THE GODFATHER PART 2 (1974) MOVIE REACTION - INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCES! - First Time Watching - Review

Welcome to our first-time reaction to The Godfather Part II (1974) movie. Francis Ford Coppola did it again! He delivered an iconic film that expands on the epic saga of the Corleone family.
"The Godfather Part II" continues the saga of the Corleone family, exploring the parallel stories of Michael Corleone's rise to power and the early life of his father, Vito Corleone. We have to give a huge shout-out to the incredible performances that both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro delivered in this phenomenal film. The line delivery and the attention to physicality makes every single gaze have a deeper meaning and an intention behind it.
We hope you enjoy our reaction, commentary and discussion as we experience for the first time why this film had a huge impact on the crime genre, what makes the performances so powerful and why this film only elevates what came before it cementing itself as a huge part of the Godfather legacy. From the incredibly calculated cinematography to the fantastic character development we'll discuss all of the elements that make The Godfather Part II an unforgettable cinematic experience and a classic of the crime drama genre.
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Watch our reactions early:
/ @officialmediaknights
#TheGodfatherPartII #TheGodfather #Reaction #TheMediaKnights

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hey guys! Thank you for watching this with us. If you enjoyed the video like and subscribe (It helps out a bunch) And if you'd like to support the channel and gain access to the full length reaction become a member of our patreon bit.ly/3ICVrJ6

[@erwinquiachon8054]

The big difference between Vito and Michael is how they handled Fredo. Vito was not willing to have Fredo killed, despite being shot and almost killed because of Fredos incompetence. As a result, Vito is not burdened with the guilt and regret that Michael has for the rest of his life. The wife beaters hate Part 3 because it has the most moral clarity of all three films and uses that moral judgment on Michael to provide a true ending that the first two films don't have. Amoral people prefer the moral ambiguity of the first two films because they seem to validate their own lives. Moral people love Part 3 because it does clarify the moral ambiguity of the first two films. It definitely looks like the last two films are designed by Coppola to be a social experiment on the values held by mainstream audiences.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Can we say how brilliant John Cazale was as Fredo. One of the best actors of my generation, taken far too early. Please for the love of film watch the Deerhunter!!!

[@jjkcharlie]

People poop on part three, but the ending is good too.

[@jjkcharlie]

Until this day. I did not know that was Lee starsburg.... The method guy. I knew about him. I just didn't know Hiram roth was starsburg.

[@jjkcharlie]

Wow...

[@NewEnglandInSeattle]

Vito had all the three qualities that his three sons only possessed one of; Sonny's ruthlessness, Michael's brains, and Fredo's heart.

[@alonenjersey]

All those qualities combined into one person, that person is gonna go far.

[@blackshade1840]

yeah because michael wasnt ruthless? he only killed his own brother. not to mention he wiped out all of his enemies lol

[@alonenjersey]

@@blackshade1840 This man payed such a serious price to get where he is at the end of this movie. One can't wonder if he's destined for Hell.

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

Sonny was all about emotion and a nearly uncontrollable temper, not so much "ruthlessness"

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

@@alonenjersey Hell? Okay, assuming you believe in that, I'd say offhand they all bought a one way ticket there.

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

So, the reason Vito realized Fanucci was a fake: he told his pals to give him less than what they were told. If Fanucci was an actual mobster or had actual power, he wouldn't have taken the small amount of money he was given. But he did. And Vito's suspicions were confirmed when he followed him and saw he lived in a shithole of an apartment.

[@LuckySmurf]

Another reason: Fanucci always traveled alone. A real mob boss would always be flanked by guards.

[@lethaldose2000]

Also in the book, Vito knew that Fanucci was attacked by some street thugs and got his throat cut buy survived. Which is the knife scar we see on his throat. ------ That's what happens when you do roll with an entourage and you do the enforcing yourself.

[@richardfoltier1]

​@@lethaldose2000The scene was actually filmed, but didn't make it to the movie, it is in the dvd box set in the bonuses.

[@GS-Das]

I think the church the very beginning in Sicily is the same church where Michael got married to Apollonia.

[@philmullineaux5405]

Connie is Rocky's wife! She is a Coppola/Cage! Her husband in the first, is still alive, has been mob ties all this time, and has written books covering who killed JFK RFK and Marilyn, and why! And has never been sued by the Kennedy family! We knowost sequels arent as good as the first, and a handful are as good. This proly one of about 10 or less, where the sequel is better!And one of the funniest movies ever done is called, The Freshman! Marlon and the young partner of marlon in this, Clemenza, ( also in Good morning Vietnam, When Harry met Sally, City Slickers)basically mimic their roles, and the star is Matthew Broderick!!! And fredo was in some of the biggest movies of the 70s and early 80s with either Robert or Al. Dog Day Afternoon, the deer hunter, these two movies, and others. Everything that bad happens in this movie, is because of Roth. Simple rumor and innuendo, caused fredo, tessio, frankie, etc., to do what they did. The guy testifying in court, is Rocky's first boss! One of Frankie's asassin guys, was in Do the Right Thing, and The Professional and many other great movies. Danny Aiello. The FBI agent has been in every movie since the silent era 😅 dillinger, this, red dawn, green mile, Alien etc. Harry Dean Stanton! The difference between Vito and Michael is, vito did all decisions, and spent all his time, immediate blood family first. Michael put mob family first. Ues frankie did the hit, but based on roth telling him, Michael was going with the Rosatto brothers.When connie asked Michael to forgive Fredo and he hugged him, he was going to. But when Michael looked up and saw Neri, and Neri kind of lowered his head in disappointment, Michael knew he had to kill Fredo. Pro tip...the towel catching on fire, not planned!😮😮😮😮

[@Curraghmore]

If you pay close attention, you'll remember that in the first film, Michael was sheltered in Sicily by Don Tommasino, who used a wheelchair and had to use canes to walk. Then in this film when Vito returns to Sicily as a grown man and visits Don Ciccio who murdered his family, he goes there with a friend referred to as Tomassino, who gets blasted in the legs by a shotgun when they escape. That's how Don Tommasino ended up in a wheelchair. He turns up again in Part III too.

[@joeybossolo7]

Very few reactors pick up on this.

[@ozymandias1758]

What a catch! I had wondered what happened to the guy who got shot in the leg. Don Vito was a standup guy for going back for him after he was hit and down and helping him get to the car. He didn't abandon him.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Nice. Never caught that! thanks!

[@rawtrout007]

Time stamp?

[@Curraghmore]

I checked and only just realized that the shooting of Tommasino is skipped in this KZbin cut, but it was just before 55:50 when he and Vito escaped from Don Ciccio's villa.

[@megantouchton4636]

The most heartwrenching moment for me is in the last scene...when Michael tells everyone he joined the Marines... The only one to support him in the moment...was Fredo.

[@AlphariusDominatus]

Michael became what Vito hated the most. It's like a black mirror. You think Vito would have killed his own brother? Do you think that's what he would have wanted Michael to do? Hell no. Don Ciccio got the last laugh after all. Vito's son became just like him. "I don't want to wipe everyone out, just my enemies." Echos what Don Ciccio said in the beginning

[@el34glo59]

Exactly

[@lightup6751]

Yeah, I was surprised they didn’t see Coppola’s message. It’s almost as if they got manipulated by the character of Michael as he manipulated everyone around him. Michael sealed his own fate. He was ruthless, merciless and cruel. Everything that happened to him was his own doing, period. Killing all the heads of the other families including the two families that had absolutely nothing to do with harming the Corleone family. Killing his own brother over a mistake. They even kinda gaslighted the situation thinking that Fredo secretly hoped that Michael would be assassinated which isn’t in his character writing at all. Michael simply wiped out the competition without any thought of repercussions. Again, everything that happened to him was his own doing. Michael was ultimately a horrible Don. And that is the point of the Godfather films. Vito would have hated Michael for what he did to the family, shattering it into pieces for his own sake. They didn’t see it. But that’s the power of film. We sometimes root for the bad guy because we see his perspective. Forgetting to see the perspective of everyone else. Michael killed his family. Coppola put the last close up of Michael as a display of regret and remorse.

[@KamilDevonish]

What an interesting take. Fredo had been a liability his whole life. Standing there as his father got shot, manipulated into almost getting Michael and the kids killed. You say Vito would have never killed him. But at what point does his gullability cross the line from being a nuisance to being a fatal flaw? His resentment at being passed over almost got his family killed. His feelings were more important than the fact that Michael was clearly a better choice to lead the family than him. So were it ever to come out that Fredo was the inside man, and Michael spared him, how would his lieutenants feel about that? Men who'd killed people on Michael's order for a million times lesser crimes than betraying the family? Coppola doesn't seem to be making a statement on whether Michael was a good or bad don. He seems to be making a statement that actions have consequences. Vito obviously can't be held up as the model for how a don should be, because he was outmanovered by Barzini and Tattaglia, to the point that he lost a son and had to rely on Michael, who wasn't even in the family business to save him. It was nothing but pure luck that saved Michael from a car bomb in Sicily. They are all just men who have flaws. Vito admits as much to Sollozzo - he indulges his children. He was soft enough to allow Connie to marry Carlo which eventually led to Sonny's murder. Michael was so hard that he couldn't show mercy to his own brother. I don't see how you can draw the conclusion that either one of them had it all figured out. The only reasonable conclusion I can see is that when you make family into a business, you can't keep your family separate from the business. And if that business is a dirty business, your family will get stained as well.

[@nihilisticbarbie]

@@KamilDevonishI think I would have to agree. Michael is infallible, because he is human like anyone else in the story. he made mistakes or the wrong call on certain things, especially when it came to reading the emotions of his family members. it was true what Kay said, that he had become blind or else, was so ruthless he couldn’t see the havoc that his business had wreaked on his family relationships. Vito had kept that sense of emotion and tenderness, though that was something that also turned out to be a weak point. This man and his son, they weren’t perfect. Their families weren’t perfect. It’s a classic tragedy, the souring dynamic between Michael and Fredo in Part II even recalls to mind the biblical story of Abel and Cain, and how Cain was so jealous of his younger brother because his sacrifice was less valued he killed him. that’s literally what happened. Fredo has been so angry and jealous of Michael that he tried to have him killed, in exchange for ‘something in it for me’ and like they mentioned, you don’t know whether Fredo was ridden with the guilt of putting his brother in a dangerous situation, or that he had simply been caught. Many people say that it’s not in Fredo’s nature to do that, or that he didn’t know it was going to be an assassination attempt, but how can you say for sure? to think anyone but the writers have the definite answer to the character’s reasoning, i think, is not pragmatic. we’ll just never know. Fredo was flawed. Michael was flawed. you keep hoping that they could’ve patched things up, and in Part III, you can see how Fredo being murdered haunted Michael even in his old age. he truly regretted it. It’s just tragic, to see him be so cold and devoid of empathy here, knowing that this was not a path he chose for his life. Again, it’s an awful tragedy that tore the Corleone family apart.

[@Alvan81]

​@lightup6751 These are observations that we have all had years, or even decades (and how many rewatches😂) to appreciate. But for Media Knights they just sat down ine time and are goving immediate reaction.

[@piphead]

The thing I love most about ur reactions is how u can put out over an hour of content. Most reactions on KZbin are like 20 to 40mins to a 3hr movie! which just doesn't give it any justice. U guys just deliver every time. Thank you ❤️

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Awww thank you so much, that's honestly so kind of you!! You always show up to support us and it means the world! We're so glad to have you with us!

[@LuckySmurf]

Other channels use 20 to 40 mins. of reaction to avoid the copyright strikes.

[@piphead]

@@LuckySmurf this is why I love them even more. They go the extra mile.

[@dcworld4349]

@@LuckySmurf Kinda surprised they got away with it. I've seen channels cut all 3 movies it into 2 parts videos to get around it.

[@ohhSpxcy]

So true. I love that too about you two. 20-40 minutes reaction istn enough for a long story movie like that. ❤️

[@yorkhawk3223]

You two are the smartest, most observant film reactors on KZbin. Your attention to details like cinematography, acting performances, and all of the nuance of a truly great film are a pleasure to see. Super excited whenever you upload a reaction to a film worth watching. Well done.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Ahh man! Thank you for the massive compliment and for your time. It means the world to us to hear you’ve been enjoying these!

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 6 Oscars including Best Picture, it was the first sequel in film history to win an Oscar.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

What a fantastic film indeed!

[@Lukevibritannia]

@@OfficialMediaKnights so will you guys react to the third movie?? don't listen to others that is the end of the trilogy so try it.

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

When you realize that it was Sonny who introduced Connie to Carlo 😬

[@vdoggydogg3922]

It's all in the book

[@Rob-eo5ql]

O wow. I never caught that!

[@faresabdelraouf959]

yeah it hit even more

[@rawtrout007]

@@vdoggydogg3922the book is like 10,000 pagis long

[@alonenjersey]

@@vdoggydogg3922 Correct.

[@TennSeven]

The guy who took Vito to steal the rug was Peter Clemenza, the "leave the gun, take the Cannoli" guy from the first movie. The third guy in the trio with young Vito was Salvatore Tessio, the guy who tries to betray Michael in the first movie.

[@laudanum669]

The actor playing Peter Clemenza was Bruno Kirby. He was such a great character actor. He was in so many fantastic films. He died to early at the age of 57 from leukemia.

[@huskyfaninmass1042]

Who was the guy with Vito in his office when the landlord visited?

[@followerofchrist3125]

@@huskyfaninmass1042Genco Abbandando

[@Karlebow571]

I still don’t know what happened to Clemenza since he didn’t appear in second film

[@mst3KGf]

@@Karlebow571 Heart attack in-between the first and second films. He was originally supposed to be in "2", but his actor declined to return and thus they created the Frank Pentangelli role to film Clemenza's part in the film. Yes, originally, Clemenza was supposed to be the one manipulated into betraying Michael, which would have compounded the tragedy of the film.

[@Srial3523]

The scene where Diane Keaton delivers the news about what happened to their son will never not crush me. It's one of the most devestating displays of raw anger I've ever seen, and she played it beautifully. And the way Michael just fumed and she had space to say her piece. Absolutely Chilling. I hope you guys check out part 3. It's not as good as the first two, but it does expand the lore of the movies you already like so I think it's worth it for real fans.

[@SwampmasterZ]

Best slap in movie history, next to full metal jacket, right side Left side,

[@schaddenkorp6977]

Part 3s ending scene with Michael on the church steps was cathartic to say the least. All that emotion he’d been holding back for decades just erupting like that - I genuinely thought Paccino was going to have a stroke or an aneurysm during that scene.

[@pairofpints]

She's the only poor performance for me, so wooden

[@el34glo59]

Do not watch III

[@el34glo59]

​@@pairofpintsShe was supposed to be like that

[@theeddytor3490]

There is no doubt Godfather is absolutely masterpiece but Godfather part 2 has a different gravitas interms of dialogue and interaction every one has and it totally allows the viewer to feel the weight.... Iconic movie ❤

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

The dialogue was incredibly well written!

[@tonyyul703]

​@@OfficialMediaKnights one of the WORST things anyone can do is receive The Kiss Of Death.... It is the worst thing because it puts you in the category of Judis Escariot the one who betrayed Yeshua Jesus Christ...... A for someone like Fredo isn't heartbreaking.

[@tonyyul703]

​@@OfficialMediaKnights you really have to understand the pressure Mike Corleone was going through finding out what Fredo did....

[@tonyyul703]

​

[@tonyyul703]

​@@OfficialMediaKnights Be sure to watch part III The EXTENDED REDUX EDITION. It's not as good as this and part ONE, But it does close the chapter of this family pretty well.

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

Man, the movie was so good I didn't even realize it was 3 hours long. A movie has to be fantastic to pull that off for me.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yooo that's facts, the pacing and tension was absolutely fantastic!! What a great sequel!

[@milkgotzgames]

The thing Is I use to watch this movie before school and after several times didn't even realize it was 3 hours all of them are about that lol they go by so smooth

[@eddiewinehosen6665]

John Cazale that plays Fredo is an amazing actor. He tragically died only 42 years old but in his short movie career he was in Godfather 1&2, Deer Hunter and Dog Day Afternoon. That's a pretty nice resume of movies!

[@tprospect7]

The reason these two movies feel like one big story is because the backstory of Vito Corleone is part of the first novel. They didn't use it in the first film, choosing instead to use it here for the second movie. That's why it all feels so organic. For those that read the book, Vito's backstory was always part of the first film. It was a brilliant decision to save it for the second film, especially considering at the time they had no idea they would ever make a second film.

[@HombreGermany]

The scene at their mothers funeral, when Michael is hugging Fredo, shows the ruthlessness of his character better than any other scene. Even the ice-cold hitman Al Neri feels remorse when Michaels tells him, just with his look alone, what he has to do now.

[@HigHrvatski]

Love the ending, how at the end of the birthday Michael sits alone, and the end of the movie he's all alone. What a way to end the twolagy.

[@arctan2010]

It’s amazing both Pacino & DeNiro never interacted in this movie. It wasn’t until the movie _Heat_ (1995) they both finally interacted and it was epic!

[@joeybossolo7]

They should definitely react to Heat!

[@childrenoftheabzu]

@@joeybossolo7 I second this. One of my fav reaction channels.

[@TheJoshestWhite]

I this this! Or I'll walk away in 30 seconds!

[@Karlebow571]

They interacted again in the Irishman alongside with Joe Pesci and Martin Scorsese

[@nataliestclair6176]

The diner scene in Heat was the best scene on the movie.

[@Wdlamb93]

To this day, I don’t understand how Al Pacino did not win the Oscar for this role.

[@alonenjersey]

Just plain serious competition.

[@Qazaq_Qiyat_1465]

Back when movies were actually good

[@alonenjersey]

@@Qazaq_Qiyat_1465 So sad and yet so true.

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

If you wanna know more of Coppola's filmography outside The Godfather trilogy, check out a lesser known one called The Conversation, with Gene Hackman and John Cazale (aka Fredo). Then watch Apocalypse Now! That movie will show you Robert Duvall's range as an actor.

[@Eric-ff4bf]

Just a side note: John Cazale acted in only five films before he died, tragically young. All 5 were nominated for Best Film of the Year: both Godfather films, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, and the Deer Hunter. He's great in all of them.

[@TTM9691]

I completely agree 10,000%. That's what people used to watch next before the lame third GF in the sell-out 90s. Those two movies, and/or Dog Day Afternoon/Serpico. Etc etc. It's such a great launching off point for all these great actors. You can literally go through each actor and do their other great 70s movies, be they Duvall.....or Diane! And then there's who their competition was: Nicholson, Hoffman, Hackman...and that's just the guys! mama mia, what a time!

[@D0S81]

apocalypse now is a great film. despite being 43, i watched it for the first time this year, and holy cow. I found out that the scene at the start with Mike Sheen where he was rinkingin the hotel room was all real, he got really drunk and actually mashed his hand open and all the blood was real. after the scene he went missing and was found walking down the middle of the road at night and had a had a stroke i think or a heart attack. just knowing that was what made me watch it. and wow, what a flick. Plus Larry Fishburne's first movie,he was barely recognisable from the guy that becomes Morpheus. I already knew him as the dad from Boyz in the Hood (theres a film they might enjoy) but he'll always be Morpheus.sorry, adhd brain. but yeah, apocalypse now is great

[@cryptoholica72]

Ive watched this so many times, I lost count. Theres always something new to admire about this story and the way it was filmed. love it.

[@09F150]

The solitary peacefulness from Michael..... ....Mirrors Vito as a child, when he was shipped to America all alone. Movie is, and gets deeper everytime you watch it

[@qwertymanor]

I love how you put incredible performances in the title. Al Pacino in this movie is probably the best performance in the history of movies. The scene where he learns about the abortion is probably the best minute of acting in any movie ever. The way he becomes completely evil and loses his soul is magnificent acting. And the fact he can dial that back at the end and become an idealistic young man is probably the best part of his performance. Robert De Niro was also good too, lol.

[@nigelwitgunn3406]

You guys appreciated the lighting in the first one, so I flipped through your vids for Taxi Driver, but didn't see it. If you haven't seen it yet I know you'll love it.

[@dc1939]

Best reactors Ive found. Smart & totally engaged & pick up on all the different aspects of whatever theyre watching. & just cool, down to earth people with good taste

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

This was such a sweet comment, thank you so much for your support!! So glad to have you with us and that you're enjoying our content!

[@detsportsfan18]

Tom tells Frankie's brother in Italian "All is well, the honor of your family is intact". Meaning, all Frankie had to do was look at his brother to remember their code & way of life, which was to never talk to the police or rat out their own family, period.

[@joeybossolo7]

Very few people pick up on that. Well done.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Yes…omertà This code was based on omertà-i.e., is a Southern Italian code of silence and code of honor and conduct that places importance on silence in the face of questioning by authorities or outsiders; non-cooperation with authorities, the government, or outsiders, especially during criminal investigations. Seeing his old school older brother walk into the government hearings reminded Frankie Five Angels and he was disgracing his family. The Sicilian word omu "man"… “manliness” Southern Italian code: All the political power/elites was located in the north.

[@alonenjersey]

Good ears. Sadly my Italian isn't as good as my Grandfathers' (R.I.P.)

[@Serai3]

Fun fact: The part of Frankie Pentangeli was originally supposed to be Clemenza, but negotiations broke down so they renamed and recast the role. (It's mentioned in the movie that Clemenza has died since the events of the first film.) Michael lied to Kay at the end of the first film, and he lies to her throughout this one. But one has to keep in mind that he doesn't _want_ to lie to her. That's why he insisted the first time she asked, that she not meddle in his business. He wanted their relations to stay honest and that could only happen if she didn't pry. But being an American woman, she does pry, which leads to his having to lie to her. His mother never, ever asked about the Don's business - being Sicilian, she knew perfectly well not to get involved because that could compromise her husband's life. But Kay doesn't have that "home training", that knowledge that is gained through osmosis, so her misstep starts a chain of dishonesty. Micheal's cold and ruthless, but he never wanted to be dishonest with his wife; he wanted his real family to stay a real family, but it was not to be. The two worlds couldn't coexist, so it fell apart. He loses his real family and is stuck with his cold, ruthless business family, all warmth gone. Aside from Michael's presence, the events in Cuba are portrayed very close to what actually happened. Michael witnesses the Revolution and Castro's takeover, which of course strips him and Roth and all the others of their investments and property. All those "wonderful things" Roth crowed about were the very reason it all collapsed to abruptly. You can only push people so far before they fight back. The hearing at which Micheal testifies and to which he brings Pentangeli's brother from Sicily, is based on the Mafia hearings of the 50's. The framing and setup are directly from photographs of the hearings, just as the crime scenes in the first film were based on photos of actual Mafia hits of the 40's. The actor who played Don Roberto, the landlord that Vito terrifies into letting the widow stay in her apartment, was a standup comedian from Italy. All of the business with the door was a prank that Coppola played on him. He told the guy by the door to lock it after Roberto comes in, to see what he would do when the door wouldn't open. He handled it like a pro, of course, playing up the actual difficulty and turning it into a golden comic bit - everything he says and does after getting to the door is improv. Tom's protests that killing Roth was impossible because "it would be like trying to kill the President" is ironic because the President was indeed killed not long after he said it. Also, the framing of Roth's killing is based on the killing of Lee Harvey Oswald in custody after he assassinated JFK. (This film was grounded as much as possible in the reality of the period.) ETA; For my money, the best shot in the film is Clemenza pointing his gun at the policeman's shadow, when he and Vito are stealing the rug. That shot is iconically beautiful.

[@clarencewalker3925]

The part of Clemenza was played by the late Bruno Kirby. He can be seen in "When Harry Met Sally..."

[@bendover-bz4bc]

Bruh nobody's reading essay😭😭😭 chill bro just a movie

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

I read it.​@@bendover-bz4bc

[@loreo4612]

@clarencewalker3925 - No, Clemenza was played by Richard S. Castellano, a famous old character actor. Google it.

[@kaika-]

​@@bendover-bz4bc I love reading essays like a nerd, now scram.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Frank Pentangeli is such a great character. He is nicknamed "Frankie Five Angels" from his last name, the Greek word penta ("five") and the Italian word angeli ("angels").

[@michaelwoods3651]

The great Lee Strasberg was Al Pachino’s former acting teacher. He was the one who suggested that he be given the role of Roth.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yess!! We've both actually been lucky enough to study the technique of Method Acting with people who were taught by the great Lee Strasberg himself , so seeing him pop up in this movie was such an immense pleasure! We're so glad he pushed for Al Pacino, he did a spectacular job in this!

[@vdoggydogg3922]

​@@OfficialMediaKnightsthe commenter meant Pacino pushed for straberg

[@LesDexia13]

@@OfficialMediaKnights This was only Strasberg's 3rd film role, and his most recent role was 21 years before GFII.

[@michailburgesmeir8623]

Robert de Niro and Al Pacino. Two of the three best male Actors of all Times (in my Eyes) in one Film. Surely a masterpiece.

[@kenpullig1652]

These two installments of the Godfather saga can be used to teach full courses in film studies, there is so much to unpack. Coppola demonstrates his mastery of storytelling. I'll only mention a few things. The story behind Lee Strasberg getting his role is worth looking into. Never believe anything Michael tells you, he has gone from honesty and integrity in his youth to deception and manipulation effortlessly. Also, recall Michael is a third child so his anger at what he considers the murder of his own third child is apparent. Lastly, so glad you are watching the director's version which shows the parallels of Michael and his father. Happy you are both enjoying this so much.

[@Kasino80]

You guys are seriously the most astute reactors! It's a thrill to be in your company.

[@domingocurbelomorales8635]

When young Vito came back for Don Ciccio, one of their friends (the one who introduce him) was Tomassino. Tomassino, much older obviously, helped Michael in Italy when he killed the police officer and Sollozo. If you remember, Tomassino walked always with a cane due to a limp. That limp was produced because of the shot on the knee when he was young, in that moment when Vito murdered Ciccio.

[@matthewstroud4294]

There's a line in Part 3 that goes something like: Michael "Just as I thought I was out, they dragged me back in". This encapsulates the moments in the journeys of both Vito and Michael when they could have made a different choice other than the ones they did. Choosing to follow the expectations of the tribe. Ignoring their faint inner voice telling them that maybe they could be better.

[@francisalbert1799]

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in

[@TeddyKGB12]

And just about the only good part from that abortion of a movie.......

[@Nathanizbeast]

@@TeddyKGB12it wasn’t a bad movie. Just wasn’t a masterpiece like the first two

[@TeddyKGB12]

@@Nathanizbeast It's trash. Pacino forgot who he was playing. No Tom/replacement was terrible. The incest angle. And worst of all..........Sophia Coppola and her terrible acting, whiney, raspy voice, and that giant schnoz that's so big it looks like it's going to come out of the screen and attack you.

[@lethaldose2000]

Hey Denise and Ari, we romanticize Vito as doing his acts to provide for his family since he's starting from much more humble mean. --------- What we don't see is Vito being truly ruthless and vicious, during the Mob wars of 1933 during the Post Prohibition era. --------- Which eventually created the 5 families of New YOrk. -------- I hope and pray one day the rise of Vito gets made. by a Chris Nolan or Danny Boyle that would be an amazing cap to the Godfather saga.

[@MrAitraining]

Part 2 was a much bigger production from the 1st one. Twice the budget and they filmed in the dominican rep (for cuba), nevada, NY, Florida and Sicily. Part 1 they never actually filmed in vegas with the cast. All the indoors were in NY and the outside was 2nd unit shots. Ditto for the Hollywood scenes. So part 2 was pretty grand and Francis didn't have to worry about looking over his shoulder about budgets or his own job security in part 2. He earned full control from the 1st film.

[@mahmoudelaraby3934]

Robert De Nero and Al Pacino are the legendary Mafia bosses that can dominate the whole organized crime 💚💚💚 Lovely guys ❤❤❤ Thanks for the video

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Some excellent performances here from both of them! They dominate every scene they are in with an incredible energy and line delivery that is spot on 👏

[@lethaldose2000]

Hey Denise and Ari, the reason Vito knew definition was not a real gangster comes from the fact that when he was younger Vito knew that for Fanucci was jumped by some street thugs and got his throat cut which is the score we see on his neck. ------ Then fanucchi didn't roll with an entourage of bodyguards to hold his back. ------ Another Tell-Tale sign is when Vito offers the lower payment to Fanucci, most gangsters would have taken that as a sign of disrespect I immediately and dished out retribution. Vito almost died at the hand of Sicilan gangsters from. ----- He knew what the real thing look like and Fanucci was nowhere close to the level of gangster the Vito had seen first hand

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you for your insight on that particular interaction! We love how this film just lets moments play out and let us figure out what exactly is happening!

[@johnscott4196]

The combination of the dialogue, acting and photography come together to make a whole much greater than even those stellar ingredients. And the pauses between dialogue express as much as the verbal communication.

[@alonenjersey]

Just stopping by to say that the two of you have put together one very good reaction video. Two thumbs up.☝👍

[@batmanvsjoker7725]

Here's something interesting someone else pointed out: The Godfather saw Vito's reign and the beginning of Michael's. The Godfather 2 followed Michaels reign and Vito's beginnings.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Wow, what a wonderful dynamic between each film!! So cool!

[@philipfraietta3422]

Great job...Now that you reacted to both movies I want to point out some of the trivia associated with the characters..Hyman Roth was playing the quasi role of Meyer Lansky, the Jewish gangster know as the accountant a partner of Lucky Luciano, Moe Greene Was Bugsy Siegel the man who invented Las Vegas and was actually murdered by getting shot in the eye., Johnny Fontaine was Frank Sinatra and that war movie where he basically had to act like himself was "From Here to Eternity" where Sinatra an Italian kid from Jersey played DiMaggio an Italian kid from New Jersey....finally the scene when Sonny got shot at the toll booth he was listening to a ballgame...that game was the infamous 1951 Giants vs. the Dodgers playoff game.

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Masterpiece ever. Great

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Indeed, this is such a masterfully crafted film!!

[@lethasatterfield9615]

Thank the Lord you guys understood all the historical contexts in this film. It was so refreshing to observe people who understand what was going on at the time.

[@harshmehta3087]

Was literally searching your channel after watching part 1 reaction and this showed up!❤

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha wow that's fantastic timing!! Hope you enjoy!

[@harshmehta3087]

Can't wait to see more of you guys. Just discovered the channel with part 1 reaction. Loved it! Hope to see more and starting with part 3 soon🤣

[@WereMike]

I really enjoy your reactions, your chemistry with each other, your commentary, and the overall vibe. Thank you!

[@BatFan1]

Michael's vision of the family is a twisted upside-down perversion of all the hard work Vito put into building it. Every relationship his father had either turned on Michael or Michael wanting to be one -step ahead got rid of them, which is basically encapsulated with that final shot of Michael pensive, all by himself.

[@mikephillips1043]

Because once Vito went down their was a power vacuum and each of the 5 families were going to the capos basically saying you have our backing if you make a move so the capo would lead the coreleone family kinda under that other boss. Vito warned Michael it would happen so he had a contingency plan for it. It wasnt his twisted vision its how he was forced to take over and fr that it changed how he trusted the guys brought in with his dad because they werent all loyal to him but his father.he had to sift through. Michaels vision in the end imo far surprised vitos family.

[@randallsorensen9836]

This was the best reaction to Godfather 2 I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@JulioCoudio]

I put my little comment to tell you that your reactions are the best because I really feel you invested in this, not only emotionally but culturally as well, interested by the lights, the sound, the dynamic in the scenes and in the editing. Now it's obvious to me that you will try Part 3 to conclude the trilogy. If you do so, I strongly advise you to check the theatrical cut (Part III) and not the most recent one (CODA). The most recent one has some improvement but the end is also changed. And the end of Part 3 was perfect whatever people say about the movie. The association of the music, the dancing crossfade, the face, the very last cut... No finale in cinema history has ever reached this level of "devastation" (to quote Denise) ever since. You can check CODA after to compare, but as the first experience, theatrical cut all the way.

[@ernestitoe]

The scene in which Michael and his mother are in front of the fireplace and she tells him he can't lose his family: Francis Ford Coppola related that when his colleagues and family saw it, they told him he was getting carried away with darkness. The way they saw it, there was too little light -- he'd gone too far. Coppola agreed, but he liked it, so he left it in. I think the look that Frank Pentangeli's brother gave him said, "Don't do this. Remember the law of silence (omertà). Don't betray the padrone." When it was over, Tom said to him, "La famiglia sta posto, sta posto" (the family stays intact, stays intact") It was anything but. Pentangeli means Five Angels. Merle Johnson, Connie's fiancé at the beginning of the movie, was played by Troy Donahue, whose given name was Merle Johnson. I admire him, who played handsome hunks in previous movies, for playing a weak little leech. I recommend Part III -- the original, not the re-edited version. People put it down because Coppola drafted his then-teenage daughter Sofia to play Michael's daughter when the actress they had in mind had to back out. (Sofia herself didn't think she was very good.) I think it's good, though. You'll love all the scenes that were made in Sicily. They're not like Renaissance paintings or hand-colored photographs of the Eduard Steichen era or sepia-toned photos of the Photo-Secession movement -- just plain gorgeous.

[@debprice2393]

I loved your reaction to the first movie and have been waiting for your reaction to Godfather 2. You are so entertaining and insightful. I thoroughly enjoy your reactions. Keep up the great work!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

This means the world to both of us! Thank you for showing some love and support ❤️

[@marshallartist78]

Fun Facts: 1. Mamma Corleone is/was in real life a famous singer during the filming of GF I & IV. 2. ‘Sonny’ (James Caan) actually makes a hidden cameo in this second film at the very beginning. He’s in the crowd at that outside honoring ceremony by the lake that Mike gave large donation at. He’s Balding at this point, they gave him black hair, Sun glasses and has a mustache, a cigarette in hand with a smile on his face). TimeStamp @9:05 Lol I remember a long time ago when I first watched pt2, I had to rewind a few times to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. I never looked for proof other than what I saw with my eyes. (So maybe this is a fun ‘possible-fact’) lol 🍻

[@tonygriffin_]

That was a great reaction to one of the best sequels ever made. Hoping you will go on to watch the 3rd instalment, which seems to divide opinion (even Coppolla did a redux version a few years ago!) but which I think brings the story full circle and to a bitter end. Fun fact: When Mario Puzo, who wrote the original novel (which is brilliant and, amazingly, with more depth to characters' stories and backstories than the films), was asked to write the screenplays for Godfather 1 and 2. He managed it even though he had never done one before but, when the films collected so many oscars, he felt it was time to learn to screenwrite. So he bought a 'How to..." book and found, on the first few pages, that it advised readers who wanted to see a perfect script in action to "watch The Godfather".

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

A big reason why Godfather 2 worked so well with Godfather 1 is because Vito Corleone's backstory was told in the original Godfather novel by Mario Puzo that the first film was adapted from, but was left out of the first Godfather movie because the film was already long. So the screenwriters (Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola) decided to incorporate it into the second film. Also, I agree with you that it's pointless to rank the first and second films against each other. The same is true with other franchises where many people say #2 is better than #1, like Terminator/Terminator 2, Alien/Aliens, Star Wars 4/Star Wars 5. The second film has the luxury of building on the foundation of the first, and furthermore could not possibly have the same impact without the first one. The first one does all the heavy lifting of introducing us to the characters and world building and making us invested in them. Of course when the sequel stands on the shoulders of the original, it's going to see farther. But not if the original doesn't exist.

[@Alexandredro]

The Godfather part 3 please!! ❤ love that movie

[@Favorites3827]

I just love how you guys pick all the similarities and things mirroring themselves. I always admired them myself. I also think about all 3 movies as a rondo. It's a music term when the main theme keeps coming over and over again. Like, all 3 parts start with family celebrations and dancing, all have Don Tomassino from Sicily, and all have the hospital and church scenes. And all 3 parts show how a man becomes who he becomes. I can talk about this movie forever. Can't wait to watch the last part with you guys!

[@pamysue]

I've never said this before I don't think but I love the WAY you two watch movies. Not just the story or actors, but the lighting, the direction, the shot setups, the small mannerisms. This is how I tend to watch films and I really enjoy your reactions. Al Pacino may be a crazy old guy now, but these movies are proof that he is a brilliant actor. ✌💖😃

[@brucer2024]

You guys are excellent at movie reactions.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you so much, we appreciate your support!

[@sandplasma]

I'm excited to see when y'all react to the Godfather III!

[@thomaswilkinson6101]

John Cazale who played Fredo (who was married to Meryl Streep), was only in 5 films, all of which were nominated at the Oscars for Best Picture. Al Pacino once said: "I learned more about acting from John than anybody". I'd recommend watching the documentary: "I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale", an amazing but tragic story of John Cazale.

[@FinleyHarrison-hy2sm]

They weren't married they didn't get the chance. She was with him everyday until he died though.

[@degsbabe]

I must admit. Out of all the reactors yours are the most enjoyable, well paced, and intelligent.....keep it up.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

This is such a huge compliment, thank you! It means the world to us to have your support, we appreciate you!

[@Eric-ff4bf]

So interesting how young Vito built his power through gathering people around him, inspiring their trust and love. Michael, trying to hold power, loses all those connections, and shows a coldness and a willingness to go his own way (even in the retrospective scene at the end) that makes him ruthlessly efficient, but losing all those connections. Fantastic movie. I tend to prefer the sequel, but why quibble between two great films

[@StoriesThatSuck-pw1vi]

I've been waiting for a reaction to this film from you. You didn't disappoint. Great video!

[@rollastoney]

Don Tomassino, the man in the white shirt who helped Michael while he was in exile in the first film. He walked with a limp then because of what happened during the killing of Don Ciccio. He was shot in the leg with a shotgun and limped as a result. Always thought that was cool to include, the Tomassino/Corleone relationship runs deep.

[@elysezanoviah5636]

Absolutely love this reaction video, Im always tuned in !

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Wow thank you so much for your support, we are so glad you're enjoying our content!

[@richardlaswell463]

36:59 watch how after Rocco goes out the sliding door, he turns and watches through the doorway until Tom moves from behind Micheal, showing that he's the consummate bodyguard.

[@Humstuck]

Agreed, its hard if impossible to decide which is better. I love these.

[@anacap007]

An interesting theory about the Godfather movies is how the personality of Vito was split across his three sons. Even Vito knew his first two sons would make poor Dons and be unable to ensure the family's survival: Sonny being too impulsive and hot-headed and Fredo being to weak and gullible. It was ultimately Michael, who Vito didn't want in the family business, that had to carry the family forward even though he had his flaws. He was never loved nor respected like his father. Instead, Michael was feared because he was willing to do what was necessary to win; at any cost. Which made him extremely powerful but, as shown in the final scene, ultimately alone. A timeless allegory - Power cannot be shared.

[@AudieHolland]

That Sicilian crimeboss probably had so many people knocked off that he didn't exactly recall Vito and his mother.

[@louhillen8254]

One of the very few sequels that are better imo…….what an iconic film. Pacino is so menacing in this - what a legend.

[@cflournoy1529]

I may have said this in a previous reaction but you guys are two of the best reactors on YT!! Your after movie commentary is always so intelligent, insightful, and detailed. Love your reactions!!!

[@LIGHTNING132YTG]

I'm not sure which I prefer myself, Part 1 or Part 2. I really love the story telling for Part 2, though. The parallels with what is usually dubbed as "The Rise of Vito Corleone" and "The Fall of Michael Corleone" really make the film work. It's my favorite aspect of Part 2. If you guys decide to watch Godfather 3 do know that it got a LOT of mixed opinions at it's initial release. It's not really well favored among major Godfather fans. I do believe, though, that there are currently 3 different versions of the film out...the Theatrical Version of course from 1990, the 1991 Version titled the "Final Director's Cut", and then there's the 30th Anniversary recut from 2020 which was given the title "CODA: The Death of Michael Corleone". I've only seen the 1991 Director's Cut and I can honestly say it's not as good as the first 2, but I still enjoyed it. I haven't seen the 2020 CODA recut as of yet, but Coppola has gone on record stating that this recut is the one he and Mario Puzo (the original book author) had originally envisioned, and that it "vindicates" its status in the Godfather trilogy. So, this may be something to keep in mind to determine which version y'all want to react to. I, personally, am excited to watch the CODA recut on my own, and hopefully soon! :)

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Same here! Both of these films are absolutely amazing. We do want to watch the third one! Trying to decide which version we should watch. I guess CODA makes the most sense because it's the final cut and we tend to do those. But I don't know how many people have watched that specific cut vs the theatrical. I guess we'll do a poll!

[@Sgt_Glory]

I think one of them leaves our a very specific scene with Michael at the very very end that's pretty important imho. I don't want to spoil, but imho this short few seconds adds a lot.

[@ronalddobis6782]

Watch the coda. It makes the film so much better. I thought the original theatrical release was a good film but not a great one. The coda really elevated it in my opinion.

[@Ahasveros7674]

⁠@@Sgt_Glory coda ending leaves out important seconds.

[@bassman4632]

​@@OfficialMediaKnightsGF3 ruined the saga for me, many stupid scenes, unanswered questions , and terrible casting choices. I don't blame you for eventually seeing it but savor the moment before pt 3, before it comes crashing down.

[@tstumpf75]

Michael's hug to Fredo at the funeral. Was a hug goodbye.

[@bugsby4663]

It's such a tragedy. Michael learnt everything from his father except Vito's most important lesson, which was the importance of family. A masterpiece. Although not as good, I still think part three is very good.

[@MovementGraffiti]

I love these older movies that showcase Pacino’s acting as opposed to his flair. Michael, started out with a very blessed life and with all he did to get to the top, ended up very lonely and miserable after- pretty much the reverse of his father Vito’s. It’s so fun to watch reactors react to movies that we grew up watching pretty much yearly for decades now; especially us New Yorkers🥰 I lovingly say we cannot escape this culture. Thanks for the reaction!

[@flarrfan]

Not very many reactors have done Dog Day Afternoon, which is one of Pacino's best and also features John Cazale (Fredo).

[@abnergenece4307]

Great reaction! Though it's been dumped on in the past, I've grown to appreciate Part III as a satisfying conclusion to the story. I hope you check it out! Part II is definitely more dynamic; more mature and confident in terms of filmmaking and performance. Part I creates this world, and is in a class of its own. That boathouse scene with Fredo kills me every single time.

[@ranger-1214]

I truly enjoy the length and depth of your reactions. The “look backs” at younger Vito were a great part of this movie combined with Deniro’s ltalian scenes showed how he had spent months learning and practicing the language of the period.

[@mitzifrancis9843]

So great to see and hear your reaction to Part II. ❤ I have a feeling that both Godfather movies will stay with you. It's like they linger somewhere deep inside and you need to revisit one or both of them periodically over the years. Like so many people, I've watched them dozens of times. Sometimes I seek them out. Sometimes I see they're airing and there's a surge of remembering and desire to head into that rich emotional journey again. Part III? Meh...watch it or not. I only watch it if the trilogy is airing and then only if I feel like it. But lots of people really like it. Andy Garcia is the highlight for me. And it does give you some resolution on the family story arc. Thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting review!

[@TheMalibujoe]

Hyman Roth was based on real life gangster Meyer Lansky who was caught on an FBI bug saying "We're bigger than US Steel". Also Johnny Ola was based on gangster Vincent Alo.

[@jimreichers7196]

Let's goooooo!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hope you enjoy! 😄

[@KamilDevonish]

Your commentary is very impressive. I love the idea of Vito's time as Don being informed by a rejection of Ciccio and Fanucci's way of doing things.

[@davidblack4695]

Both of you guys are amazing.You all got me going down.A rabbit hole of all your own channel !

[@jimuicker4731]

I loved your reactions to these two movies, and I'm looking forward to Part 3. When you said that each movie provided context for each other, I couldn't agree more. I was actually noticing that during your reactions. For example, during the assassination attempt against Vito in the first movie, Fredo jumps out of the car to defend his father and drops his gun. Nobody but the camera saw that, but it adds to our assessment of him as incompetent. In the final scene of the second movie, we learn that it was Sonny who introduced Carlo to the family, providing additional context for Carlo's role in Sonny's death. Another parallel that really struck me was a theme in the first movie where both Sonny and Fredo made the mistake of speaking their mind in a meeting. Sonny openly disagrees with his dad about joining the drug trade, which is what convinces Solozzo to try to kill Vito and let Sonny take over. Then, the events of the second movie seem to cascade from the disagreement between Fredo and Michael in a similar meeting about the casinos. If Fredo had solidly backed Michael instead of siding with Mo Greene, I wonder if Roth would still have sensed an opportunity to divide them.

[@mustlearnmore4884]

Of all the reaction videos I watch, yours are by far my favourite. Your appreciation for cinematography, lighting, editing, and the subtleties of the performances put you head and shoulders above your counterparts on KZbin. I'm very much looking forward to your review of Godfather 3, but with that final instalment, I always felt like a chapter had been skipped, i.e. it seemed like it was really part 4 and I'd missed out on a lot of the overall story. It's not bad, it just feels like so much has happened off-screen and Michael has changed so much. Other commenter's on here have suggested the CUDA edition, which I haven't seen. So perhaps that version will be an improvement upon the theatrical version.

[@TeddyKGB12]

Part 3 isn't bad, it's fucking awful. Pacino forgot who he was playing. No Tom and his replacement was terrible. The incest angle. And worst of all..............Sophia Coppola and her terrible acting, whiney, raspy voice, and her giant schnoz that looks like it's going to jump out of the screen and attack you. I'd rather watch Kay's abortion than that abortion of a movie!

[@leighb3243]

Such a great reaction. Thank you! I love watching these blockbusters with you.

[@Ozai75]

Where as Godfather was Michael's rise to power and the acceptance of him into the Corleone Crime family, this is Michael's fall. The most telling is that at the end of Godfather, Michael is surround by his Capo Regimes, top enforcer, and others. And at the end of Part II he's *absolutely* alone.

[@salsonny]

Diane Keatons friends had an inside joke going where they would always close the door on her face

[@MrAitraining]

Oh shit. I was afraid you weren't getting to this. Awesome!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha thank you for your patience, we are so glad we finally got around to doing this! We hope you enjoy!

[@fidel2xl]

Great reaction, guys. This movie is before my time, but it's one of my favorites. Btw, the $2 Million cash that Fredo was carrying in the suitcase in Cuba in 1957 just days prior to the 1957 Cuban revolution (in which Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba as a brutal Communist Dictator)...in today's dollars in 2023, that $2 Million cash in 1957 is equivalent to $22 Million in cash today in 2024. And I learned an interesting factoid in the past few years about this movie. It turns out that the actor, John Cazale, who plays Fredo Corleone (Michael's older brother) died only a few short years after this movie, in 1978 at the age of 42 from cancer. I understand that he was a great guy in real life. He left behind a fiance who loved him dearly...she was an up-and-coming Hollywood actress at that time. Her name is Meryl Streep. 💜

[@bighuge1060]

My parents saw this movie in the cinema and they brought home a program for the movie as one would a program from a theatrical stage show. I held onto that program (from NJ's Totowa Twin Cinemas) for decades. I wish I had that today. Many viewers rate this sequel higher than the original. That end flashback scene at the dinner table is perhaps the greatest ending for such a movie as it harkens back to the family before all the tragedies and losses and shows Michael to be his own agent divorced from them. The third and last movie of this trilogy is the lesser of the three but it certainly has its moments.

[@hitmanyr2kHQ]

51:54 is one of my favorite parts of the movie. The way Michael is so dismissive is always amusing to me lol. He has clearly been through scenario with Kay before and his whole demeanor is like "here we go again" and he thinks he can pull the whole "I can change" song and dance with her again. She can see right through him and knows he's never going to change. He's truly become blind to everything around him except running the business.

[@realitycheck5376]

Great breakdown by you guys. You just GET it. I have always felt it difficult to say which was better, part 1 or 2 for the same reasons you stated. To me it's just one whole movie with an intermission after the first movie rather than separate movies. As you stated, in other words, these two movies complement each other perfectly. Fun personal fact: My father grew up in that very neighborhood (Little Italy) and he talked about The Black Hand, characters like Don Fenucci. He was also passed a bunch of guns to hide like what happened with Vito. That was the neighborhood.

[@JoeD0403]

Best sequel ever. It’s two movies in one and works perfectly.

[@izzonj]

One of the key things about Vito was that he lost everything at a young age and survived because of favors of people who nothing to gain - his family friends in Sicily who snuck him out of Corleone and put him on a ship to NY, the shopkeeper who gave him a job in NY. This taught him that if you help others they will be loyal to you in a way that is far better than paying them for loyalty. Tom, knew it though. He was taken off the streets by Don Vito and given a very good life and he was the most loyal of people to the Corleone family. Michael didn't operate this way and seemed to not appreciate Tom's loyalty at many times. Ironically, when it came time for Godfather III, Robert Duvall was a hold out. Tom may have been loyal but Duvall saw the only reason for making GFIII as making money and he demanded more of it than Coppola was willing to pay.

[@nihilisticbarbie]

I was so impressed by this review, and of Part I too. it’s such a treat to watch reactors who have a working knowledge of cinema, and I like that you guys picked up on plot points that often go over the heads of most first time viewers. For me personally, I love Part II. it’s more rich and in depth, and by the end, you’re left with this feeling of sadness and emptiness. You never forget how it makes you feel. Al Pacino was completely robbed of an oscar for this role, which is a tragedy in and of itself. I really recommend you check out some of his other movies from the 1970s, including Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and Panic in Needle Park. Pacino is such a gifted actor, and he was truly at the height of his powers at this time. I still can’t believe he did several movies in a row, every year from 1971 to 1976 he had a film come out, and from 1972 to 75, Al Pacino did five films: Godfather, Scarecrow, Serpico, Godfather Part II, and he jumped right into Dog Day Afternoon afterwards, even though he had been admitted to hospital on the set of this movie and playing Michael left him feeling drained, exhausted and unsure of his abilities as an actor. He was just brilliant. De Niro too. I really recommend you dive into their filmographies, it’s worth it!

[@chipurBillWhite]

Nice reaction, guys. Your production insights are very interesting. Thank you…

[@MrUndersolo]

The cinematographer of the Godfather films was Gordon Willis. His nickname was The Prince of Darkness!

[@hrussell9677]

2 is greater than 1. The story telling, acting, and cinematography is superb. 1 sets the stage, 2 adds all the complexity and fleshes out the story the way 1 didn’t. Godfather 2 is considered the better film by critics, but it is also a personal opinion.

[@TTM9691]

I can't believe you recognized Lee Strassberg. But then......I CAN believe it! You guys fire on all cylinders: acting, script, cinematography plus emotionally engaged with the story! Of course you know who Lee Friggin' Strassberg is! lol. Listen: the same year Coppola directed this, he directed ANOTHER masterpiece: "The Conversation" with Gene Hackman. BOTH movies were nominated for Best Picture (this one won). Meanwhile, the following year, in 1975: Pacino and Cazale (Fredo) make "Dog Day Afternoon", directed by Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Network). MASTERPIECE of true crime, mind bogglingly great. Watch those, don't worry about the crappy third Godfather. Instead get blown away by what all these actors (and this director) were doing in the 70s, groundbreaking iconic movie after groundbreaking iconic movie. Coppola started the 70s writing "Patton", directed the two Godfathers, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now......plus produced George Lucas' first (and greatest!) hit: "American Graffiti"! that was his 70s! Thank you, Francis! lol. PS: The same year as Godfather Part 3, Brando and Bruno Kirby (young Clemenza) were in the hit comedy "The Freshman" which parodies his Godfather performance brilliantly. Andrew Bergman film, very funny. "Goodfellas" and "The Freshman" were the movies that made the third Godfather sucking not so painful, lol.