THE GODFATHER PART II (1974) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION PART 2/2

THE GODFATHER PART II (1974) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION PART 2/2
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*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

[@cstephen98]

The ending is so powerful. He's at the height of his power, he's defeated all his enemies... and he's completely alone

[@VineVitumEt5]

If Apollonia had lived, she would have understood.

[@lewisrogers5685]

Absolutely love it. For me, one of the greatest scenes ever filmed, sitting in that orchard, the autumn leaves falling...and that thousand yard stare, of having force of will and intelligence to overcome his enemies...but paid the greatest price, his soul. Hollywood at the height of its power.

[@frankgesuele6298]

@@lewisrogers5685 At the height of Francis Ford Coppola's power.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

Michael warned Fredo in the first one " don't ever take sides against the family that way again Ever"

[@markz2631]

There is so much, that you can watch and rewatch these films for years and your understanding of the entire premise of these films can change drastically. What an amazingly put together story.

[@TowGunner]

Fredo absolutely knew about the hit on Michael. He opened the curtains in his bedroom.

[@chandaramony2939]

Fredo u still my brother second chance

[@Jayscollo]

Jay and Amber believed Michael had forgiven Frado after their mom died, they clearly forgot the lesson from Michael keep your friends close but your enemies closer, lol. I always felt Embracing Frado at the funeral was just keeping his enemies closer.

[@matthintz9468]

The thing is, as Vito rises, he still maintains his sense of humanity. He's always faithful and respectful to his wife. He spends time with his children. Even though he becomes the leader, his relationship with Clemenza and Tessio is one of friendship, and it's more of a partnership. Vito even shows tenderness and mercy. Vito grows a life for himself out of poverty and destitution. Michael, conversely, starts off this way, but as he gets involved in the business, becomes cold, distant, paranoid, ego driven, controlling, and cruel. The juxtaposition between the two as the movie unfolds is a powerful character study.

[@lizmil]

I ageee!

[@lightningbug276]

Yes!

[@MontagZoso]

Perfectly said!

[@FERKILL377]

IT's important to remember all the circumstances surrounding both of their reigns, and those were vastly different The eras and the importance of mafia as a 'family' and 'business' structure were different when Vito started to gain power compared to Michael, the wives and their personalities were different (Vito's wife much closer resembles Apollonia than Kay for Michael, Vito didn't have a Kay, Michael did though because of Apollonia's murder), the family itself was whole and nobody (until the first movie's plot) questioned Vito's power outside, and most importantly, inside the family, and there are many other variables at play for both of them Vito had all these factors playing FOR him, Michael had them playing AGAINST him, and they shaped both of them accordingly

[@Nomad-vv1gk]

John Cazale, who played Fredo, is the only actor in Hollywood history with a string of movies, 100 percent of which are cinematic masterpieces. He starred in only five movies between 1972 and 1978, before his untimely death, but his short-lived career featured films that were exclusively Academy Award Best Picture Nominees. His death broke the hearts of many of his friends and contemporaries, including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and, of course, his then-girlfriend and co-star, 28-year-old Meryl Streep. John Cazale's life and performances remain preserved in celluloid, however, with three of his movies winning Best Picture at the Oscars and all five remaining in the proverbial cinematic hall of fame. For an actor with only five movies under his belt, his success as a performer cannot be understated. Director Michael Cimino was aware of his failing health so they filmed all of Cazale's scenes for The Deer Hunter first. When the studio found out John had cancer, they wanted to replace him. Meryl Streep, his girlfriend at the time, threatened to quit if Cazale was fired. Robert De Niro paid the insurance premium for him out of his salary for the film. He died after completing his scenes.

[@patinho5589]

His success cannot be overstated*. I could quite easily understate it.

[@Eric-ff4bf]

Just to add: his Best Picture-Nominated films: The Godfather, The Godfather II, The Conversation (another GREAT Copola film), the Deer Hunter, and Dog Day Afternoon (another great Pacino film). An amazing run.

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

Brilliant actor. Pretty much stole every scene he was ever in.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Nomad.... Thank you, I came here to say that. John Cazale was indeed a legend.

[@gkiferonhs]

Back in the day, if the movie was long (usually over 2 hours) there would be an intermission about halfway through for people to use the restroom, etc. It was a holdover from the "legitimate" theatre.

[@jomardel]

They still do that in Mexico. I like it. Go to the restroom if you have to or buy snacks

[@michaels6496]

Another intermission movie from that era, "The Right Stuff"

[@Gameflyer001]

@@michaels6496 The Ten Commandments had a long one.

[@thundernels]

Theaters could rack up concessions, which the theater could keep the bulk of the profits. Now, the film companies want to run films as many times as possible per day, which the movie producers get the bulk of the movie tickets.

[@joemckim1183]

@@Gameflyer001 Cleopatra was a super long movie also.

[@whitediggity]

Out of so many iconic moments, the one that stays with me the most is in the end when everyone is mad/disappointed in Michael for joining the military but Fredo was happy and proud of him. He was the only one. It’s just amazing writing and direction.

[@meyerhave]

"... when everyone is mad/disappointed in Michael for joining the army..." "Michael" joined the United States Marine Corps, NOT 'the army".

[@whitediggity]

@@meyerhave relax. Go eat some crayons. Don’t be so pretentious.

[@Nomad-vv1gk]

@@meyerhave It appears he wrote, "...joining the military", not the army.

[@meyerhave]

@@Nomad-vv1gk : Thank-you; my big-time misreading (IE: projecting, due to all too many previous examples of lumping in the U.S.M.C. as being "Army") mistake.

[@sparky6086]

​@meyerhave True; but to be fair, Sonny & maybe some other civilian characters who presumably might not know or care, mix up the Army with the Marine Corps in both movies.

[@carlazaz1690]

Greek tragedy. Fredo was never malicious - he was simple-minded and weak, helpless to help Vito when he was shot and easily manipulated. And Fredo adored Michael. Meanwhile, Michael killing his brother was the worst possible sin and the final point of his descent into Hell. That's what he's reflecting on in the final scene - how could things have gone so wrong, how could he become that evil? You have to understand - Michael was always the Good Son, the one who didn't want to be in the family business and Vito didn't want that either. But when Vito was shot, the turning point was when Michael said, "I'm with you now." That was the beginning of Michael's sin and damnation.

[@vanessac1721]

If Fredo was never malicious, he should have spoken up immediately after the attack on Michael and Kay. He just covered his own butt instead of revealing the true threat immediately to Michael. He didn't care if his brother got killed. That was a hard decision for Michael to make. But could he honestly ever trust Fredo again? That kind of familial betrayal destroys you. Look at Tony Soprano when his own mother tries to have him killed in the Sopranos. He was completely devastated.

[@blueyeshadow2738]

What I like about this movie is that it compares and contrasts Michael and his father. While Vito rises he’s never alone, people might fear him but they also love him while Michael has everything but he rules through fear, his family is broken apart and he’s alone

[@George-li8wc]

Not sure I agree with that assessment. I think they thought very much alike. Vito murdered the Black Hand in order to rise to power, and got things done through fear, as demonstrated by how he convinced the landlord to permit the old woman to keep her dog. And the murder of the movie producer's horse. I think the main difference were the circumstances. They were both very intelligent and calculated before they took any actions... Vito recognized this quality in Michael. But he did not want him to be part of it. But the times were changing. Michael did what he had to do, just like his father. And Michael was dealing with high-level traitors in the family (Tessio), who had a history with Vito, but not with Michael. And he was dealing with the US Congress. And he was dealing with a wife who asked questions. Pantangeli committed suicide out of honor and respect. Would Vito have ordered the murder of his brother under the same circumstances as Michael? We'll never know. But I think they were far more similar than different. Just my opinion... No better than yours.

[@George-li8wc]

Sorry, I wanted to add one more point to my comment above. Both Vito and Michael recognized danger. Vito refused to get into drug distribution, even if it meant multiplying the family revenue. He sensed how that could destroy the family in the future. And Michael recognized that investing in casinos in Cuba was also dangerous. He saw that a revolution in Cuba appeared imminent. They both backed out. And for those decisions, they both faced assassination attempts. Anyway, taken together, the first two Godfather movies were a brilliant expose of the rise and fall of the mafia. Built on great character development and supreme writing and movie making..

[@TimTheTuner]

@@George-li8wc I think your assessment is basically correct and well-reasoned. Thanks! I would only add that Michael says to Don Tomassino in Part 3, "You were so loved, Don Tommasino. Why was I so feared?" This indicates that Michael was well aware that he did not live up to the standards of Vito in regards to what his family thought about him.

[@George-li8wc]

No argument from me on that point. But Michael had a different set of circumstances. The times had changed. I think that was the main difference.

[@larrybremer4930]

I think Vito had a much higher set of values and was only intimidating when there was no other alternative. Vito would choose silver and kindness over lead and death to accomplish his goals. Michael was far more ruthless and cunning, much more of a schemer than his father. Michaels formative event that changed him was the attempt on his father life that hardened him. He was a different person after that. Vito also better insulated his family from the business, and I think he was a much more caring husband and father than Michael. Everything Michael did to build his families future is also what took him farther and farther from them. I think the entire saga is a the tragedy of Michael Corleone and his struggle and failure to be human.

[@mitchrobinson3076]

This is one of the best movies ever made. I have seen it so many times.

[@cflournoy1529]

I agree! I’ve seen 1 and 2 sooooo many times and it just never gets old.

[@phazonclash]

Exactly. I'm 42 and I've watched the trilogy at least one time every year since I was 15 or 16. Masterpiece

[@igloo2158]

Gets better as I age.

[@charlier711]

Michael's character arc from not wanting to get involved in the family business to cunning, ruthless mafia don is a tragic but fascinating story.

[@2005wsoxfan]

I'm 64 years old. Intermissions were common when I was a kid. It was nice to be able to take a bathroom break or get a snack. At 64 years old I could use that bathroom break more now than when I was a kid. We also had cartoons before the showing of the movie and/or a 3 Stooges short. I kind of miss the Loony Tune before hand.

[@carlrs15]

loved Dune Part II but it could've done with an intermission

[@joemckim1183]

Especially when you had so many big movies that went 3+ hours long.

[@davidryan1295]

I learned what an intermission was when my father took me & my family to see Barry Lyndon in the theatre. I was just a kid & was so relieved because I thought the movie had finally ended, but it was only the intermission.

[@joemckim1183]

@@davidryan1295Barry Lyndon is the 1 Kubrick movie I have no interest in seeing, it just seems like it'll be a total snoozefest.

[@BlueShadow777]

Why is it that young kids and old gits have this fascination with wanting to tell everyone their age? Pretty soon you’ll be telling everyone “I’m 64-and-a-half, you know” 😂

[@randyhuman]

Here's a funny tidbit about the film. The landlord that wants to evict the friend of Vito's wife was a famous Italian comedian. They decided to play a prank on him so when you see him try to get inside the door of Vito's office after he finds out who he really is, they put a nail in the door so he could not get in. Look at DeNiro's face, that is a genuine laugh. They put the nail back in when he went to leave as well. That is why he was so flustered.

[@x_mau9355]

That scene is so memorable that there is no one similar in the whole history of cinema. And I have watched really A LOT of movies, even in those made by the greatest geniuses of Italian comedy, there is nothing similar.

[@erikagholston6610]

Thanks I didn’t know that.

[@ericlarsen1920]

They weren't going to hurt Pentangeli's brother. They knew that if he was in the senate room that Frank wouldn't break his oath of silence in front of his brother. It would shame him.

[@carlazaz1690]

Poor Fredo. Meanwhile, Diane Keaton deserves an award for the hotel room scene. The spectacular acting she does just with her facial expressions, not saying a word, as Michael is going on about "losing the baby." From anger to confusion to increasing contempt to utter hatred, all in a few moments. Then on the couch after being slapped, barely able to get out the words, "They're my kids too."

[@renzero9206]

100% agree. Diane Keaton is phenomenal in that scene. As was Pacino. Fantastically written and performed to perfection.

[@BigBoss-zi5ss]

She will never get an award..not with this Sicilian thing that's been going on for 2000 years ( slap)

[@darshin95]

LMFAO@@BigBoss-zi5ss

[@Eric-ff4bf]

Add in her expression as Michael silently closes the door on her after she has secretly visited the children. She goes from terrified to broken and stifling a sob in just a split second. Brilliant.

[@giodagrate5369]

Amber is very sharp! Great job 👏🏼

[@fjpapp7952]

They show you Fredo when he was sick as a baby to show what happened to him. Things like scarlette fever or similar illnesses were common back then and could cause lasting damage to the brain, heart etc. It's a quite brilliant scene actually and shows you the detail they went to in this movie.

[@susanliltz3875]

“GOOD FELLAS” is a great mafia movie for Jay!! Ray LIOTTA (field of dreams) , Robert Di Niro ( godfather) and Joe Pesci ( my cousin Vinnie)

[@cameronpickard7456]

no way too corny especially after seeing this it will be a letdown

[@John_Greek]

Anything after TG2 is a letdown

[@danielschaeffer1294]

A great choice. The Godfather shows the Mafia as noble tragic heroes. Goodfellas is a black comedy that shows them as human garbage.

[@YoY187]

@@cameronpickard7456you're crazy. It's no Godfather, but one is like an epic play and the other is like a documentary (obviously over the top for entertainment purposes) But if you enjoy mafia movies, Goodfellas is the unprecedented third of the holy trinity after Godfather 1 & 2

[@obrtre2]

Every Catholic "got" the genius of Coppola in Fredo's death scene. The "Hail Mary" prayer is said with a specific cadence every Catholic of that era knew. "Hail Mary full of grace / the Lord is with thee / blessed art thou amongst women / and blessed be the fruit of thy womb Jesus / Holy Mary / Mother of God / Pray for us sinners.../" and when you hear the shot that kills Fredo, you don't hear the last line of that prayer that comes as every Catholic finishes saying "...now and at the hour of our death..." (gunshot instead ). Just a little extra item to think about. Nice review kids. Amen.

[@richarddefortuna2252]

Willie Cicci, who testified to the Senate Committee, also had a role in the first two Rocky films (along with Connie (Talia Shire), who played Adrian). He was Gazzo, the loan shark!

[@anafael1]

Oh, yeah!

[@stefanjrgensen6842]

the sad thing about Fredo is that the job he has is extremely important, being the face of the family is the perfect job for him bcoz Fredo is approachable, charming and easy to be around everything that MIchael isnt but Fredo is too blinded by his own ambitions and feelings of inadequacies that he never realizes that he is essentially the only one in the family that can do what he is doing.

[@docbearmb]

You really forgot Sonny. He was indeed the acting Don after Vito got shot. As the oldest, it was the natural way. Of course then he got shot up real bad. And the young boy, when the whole family took the trip to Sicily, who was wearing the sailor type outfit was not Fredo; it was Sonny. You could tell by his light brown curly hair. Fredo’s was black and straight.

[@SueProv]

The mother from Sicily begging for her son and said he was slow that was VITO. She said Run Vito before they shot her.

[@shiner6523]

A major element of the story is the comparison of Michael and his father at same age, at the same point in their lives. The contrast between Vito's approach to power and influence vs. Michael's approach. The father's life during his rise to power and the fortunes of his family, and the son's life during the decline of his power and his family's destruction. Vito at the end, surrounded by loving family and friends and Michael at the end, completely alone and contemplating his life.

[@likearollingstone007]

Their is no family destruction. He was working to bring the Family into legitimate businesses, and succeeded btw (just like the real life Mafia). They transition into international Real Estate (Godfather III)

[@ebaker1968]

The guy who takes him to the show is Genco....as in Genco Olive Oil Company. He's also Vito's consigliere. He plays a bigger role in the book. Unfortunately, he's only a very minor character in the movie. He and Vito were childhood friends, and Vito also worked at Genco's father's grocery store.

[@joemckim1183]

Genco was the consigliere of the family before Tom got the job. After Connie's wedding Vitor took Sonny, Fredo, Michael, Tom and Johnny all to see Genco who was in the hospital at the time.

[@chetcarman3530]

Almost every reactor misses the scene where baby Fredo nearly dies from pneumonia & high fever. The brain damage from that kept him "limited" mentally.

[@erwinquiachon8054]

They miss it because it has nothing to do with Fredo being "weak". Fredo's pneumonia is not in the book. Fredo is described by Santino in the book as the toughest of all the sons. Coppola conceived Fredo's pneumonia for the film to demonstrate how families will wrongly assume that a sickly child will be a failure. Fredo is based upon who Coppola was treated as a child. Coppola mentioned in his blu ray commentary that he had polio as a child and couldn't walk for about a year. As a result, Coppola's family was dismissive of him as a weak failure when he was a child because his siblings were healthy and found their talents when they were young. Coppola and his family didn't realize how talented he was until he was in college. Coppola also admitted in his commentary that he would catch a fish whenever he prayed the Hail Mary as a child in real life. Connie's development in Part 3 is also used by Coppola to point out that Michael was wrong for assuming that Fredo was a weak failure. Every time Michael notices Connie's development in Part 3, he is forced to think about how Fredo would have developed if he were allowed to live. That's why Vito spared Fredo in Part 1. You're misinterpreting the Godfather films by Coppola's own commentaries.

[@blueyeshadow2738]

⁠@@erwinquiachon8054take a pause and breath. Most people just watch the movies, not go into the commentaries. And just because a director conceived of something one way doesn’t mean people can’t have their own interpretations that’s what’s so great about analyzing films

[@chetcarman3530]

@@erwinquiachon8054 I think you're misinterpreting Coppola's words. Also, I tend to avoid engaging with ppl who've "Read the book." Best example: The Shining. (Also 2001.)

[@erwinquiachon8054]

@@blueyeshadow2738 You can have your own interpretation. That doesn't make your right. If the director explains why he wrote something, he is providing the correct interpretation. I'm guessing that you flunked Shakespeare class, too. The people who have their own interpretation of Shakespeare usually flunk.

[@erwinquiachon8054]

@@chetcarman3530 You're engaging me now. That makes you a liar, too. No interpretation. Coppola specified that he was a sickly child who became famous. That's why he wrote Fredo's "weakness" into the movie.

[@brentcox7772]

So great!! Try “Dog Day Afternoon”!! Mike and Fredo are the leads!🤘🔥

[@joemckim1183]

Al Pacino and John Cazale were really good friends in real life, before they broke into movies they did a lot of plays together.

[@Jayscollo]

Another great early Al Pacino movie is And Justice For All. He also stared is so many great movies over the years, I would also highly recommend Scent of a women and Devils Advocate.

[@JoeD0403]

An intermission offer you can’t refuse: Let’s all go to the lobby 🎶 Let’s all go to the lobby 🎵 And get ourselves a treat 🎶

[@deborahscalise3215]

Now you have to watch The Godfather III while all of this history and information is still fresh in your memory.

[@Jayscollo]

Agreed, although I personally think part 3 is not as good as the 1st two movies

[@deborahscalise3215]

@@Jayscollo I feel the same about it not being as good but at least it will finish the Trilogy for them.

[@bennymorga9206]

Just an FYI for you youngins, intermission is when you take this VHS out and put the 2nd one in. These were double VHS's :) Scarface was the same way.

[@BigBoss-zi5ss]

Al Pacino has the best yelling voice

[@Jayscollo]

And uses it beautifully in films like a Devils Advocate & And Justice for All

[@kennethbrown5164]

Hey guys check out Al Pachino in "Scent of a Woman".

[@Jermsybug]

The important distinction this movie makes between Vito and Michael is that Vito stayed happy as he rose to power whereas, by the end of the movie, we see Michael constantly sad and bitter. That is also why he says “Times are changing,” to his mother.

[@timlois]

This is such a masterpiece. My take away has always been the tale of two stories. One is the building of a family. The other, it's destruction.

[@JeffMar1]

2 things I believe you missed out on… First, there was a scene early in Don Vito’s life when baby Fredo had a fever and was crying incessantly with the Don standing in the front doorway looking concerned… Back then, it was not known that a baby with a high temperature for too long could cause brain damage… This was probably the reason why Fredo was “different” than his other siblings… both mentally and physically… Something that if known by his parents and siblings, they would have treated him with more compassion, and taken into consideration… Possibly leading to a different ending for poor Fredo… Second, during the scene at the mother’s wake when Michael is hugging Fredo he gave this look to Al Neri… which caused Neri to look away… This was Micheal’s silent order for Neri to take Fredo out… It’s a subtle reading of body language many people miss…

[@davidpalmer9134]

This was The Best out of all 3 movies. So many iconic scenes. Plus it is the only other movie (that I know of) with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. The other one which you both should watch is “Heat”. That movie has an amazing dialogue between the both of them.

[@baird5776mullet]

Agree

[@phillipmorgan4627]

Righteous Kill actually allows the 2 to interact for more than a single scene

[@davidpalmer9134]

@@phillipmorgan4627 gonna check that one out

[@joemckim1183]

Another film with both of them is The Irishman which is also a Scorsese movie and a much better movie than Rigtheous Kill.

[@cameronpickard7456]

no no first one is the classic

[@radicaladz]

Okay, more cast/cameo trivia. One of the senators during the hearing - the one with no mustache who interrogates Willie Cicci - is film director and producer Roger Corman. Corman was a B-movie tycoon starting in the 1960s through to the late 80s, and many of the New Hollywood generation such as Coppola, Scorsese, Joe Dante, Jim Cameron and many actors like Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper cut their teeth working with him. While not all of his output can traditionally be considered "great", his influence on modern filmmaking is unavoidable and integral. The government agent who is minding Pentangeli and does most of the talking is Harry Dean Stanton - you may recognise him from Alien, Repo Man, Pretty Pink, Paris Texas, Escape from New York and The Avengers ("Well, son... you got a condition.") And finally, on a sad note: Willie Cicci - the guy who talks about "buffers" at the hearing - is played by Joe Spinell. He also appeared in the first two Rocky films as Tony Gazzo (the mob guy Rocky does work for), Taxi Driver, Sorcerer, Maniac and many more films. He was originally intended to return in Part 3 as an antagonist, but tragically died before production took place; Spinell suffered from hemophilia, and it's believed he he slipped and injured himself on a glass shower stall door in his apartment; he didn't or couldn't call for help and was later found having bled to death. He did also appear in Part 1 - he's the assassin who shoots the guy through the revolving door in the baptism montage, grinning evilly as he does so, and he can be seen wearing wraparound shades as one of the soldiers who leads Tessio away to his death after he is revealed to be the mole in the Corleone regime.

[@meyerhave]

@radicaladz: "One of the senators during the hearing - the one with no mustache who interrogates Willie Cicci - is film director and producer Roger Corman." NO, wrong, that is NOT the legendary Roger Corman. Roger Corman is seen seated to that actor's left, and is first heard at 21min.08sec. asking for the identification of the man sitting to Michael Corleone's left, and who turns out to be Frank Pentangeli's older brother Vincenzo, brought over from Sicily.

[@markbronx172]

I'm begging you both, never watch Godfather 3. It was a mistake. You'll be better off just enjoying and rewatching 1 y 2.

[@radicaladz]

@@meyerhave - is he not in both scenes?

[@radicaladz]

@markbronx172 - oh good grief, it's fine. Godfather 3 is just fine, folks. I'm not saying it's perfect or a masterpiece - it has a lot of weird choices and compromises - but it's not the worst movie ever made or anything. It just couldn't stand up to the hype built by the previous two.

[@meyerhave]

@@radicaladz:Yes, Corman is seen and heard in the Senate hearing scenes, but he is NOT the "Senator" ... "who interrogates Willie Cicci".

[@LeviAckerman-cb5ji]

22:40 They weren't going to hurt his brother. He came voluntarily when he heard his younger brother was about to betray the code. He then went straight home once he knew his family's name was safe. Frankie's brother was total OG.

[@yaimavol]

In this movie we watch Michael slowly turn into a monster. It's what power does to a human being. It becomes the only reason to keep living and holding onto it at all cost is the only objective. Godfather 3 is not quite as good as the first two, but you see Michael try to break free of the life he has created for himself.

[@patrickpierson370]

Just so y'all know, the 3rd Godfather movie isn't as great as the first two, but it's still a good movie. PLEASE FINISH THIS TRILOGY SOON!!!!!

[@salserio6727]

I recommend the CODA version. It doesn't completely fix it but it does "clean it up" some. There are some things in the third movie that just can't be fixed.

[@SpielbergMichael]

@@salserio6727Absolutely the CODA version is far better than the original theatrical release.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

39:13 tom has been with them since he was a little kid. sonny found him living on the streets and brought him home one day, so vito took him in and informally adopted him. interestingly, vito never wanted to formally adopt tom because vito viewed that as disrespectful to tom’s parents. vito was truly an honorable guy, despite his flaws. interesting to compare how vito made decisions to how michael made decisions. michael was much more ruthless and cared much less about honor/chivalry… and that was michael’s downfall. he lost the sense of good that was the underpinning of every decision vito made.

[@MJ-kc8iz]

I think there's more to this. Vito is as honorable as he can be, but he's still a man that assassinates Fanucci from the shadow of a darkened doorway, and guts Ciccio like a fish. As younger men, both Vito and Michael, when someone threatens the safety of their family, show no self-restraint. Vito learns temperance in his later years, but Michael is the same man his father was at the same age, more methodical, perhaps, but no more bloodthirsty. Sadly for Michael, he is the rules at the end of the empire. Vito may have been Caesar, but Michael's time was the twilight of the Empire, with the huns & visigoths gathering at the door. Michael sees the the ways of the five families cannot last forever and tries to hold everything together against a changing tide by whatever means are necessary, even leaving New York. But do not think that Michael lacks honor, he is the image of his father for better and for worse.

[@Hexon66]

Calling Vito honorable is a stretch, as well as is "despite his flaws". Only in contrast to Michael can that argument be made. Having lived the pain which underpins the whole Cosa Nostra mythology, which Michael did not, he's more cunning, perhaps more circumspect. But every bit as ruthless. He doesn't get that reputation from merely killing Fanucci, or making threats. Everyone knows who Don Vito is, and what he's capable of doing. He is not more honorable, just more skilled in concealing his true self.

[@baird5776mullet]

Part 2 was better than 1 to me.

[@nplindgren]

Thank you for part 2!! The way part 1 just ended was the worst kind of cliff hanger!!

[@Citizenesse8]

Kay deluded herself. Michael knew what he was wanting to do and why he wanted to turn legitimate before she even married him. She knew what he did. She should never have married him but she did. This was an Italian Catholic man in the 50s and 60s. She never should have told him that she had that deletion. She sealed her fate right then for what happened next. It wasn't right but it was unsurprising.

[@tentoesdownchristianity]

The guy in Sicily near the end that gets shot who's in a wheelchair at the train is the same guy that takes care of Michael when he's in Sicily in the first movie you see them pushing him in a wheelchair at the wedding.

[@joemckim1183]

Don Tommasino, he's also in Part III.

[@Lost7one]

They were never going to hurt Frank's brother, they knew all he needed was to see his brother and that would make him remember "Omerta" and the oath he gave when he became part of the Mafia.

[@sashipman51]

Michael had Pentangeli's brother flown in from Italy as a silent threat "talk and your brother dies"

[@marcoaguilar2394]

It was actually to show Frankie that his brother was disappointed in him breaking "omerta", the code of silence. His brother was a "made man" back in Sicily. Frankie regretted that he was about to become a rat.

[@BlueShadow777]

@@marcoaguilar2394 Come on! You’re saying the mafia are so nice they’d give Frank the chance not to testify so as not to disappoint his brother??? 👏🏻🤣 Frank already KNOWS the Omertà code (as they ALL do in the mafia). Suppose Frank decides to testify anyway? Where does that put Michael? Easy answer… for the chop! Prison! With the brother there, the threat of death would definitely stop Frank from testifying. How naive you are! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BlueShadow777]

@@marcoaguilar2394 RUBBISH.

[@marcoaguilar2394]

@@BlueShadow777 You apparently don't know how the mob works. They weren't threatening to kill his brother, They shamed him to his brother.

[@marcoaguilar2394]

@BlueShadow777 That's why Frankie said his brother was 10 times tougher than him and he could've had his own family. He was an old school mafioso from Sicily. They weren't threatening his brother. Ask some Italians who know about the mafia and see what they tell you. I don't think you know any.

[@WiseGuy5674]

The word ‘Don’ loosely translated from Latin means master of the household, Mr. or lord…plus a few more. It’s a title of royalty and respect.😎

[@technofilejr3401]

24:50 Kay had my sympathy up to this point. Her move to have that procedure was emotional but also calculating. Kay figured that she needed to do something so unforgivable that Michael would let her leave. Well she certainly got her wish.

[@Curraghmore]

One of the more subtle connections between this film and the first chapter can be seen when Vito returns to kill Don Ciccio who murdered his family. As Vito escapes, his friend gets blasted in the legs with a shotgun but escapes with him. If you remember in the first film, Don Tommasino who Michael sheltered with in Sicily after the Sollozzo assassination, walked with canes and used a wheelchair. Tommasino was Vito's same old friend who got blasted in the legs and crippled.

[@alonzocoyethea6148]

11:42- R.S., In the book AL Capone himself tried to "muscle in" on Vito's liquor bootlegging and olive oil biz..His men were met at the Train station by Luca Brazi and Clemenza and came back to Capone in pieces, along with a note telling Capone he was not welcome in New York..He got the message and stayed in Chicago. And If I remember right, Godfather 2 is the only sequel in history to win an Oscar and make the AFI top 100, just like the first one.

[@TeddyKGB12]

It's also the first time where 2 different actors win Academy Awards for playing the same character. Brando in Part 1 and De Nerio in Part 2.

[@anonymou412]

Lord of the Rings Return of the King is another sequel that won Best Picture.

[@isabelsilva62023]

The issue with bringing Frank Pentangeli's brother from Sicily is that it would be an unbearable shame for him to snitch on the Corleone family in front of his brother, his family would never forgive him, way back when family was everything all over southern Europe. If you would like to see Al Pacino and John Cazale one more time do watch Sidney Lumet's 1975 "Dog Day Afternoon" a true story and masterfully done. John only got to make 5 movies and they are all amongst the best ever made, his girlfriend was this slightly known actress by the name of Meryl Streep.

[@domingocurbelomorales8635]

When young Vito came back for Don Ciccio, one of their bodyguards 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.

[@catherinelw9365]

Tomassino was not a bodyguard. He was also a Don and his father was friends with the Andolinis, who helped young Vito escape.

[@cliffchristie5865]

For very long films, intermissions were often standard. To include the Intermission card is to preserve, for the home viewer, the original presentation of the film. ( whether or not you choose to step away for fifteen minutes at that point would be up to you ).

[@cliffchristie5865]

The Mafia hearing committee chairman was played by William Bowers who worked primarily as a screenwriter. The cameo in Godfather ll is his only acting credit. The reassembled cast for the last flashback was to have included Marlon Brando. At the last minute he declined to participate so the scene was rewritten to leave him unseen.

[@BouillaBased]

“He didn’t want his brother to be disappointed, seeing him rat somebody out.” No. Frank Pentangeli got the message Michael sent, loud and clear: we can’t get to you, but we can get to your family, even in Italy.

[@BlueShadow777]

Thank GOD that *someone* else (you) realises that the brother was brought in as an intimidation! Y’know, I’ve had to argue (elsewhere) with other G2 viewers who are so naive that they think Frank didn’t want to upset his brother by testifying against the code of Omertà. 👏🏻🤣

[@sparky6086]

Great insight! It's mostly all that, & just a little pinch about the Code.

[@Hexon66]

@@BlueShadow777 Well, to be fair, it requires a good deal of naivete, or let's call it incuriosity, (as well as a lot of brilliant filmmaking) to root for the psychopathic (or sociopathic, not getting into that debate) mob boss. Audience sympathy may still be with Michael and the family (particularly against the government), but by now we all know what he is. *THAT* , to me, is a far more troubling misapprehension than Pentangeli and his brother.

[@react2reactions246]

It wasn’t a threat to his family. Did you see the look on his brother’s face? And then they reassured the brother afterward that he stood strong. The whole point of the movie is about “honor,” and violating omertà in front of his Sicilian brother was not something he could do. Even his conversation with Tom and the way he goes out, was all about “honor.” Besides, you don’t think Frank knew that Michael could get to his brother? Of course he could, that wasn’t even a question.

[@react2reactions246]

⁠@@BlueShadow777it’s not naive at all. The whole movie is emphasizing the code of honor among them. The look on the brothers face, and the way they reassure him that Frank stood strong are purposely included to show us this. You really shouldn’t be so quick to criticize others for their reads, unless you’re sure yours is correct. In this case it wasn’t.

[@Eric-ff4bf]

I love that final scene with the brothers on Vito's birthday. As you guys mentioned, you see the character of all the brothers. The one thing you didn't mention was Michael's independence. He's the only one of the brothers that is really independent. Everyone else is trying to make dad happy, but both Michael and Vito were totally independent and ruthless (though, ironically, Vito builds the empire by earning respect and building relationships, Michael maintains it through fear.)

[@Matt-RogueJedi88]

I’ve been watching these Godfather films since I was a kid, and even watching this reaction I pick up new things I never caught before, it’s crazy how deep this whole story is

[@The214624]

Kay’s final scene in each movie is a door getting closed in her face.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

" he didn't want his brother to be disappointed in him ratting" No he didn't want his brother to get wacked

[@SteveSwags]

Exactly. Michael having his brother at his side was a threat to Frankie that his brother would be killed if Frankie talked.

[@blueghostfire9038]

​@@SteveSwagsfrom what I remember reading about that scene, it wasn't Michael threatening Frank, it was his own brother threatening him. His brother was a ruthless mob boss in Sicily, where Frank has kids, and his brother would have them put to death if he snitched

[@BlueShadow777]

@@blueghostfire9038 Well, you read (or misunderstood) rubbish. Come on… THINK about it! Do you think Michael (who is the one at risk) would take the risk that someone else’s actions may not work??? Michael used the brother as an intimidation tool… saying he’ll kill the brother of Frank testifies! Use your head!

[@BlueShadow777]

@@blueghostfire9038 Nonsense!

[@blueghostfire9038]

@@BlueShadow777 I just went looked to see if I remembered it wrong, and Wikipedia and the Godfather wiki says that this was in the script.

[@362chop]

Michael’s two henchmen Al & Rocco were superb. Michael alone at the table then alone again at the end. Perfectly made film.

[@tonkatrucker]

Rare opportunity that I was sitting beside Mario Puzo at a NYC Cafe.. He commented on a book I was reading ( not his).... we chatted.. and I asked him- what most people seem to miss or discard as unimportant.... Sonny" Country is not your blood- only family " ... And Michael defied that logic. Is this the reason- that Michael did all he did- to make amends for " that "mistake, back in college? He smiled.. and simply said... That is certainly a " favorable way " of looking at the psychology of one, Michael Corleone.

[@Serai3]

Remember that the Cuban revolution happened on New Year's Eve. So it's not surprising there's snow on the ground when he gets back. The hearings were based on the actual congressional hearings into the dealings of the Mafia in the 50's. Just like the murder scenes in the first film, the visual look and details of the hearing are based on photographs and footage from the 50's. Roberto, the Neopolitan landlord that Vito goes to talk to, was played by a famous Italian comic. Coppola decided to mess with him a little, and had the door locked before the scene started just to see what he would do when he couldn't open it. He also told the actor playing Genco to lock the door behind them, so the same thing would happen when he tried to leave. He handled it like a trooper, of course; the physical comedy of that moment does much to lighten the tone of the film just enough. It's ironic that Tom says killing Roth "would be like killing the President; it's impossible", since killing the President was proved to be very possible such a short time later. By the way, he joined the family as a child, according to Micheal; he told Kay the story during the wedding in the first film.

[@jen043066]

This trilogy needs to be watched many times to understand everyone and everything! This is my favorite movie(s) of all time!

[@davidpalmer9134]

Just recently heard that the third movie was recently redone to make it more respectable to the trilogy. Haven’t seen it yet but so intrigued.

[@chrishackett554]

@@davidpalmer9134any version of the third sequel is unwatchable. Don’t waste your time.

[@BranDZ7]

Seen the third one once, and that was good enough for me. Not a good movie

[@davidpalmer9134]

@@BranDZ7 I agree…but apparently it was redone to make it better. Haven’t seen the redone version.

[@TeddyKGB12]

​@@davidpalmer9134 It's even worse than the original. Don't bother.

[@ericlarsen1920]

I think Michael shutting the door on Kay is one of the most heartbreaking things ever filmed.

[@ajruther67]

INTERMISSION: Long movies in theaters had an intermission ( a long break ) in the middle of the movie. Go to the bathroom, smoke a cigarette, get snacks and a drink. The intermission was about 15 minutes. Theaters stopped doing that around the late 70's.

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of the best films ever!

[@leniobarcelos1770]

If you're really into the whole mafia thing right now, then this might be the best time for you two to start reacting to _The Sopranos._ Just putting it out there.

[@vanessac1721]

I don't know if they will appreciate the frequent slurs....though the hasidic homeboy got what he deserved when he first met Tony.

[@dumy187]

When Michael asks his mother about whether you can lose your family, I don't think he's talking about Santino, for instance. He's talking about the cultural differences between Italy and the US. It anticipates that argument between Michael and Kay later.

[@patrickpierson370]

Let's keep this sequel train rolling with 1995's "Grumpier Old Men". (Yes, they get GRUMPIER!!!)

[@joemckim1183]

Burgess Meredith is so great in Grumpier Old Men.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Fun fact: G.D. Spradlin, who played Sen Geary (he tries to squeeze Michael and ends up getting drugged and framed for the prostitute's murder) was originally a lawyer who ran an oil company. He then moved on to acting and had a number of other movie and TV roles.

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

He plays the killer's lawyer in a very good COLUMBO episode, "Try And Catch Me." And Michael Gazzo plays the victim in another one, Murder Under Glass." That character is as excitable as his Frankie character.

[@patrickscutella836]

They still parade the Blessed Mother thru the streets in Little Italy in my hometown Erie,Pennsylvania during the Feast of the Assumption. They still pin money to her statue. My Father was always proud of Italian heritage but he was more proud to be Calabrese. Thats what that scene where Vito helps the woman keep her apartment and dog. He says to the landlord, paraphrasing, you are Calabrese im Sicilian, we are practically Paesano.

[@renedavila654]

Al Pacino said he didn't mean to hit Diane Keaton as hard as he did, and her response to being hit is genuine. If you look at his face after the smack, you can tell he regret doing it, but the professional in both of them kept the scene going. He apologized to her afterwards. What a damn good scene, though.

[@reneerocha1796]

Gone With the Wind had intermission during that long movie. 😊

[@johnsilva9139]

Many long movies had intermissions. Surprised Jay and Amber didn't end part one of this at intermission and then pick up part two from there.

[@kathyjam2482]

This is a masterpiece and Al Pacino is so good!

[@joemckim1183]

De Niro is so great also in this movie. John Cazale played Fredo to perfection, shame he died so young. It would've been interesting to see him beyond just the 1970s.

[@kathyjam2482]

@joemckim1183 they were all so good I just thought Pacino did a great job. De Niro and Pacino are two powerhouses, two of the best out there.

[@Artificialintelligentle]

In all 3 Godfather movies, whenever you see an orange, a hit is coming.

[@bthumudo]

It's all about the long game, patience was key with everything Michael did.

[@marioserrano6333]

Read the book "The Godfather" by Mario Puzzo It gives you every detail of every character, really helps you understand the movie better.

[@salserio6727]

They may not want to know more about Luca Brasi. The book goes into details about him that will make some of the toughest people cringe.

[@judydalton3812]

Jat since you like mafia movies I suggest Goodfellas great film. Also Casino another brilliant film.

[@williamnance1148]

The scene where Michael embraces Fredo at their Mother's Funeral gets me every time. All Fredo wanted was forgiveness and respect from Michael. 😢

[@tediousmaximus1067]

The guy who plays Fredo (John Cazale) and Al Pacino starred in another movie called "Dog Day Afternoon". It's about a bank robbery and it is brilliant! You have to see it!

[@kimberleywren5545]

Goodfellas gotta be next on your list!

[@tristramcoffin926]

When you react to Gone With the Wind you will see another Intermission screen.

[@beckygrant2258]

The epic cinematic films were always long films, over two hours, often 3 hours. Those breaks lasted about 15 minutes. Enough time to go to the restroom, grab some more popcorn or candy or have a smoke. Gone With the Wind (3 hours) and Lawrence of Arabia (4 hours)….both such awesomely epic films, both must-see films for anyone who loves great filmmaking, you had to have a break. When I was young, there were a limited number of Cinerama theatres. They had huge, curved screens and used multiple cameras to produce these extra wide landscape-type films. In Minneapolis, our Cinerama theatre had a smoking area with tables and chairs off to the side, since those films tended to be so long. Those big velvet curtains….there was Overture music which would play with the curtains closed, and the projectionists had them timed to open just as the opening title and credits scene came on. The curtains would close during intermission and reopen when it started again. There was often film reprise music which would play, indicating the curtains were close to reopening. People would hear the music in the lobby area and start heading back for the second half. The big movie theaters in the downtowns of major cities were often very ornate and very elegantly decorated. Going to see a movie was a great evening out! The movie would play and replay over and over all afternoon and through the evening. If you got there late, you could just stay and watch the beginning of the next showing. Watching the Godfather films on those big screens….what a treat! If you ever get the opportunity, take it. Some theatres have retro movies being shown. Take advantage of seeing the older classic films on the big screen, whenever you can.

[@x_mau9355]

I breathe those theaters with velvet too.. Another kind of experience. You didn't want to leave m

[@patrickchachulski6804]

I'll never forget my mother and I laughing our butts off when Michael said Roth has been dying of that same heart attack for the past 20 years!

[@richardpoindexter6322]

No...he thought micheal would whack his brother....thats why he changed testimony...

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

They brought Frank's brother because they knew that he wouldn't rat in front of him because it would bring shame to his family back in Sicily ..they never would've hurt him..they don't operate like that.

[@BlueShadow777]

Rubbish. You’ve no idea how the mafia works. ‘Talk and we kill your brother’. Simple!

[@BlueShadow777]

What guff you’re talking.

[@gravewaxxsupercoven1980]

@BlueShadow777 what?

[@xrentonx]

What? The Corleone family murdered a woman just to get a senator in their pockets. They do indeed operate like that.

[@dnish6673]

They certainly do. In the books this is clear. There was a family whose business was being hostages to make sure other members of the community acted properly.

[@kateryan5045]

The attention to detail across both movies was stellar. Tommasino is who Michael stayed with when he was in hiding in the first movie. That showed him walking with a limp. In this movie we see where he got the limp, going with Vito to get revenge on Don Ciccio.

[@mikeking7710]

The end of the film with the Christmas flashback was not a deleted scene from the first film. They actually shot this for this film, with the other actors making cameos. It was planned that Brando was going to participate too, but when he didn't show up for the shoot, they scrambled, and Coppola rewrote the scene. IMHO, it worked even better, because it allowed Michael to be completely alone at the table while everyone else went to the door to greet Vito off-camera. In that one brief moment, you could see intent of the entire film, with the comparison of the father vs. the son. And that's what the film was doing from the very beginning in the back & forth side-by-side scenes.

[@windsorkid7069]

The greatest sequel of all. Michael, Capo de tutti capi. Grazie.

[@MrChromeJob]

Vito used the power he gained to benefit and protect his family. Michael's lust for more power and control destroyed his family. The Return of the King actually had an intermission in it's original theater release. It's the only movie I've ever seen, made in my lifetime, that had one.

[@matthewcostello3530]

Tom says: La onore de la famiglia sta posto.” to Vincenzo Pantageli, This means “The families honor is in tact.” Vincenzo was brought in to court to prevent his brother Frank from testifying against Michael before the Senate by reminding him of the principle of omerta.

[@Frightspear]

Godfather 2 is considered the best sequel ever made (both a sequel and a prequel)! Fun fact : the little baby being baptized as Connie and Carlo’s son is actually a little girl, none other than Sofia Coppola, daughter of the director, Francis Ford Coppola. She went on to portray Michael and Kay’s daughter in Godfather III, and went on to be a very talented and respected director in her own right with a string of hits, The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette, Lost In Translation, Somewhere, and The Beguiled. Also, Talia Shire, who played Connie, is Francis Ford Coppola's sister. While he wasn't involved in any of the Godfather movies, the actor Nicolas Cage (real name Nicolas Coppola) is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola and Talia Shire.

[@MrJonnydanger]

Make sure you watch this version of Godfather III --- Coda - Godfather III The Death of Michael Corleone -- Francis Coppola himself created it to improve the narrative of the movie so it makes more sense.

[@PatrickExcelsior]

Those weren't grapes that he gave his son in Italy, they were olives. He started an importing business for olive oil from Italy to the US. This would allow him to launder his illegal income .

[@alexandervasel6845]

If you notice when he was little he had pneumonia. In the book they mention that he was slow from that.

[@bwilliams463]

Something to note: I'm not sure if it was intended to be important, but the first time we see baby Santino and baby Fredo, they're crying; but when we meet baby Michael, he's quiet and calm.

[@laylavonmav2587]

A lot of people hate the third movie. I like it, it has a very operatic feel to it. It ties to the killing of Enzo’s, when the women yell in panic, the same cries come up in the Opera with Anthony. This is a movie that you have to watch multiple times to catch all the nuance and Easter eggs.

[@leoda_lion4107]

Also since you are wondering what some of the terms mean- consigliere is an advisor to the Don. He is the closest advisor and confidant. Its a very important position to have. Tom Hagen being a lawyer served two roles. Being the family attorney and consigliere to the Don. If you want to learn more about the mafia ins and outs - Goodfellas and Donnie Brasco are the movies to watch. They both are excellent movies. I love Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco.

[@LillyLillyLillyLillyLillyLilly]

If you remember, when it shows one of the babies back in the olden time frame, getting like Care for being sick, it was Fredo. First born was Sonny, then Fredo, then Michael, then, the sister.

[@Grimm299]

The one scene about the apartment and the old lady always reminds me of my grandmother. She grew up in Chicago. She said if you had trouble on your block you never called the police. You always went to the local boss. You always admired them because they had the nice cars and the nice houses. And they could get stuff done no matter what politicians said

[@baird5776mullet]

Kill the Irishman is another great true story movie with Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer and Vincent D'Onofrio.