The Godfather: Part II

You will probably consider me a heretic, an artistic buffoon, or an uncomprehending viewer, but I simply cannot give The Godfather II a full score. I thought the first one was better by that one star, mainly because of Marlon Brando's involvement. Al Pacino is great, but as the Godfather, Brando just suited me better. Maybe that's also why I liked the casting of Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone, who was the number one actor for me in this installment. Otherwise, the direction is great and the music is very nice. In short, a legendary film that, despite all the ovations, awards and reviews, did not force me to give it the highest rating. (2011-09-14)

The Godfather Part II is a cinematic masterpiece that extends the story of the Corleone family into the higher realms intertwined with politics and the even darker rules of mafia practices. Whereas the disintegration of the family as the only real value of the protagonists’ existence was hinted at in the first film, the second, longest part is entirely about it. One timeline – about the childhood and adolescence of the first film’s most magnetic character (Marlon Brando), played perfectly by Robert De Niro – depicts the core of Vito Corleone’s personality in his early days in New York, while the other timeline examines his more inconsistent and darker son Michael, who became the most powerful American mobster of his time. It is a great role for the charismatic, respect-inspiring Al Pacino, whose Michael is capable of anything. More characters, a more interesting revealing of the workings of the most powerful underworld and even more pronounced between-the-lines plot shifts come together to form a chilling mosaic of thought. With all due respect to Martin Scorsese, it’s a good thing Francis Coppola remained the director of the trilogy. His more poetic form of storytelling suits it perfectly. (2022-06-05)

"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. (2007-01-15)

Another incredible film epic with elements of ancient tragedy, where the characters themselves compare the Corleone family to the Roman Empire. The most favorite character for me definitely becomes Tom Hagen played by Robert Duvall, and even with its shady sides, also Michael Corleone himself. His quarrel with Kay or the look in his eyes when speaking about Ola's fate are just another proof of Pacino's devilishness. (2006-04-23)

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? (2012-12-04)