions, creating a tapestry that deepens the saga’s complexity. The structure allows viewers to see parallels between Vito’s strategic patience and Michael’s ruthless ambition, revealing the cyclical nature of power within the family.

Vito Corleone's Early Life

Set in the early 1900s, Vito emigrates from Sicily, faces poverty, and rises through New York’s criminal underbelly. His early struggles establish a foundation of loyalty, respect, and survival instincts that later shape the family’s code of conduct. The film captures his transformation from a young immigrant to the Don who commands fear and admiration alike.

Michael's Expansion of the Empire

In the 1950s, Michael Corleone seeks to broaden his family's criminal reach, targeting Las Vegas casinos, Hollywood studios, and even Cuban politics. His calculated moves test loyalties and expose the moral cost of expansion. Through tense negotiations and covert operations, he demonstrates how power can corrupt, yet also sustain a family's influence across continents.

Political Intrigue and Alliances

The film weaves real‑world political events, such as the Cuban Revolution and the Cold War, into its narrative. Michael’s dealings with Hyman Roth illustrate how the family navigates international politics, forging alliances with corrupt officials and exploiting geopolitical tensions. These interactions underscore the fragile balance between crime and state power, highlighting the dangers of overreaching ambition.

Themes of Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty is both a virtue and a trap, as family members are compelled to protect their own while betraying others. The film portrays moments where characters must choose between honor, survival, and ambition. These decisions reveal the corrosive influence of power, where trust is fragile, and betrayal can come from the closest allies.

Legacy and Generational Conflict

Generational tensions surface as younger family members confront the legacy left by Vito and Michael. Their struggles with expectations, ambition, and morality highlight the cyclical nature of power. The film examines how the past shapes the future, illustrating that each decision reverberates through generations, for better or for worse.

Cinematic Style and Direction

Francis Ford Coppola’s direction combines stark cinematography, muted color palettes, and meticulous set design to create an immersive period atmosphere. The film relies heavily on long takes, sharp dialogue, and subtle body language to build tension. Coppola’s storytelling pace is deliberate, allowing moments of quiet introspection to contrast with high‑stakes confrontations.

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The Godfather Deel III

In het midden van zijn poging om zijn zakelijke activiteiten in 1979 in New York en Italië te legaliseren, zoekt de oude maffiabaas Michael Corleone vergeving voor zijn zonden terwijl hij een jonge protegé onder zijn hoede neemt.