Why Did Frank Pentangeli Change His Mind? | The Godfather Explained

[@SL-cl9gt]

Frank’s older brother, though having no lines, is my third favorite character in the movie. His presence is really powerful.

[@vanmoody]

I've thought over the years how they could make other Godfather character movies. I'd like to see an Al Neri movie how he devolved from being a cop to a member of the Family. You could have a movie about Frank and his brother growing up, growing apart etc. Since Vincenzo had no lines you could do all kinds of things with the character.

[@jl_finesse]

Yeah Frank's brother is a big timer

[@MadGeorge88]

His expression wasn't an expression of fear, it was an expression of "what are you doing, you are Family/Mafia, We don't do this.

[@SL-cl9gt]

@@MadGeorge88 I agree. I don’t think Michael could’ve gotten away with killing a respected mafioso from the old country. Most likely it went exactly like Tom Hagen told to the court; “he came to aide his brother…”

[@MadGeorge88]

@@SL-cl9gt Hes like Frankie my brother, how could you break my heart like that.

[@portugal5698]

To everybody asking why Michael had Frank’s brother flown from Italy to be with him during the court hearings, the reason from the director himself was that it was by no means an intimidation tactic. It was Mike’s subtle way of telling Frank, “Dude, I didn’t try to kill you earlier. It’s all a plot Roth is using to turn you against me!” Why else would this guy’s brother who is a bigger Don than Michael was fly out on his own time and be seen with the “so called guy you think wanted to kill you?” It was one of the very few subtle ways of getting a message across without having to go through the FBI guys protecting him 24/7. That’s when Frank realised with great shame that he messed up and the only way out was to pull that hilarious nonsense at the end. His suicide as well was not out of fear, but out of respect knowing he let down Michael and his own family in a way. He did it out of straight up shame!

[@Grey_OSN]

No his suicide wasn’t because of “Oopsi i messed up” Michael doesn’t tolerate anyone that betrays him be it in jest or on purpose. He kills his own brother for betraying him, the chat Frank has with Tom Hagen is precisely about this, saying how people that used to rebel were allowed a second chance of redemption by killing themselves to ensure their family would be safe. That’s what Frank does to ensure his family stays safe. Franks brother was brought as a tactic, Frank and his brother had been blindly loyal to Vito and betraying Vito by snitching on Michael would’ve brought a lot of shame however watching his own brother sitting there looking at him, he couldn’t allow himself to do a task like this infront of someone he really respected.

[@9_debolati_318]

I need to stop reading comments while the video is playing because now I don't even need to watch it lmao.

[@portugal5698]

@@Grey_OSN No, really?? You literally reiterated the second part of what I posted just to contradict me? That calls for death by Neri in my book for your punishment, young man!

[@joelglanton6531]

I think it was both

[@meowmeowillustrator]

​@@portugal5698 nope, he had different and better arguments then you, imho

[@jimc.goodfellas]

"it was a thing between the brothers Kay, I had nothing to do with it" Man every time one of these videos drops it reminds me how much I love those movies

[@gregwatson8219]

Only a damn movie! Remember, Pacino sucks at comedy

[@alonenjersey]

@@gregwatson8219 I agree. I remember "Author, Author!"

[@Wallyworld30]

@@gregwatson8219 Pacino does suck at Comedy and Deniro murders in comedies. Pacino is a one trick (One great trick) Pony and Deniro is one of the greatest actors we've ever been blessed with.

[@joelglanton6531]

​@@Wallyworld30DeNiro fell off way harder than Pacino IMO

[@restock_1731]

I never thought about it before, but that look Vincenzo gave Frank when he saw him there is more powerful than any words he could've said. There was so much emotion in that look.

[@paullebon323]

His brother was in no danger. Michael shamed Frankie 5 Angels in front of his older old school Sicilian brother.

[@KeyserSoze0930]

Very well done. I always felt that his brother showed up just to remind him, “Do you know who we are? Do you remember WHAT we are? Our oath?” With one look.

[@joshmontes3439]

This breakdown is simply perfection. Your insight and dedication to your channel is second to none.

[@rustykuntz94]

“We have a sworn affidavit here sir…we have it…I’m gonna find out what the hell is going on here.”

[@ResistanceQuest]

that guy talks like such a dweeb

[@Lewis5020]

That's such a great bit part; really well cast. I said this line aloud when this video got to that part.

[@TariqBusy]

Pentageli couldn't snitch with his brother in attendance. His brother wasn't there to spook him, it was like "my brother snitching! no way! I gotta see this for myself." And Pentangeli realized the shame it would bring his brother's standing as well. He no longer had the stomach to squeal, not out of fear, but duty.

[@joelglanton6531]

"Duty" is a very apt way of phrasing it, very simply stated but also the most accurate assessment out of all these comments IMO

[@chafik5058]

In a draft version of the Godfather 2 screenplay, Michael explains why Pentangeli change his testimony when he saw his brother. When asked by Kay what happened with Pentangelli, Michael tell her that Frank has a boy from a first marriage who's being raised by his brother in Sicily. Betraying his oath of omerta, will make it legitimate for Vincenzo Pentangelli to kill Frank's son.

[@cgsweat]

I always took it as Frank saw his brother as blood, and his brother was old school. So in the end he couldn't bring himself to rat on anyone in his presence.

[@MoejiiOsmanTV]

Exactly it's simple, old school mob guys couldn't snitch with a family member in the room

[@coache1nine]

Tom told Michael that Pentangeli thought he double-crossed him and tried to kill him. Tom told him Roth played it "beautifully". I think Frank's brother had a clear look of disbelief, almost asking his brother "why?" His brother looked hurt, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Frank would rather do time than disappoint his older brother. I can agree with this video. It makes a lot of sense

[@viqarkagzi3922]

You are absolutely right !

[@Wallyworld30]

Frank had to do more than do time he had to kill himself.

[@tonyglasner1925]

Yeah old school mafia. Michael knew Frankie Five Angeles would never flip in front of his brother. Not in a million years!!!

[@newperve]

Hypothesis on Fredo supporting Michael joining the Marines; he knew that it meant Michael was less likely to be in heir to the family business, making it more likely he would advance.

[@otherworlder1]

Interesting

[@sashawest6132]

Very interesting hypothesis, but somehow I just don’t think Fredo was smart enough to think as cunningly as this.

[@jimbronson14]

@@sashawest6132 I agree. I really think that Fredo was just genuinely glad for Mike and congratulating him

[@jockoadams3377]

Its an interesting idea.. maybe on a secondary level, he felt he'd get more attention with Michael being overseas. But Fredo's not that forward thinking (which is why he's so easily duped). Sadly, he's like an emotional puppy who's not cut out for that world. I think he was just proud for his brother. Even in his betrayal of Mike, in his eyes he was misled into thinking whatever he was doing was going to be helpful to the family and also to Mike. Back in GF1, I don't think he meant to side with Moe Green over his brother or the family. He's just lead by his emotions to avoid conflict.. so he tries all he can to be overly diplomatic.

[@dallaswinston4640]

@@sashawest6132 yea Fredo was being genuine. Very interesting though

[@joshuabowen6919]

I always thought of it as Frank's brother came to shame him into silence.

[@LH74]

Frankie’s brother is as old school as they come. He was there to remind Frankie to not forget where he comes from.

[@WarTheory]

Frank was 100% loyal and believed in that life..When he thought Michael tried to kill him he flipped… once he saw his brother there was nothing but shame in those eyes… so two parts Frank wanted his brother to be safe and he also wanted to earn the respect of his brother at the same time… Frank even said it at His brother would’ve been something big If he would’ve joined the family in America

[@chrisnicholls445]

i agree

[@dougbrowne9890]

So loyal he changed sides in a mob war. Some loyalty.

[@SMOTI-Jan]

What u expect Doug that's the game - being treacherous. Ofc, going to the feds is considered a bad foul

[@kurakuson]

@@dougbrowne9890 Changing sides in an Italian Turf war is Far from snitching to the Feds.

[@Akazainul]

thanks for summarizing the video I guess???

[@Adiscretefirm]

It wasn't a court, it was a committee meeting that descended into chaos after Frank's retractions.

[@ryebread7224]

Love your analysis! GF 1 and 2 are so incredibly rich. There are hundreds of videos that can be made analyzing these films. Keep up the great work!

[@lehampton1]

The actor Danny Aiello has a cameo as the assassin who garrots Pentangeli and says “Michael Corleone says hello!” You have to look quickly but you can see it is definitely Aiello.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

I always noticed that.

[@Arsolon618]

Its not really a cameo. Its his first film role!

[@ResistanceQuest]

that always makes me laugh because I think of him in "Moonstruck" playing a shlub

[@lehampton1]

@@Arsolon618 since you’re being anal, “it’s” (its is possessive, it’s is a contraction for “it is”) not really a cameo (since Aiello wasn’t famous yet). “It’s” a bit part.🙄 If you’re going to be a grammar Nazi, at least learn to spell.

[@Arsolon618]

@@lehampton1 Words do have meaning.

[@tapoemt3995]

I always took "Did my Brother go back?" as Frank being worried Michael would kill him. Otherwise, why ask?

[@tanya-xoxo]

Love that this video won the toss-up! It's one of my favorite scenes. There's so much of the movie I didn't understand the first few times I watched it, but this scene makes me chuckle every time. Even if you don't understand the nuances, his "play dumb" comes off as comical anyway.

[@donaldmcauliffe3120]

Frank made a mistake he through Michael had try to have him and his family killed

[@stevemoore3951]

I guess beautifully understated is a way to put. Every time I watch GF 2 it’s the scenes with Frankie that are my favorite. The courtroom scene and the scene with Tom having cigars at the army base in particular. Too bad Michael Gazzo wasn’t around when The Sopranos was being filmed. He’d have been a scene stealer in that too.

[@brianseneca3546]

I agree. This film confused me for quite a while. With the flashbacks and everything. I still prefer the first film, but I do love this film as well. I wish they would have kept some of the deleted scenes like when they find Fabrizio and what originally they shot for his execution with Michael doing the deed.

[@georgejackson4426]

I got my own family Senator. 😂 One of my favorite quotes and scenes.

[@stevemoore3951]

@@georgejackson4426 " I don't know no godfather"

[@stevemoore3951]

At 8:47 the look that Michael has on his face is so cold. I believe it’s when he shuts the door on Kay. I’ll never forget the look that Kay had just as that door closed. We only saw it for a fraction of a second but it was enough. This scene and the one at the brothel with the Senator and Tom Hagen were particularly cold. The way that Tom spoke of the dead lady was so matter of fact. Her life wasn’t even a blip on the radar of this earth. They could make anything vanish so easily.

[@jockoadams3377]

I figured out the "Michael Corleone says hello" line from Tony Rosato. Because of the shift from 1950's Michael, back to young Vito. It isn't so obvious at first. But it makes total sense if you set aside the flashbacks. The dialogue occurs after Michael has first met with Hyman Roth in Florida and lied to him about who he believes tried to kill him in Lake Tahoe (saying it was Frank) to gain his confidence. He even asks Hyman's feelings about hypothetically taking Frank out to gauge his reaction. Then Michael then goes to Frank in NY and tells him what he really thinks (it was Roth). Michael wants to play possum. He wants Frank to pretend to make nice with the Rosatos so he can figure out who the traitor in his family was. Only when Frank meets with the Rosatos, they try and kill him. Hyman Roth naturally gave the order without Michael's authorization (to tie up his loose ends as to who shot at Michael in Tahoe). But when Roth ordered the hit, the Rosatos must've believed that Michael had OK'ed it because it was Michael who sent Frank there in the first place to actually go "make peace". Roth cunningly used that opportunity as his set up. And when it accidentally failed, Frank believed it was all Michael, NOT Roth. THAT'S how "Hyman Roth played everything perfectly."

[@BostonsF1nest]

That line is actually improvised- it wasn’t in the script. He said it because of something to do with getting more money or health insurance from the acting union if you have lines - and Coppola kept it in the movie because it added an extra layer that ppl had to decipher

[@flamboyentpromotions3471]

That scene is based on what actually happened to one of the Gallo brothers when Persico snaked him

[@syondlasithole1454]

I don't think that killing Frankie was the plan. That officer taking a stroll was too much of a coincidence, I believe that that was Roth's plan all along. He knew that attempt would break Frankie.

[@neildaly2635]

“There’s nothing that would take him out of that two meal town.” Love that line. Great video as usual!

[@kemperboyd1209]

Two mule town

[@hagartm]

@@kemperboyd1209 And now the mule feels offended.

[@neildaly2635]

I listened again and you are right I spent my whole life trying not to be careless … I am not sure what either mean but Frankie was cool.

[@moemanley2579]

@@neildaly2635 if you don't understand such a basic line you missed a LOT of plotlines in the movie. Read the book. Don't insult Mr. Puzo by being so ignorant.

[@paulfrantizek102]

A two mule town is the rural European equivalent to a one traffic light town in America.

[@bentencho]

I always thought it was his brother being ashamed of Frankie's actions. That he will voluntarily pay the price to correct the dishonour if need be.

[@cloudtx]

I agree, that was my interpretation as well. It wasn't fear for his life or even fear for his family but looking at his brother's eyes he knew that he would forever shame him. He couldn't live with doing that, so he refused to testify.

[@rickbradleysr.3553]

A thing not brought out is Frank's older brother probably brought Frank into the Mafia. Therefore, he was responsible for his younger brother Frank's violation of the Costa Nosta. oath-- per tradition.

[@ResistanceQuest]

that's an interesting point

[@georgejackson4426]

If Vincenzo was in danger of being killed why would Tom tell him the family honor has been restored? To me the look on Vincenzo's face is he's horrified that his brother would snitch. Also remember that Frankie five angels had children living in Sicily with Vincenzo and honor killings were still a thing back then. 8:08 that's not a look of fear that's a look of I'm ashamed of you, how could you do this, how could you dishonor our family?

[@deepee1452]

I always interpreted that scene as the older brother was brought into the courtroom to intimidate his younger brother into silence. That’s how it always felt to me, the older bro was disgusted and displayed that, cowing his younger bro into clamming up.

[@chrisnicholls445]

i agree

[@MoejiiOsmanTV]

Exactly he couldn't snitch with a family member there because in the mob it's the code

[@chillallthekildren]

@@MoejiiOsmanTV Frank's brother was MAFIA mafia not this bullshit today. He's from the old school and I don't mean 1930. Sicilian Ndrangheta old school. He looked into his brother's eyes and everything else fell apart. You don't rat....

[@gregwatson8219]

Frank really Clemenza. So obvious

[@nikosp3156]

To me I always thought that Michael brought Frank’s brother to blackmail him like: “Look! You’re brother is in my hands now. If you do something funny and rat me out…I will finish him!”

[@richardlacuesta5382]

If u look closely the guy who chokes Frankie is actor a young Danny Aiello the actor now deceased.

[@dimitrisraptopoulos1158]

Excellent interpretation of the scene…His older brother would not have survived the disgrace back in Sicily…he represents the quintessence of the Sicilian creed…it is almost as if a deity is watching one’s trespasses knowingly…great acting by the older brother!! Such a great movie…

[@KeyserSoze0930]

Also looking forward to your slant on “Michael Corleone says ‘hello’ “ in 2. That has been a point of contention with me for years!!

[@pirobot668beta]

Frank saw his brother sitting with Michael, unafraid. In that moment, he realized that Michael wasn't trying to kill him. His deep loyalty returned, so he told the FBI to 'go screw' and had his last party. Frank was a tired old man, he was no rat...

[@chalkboy8]

The best Godfather line of all time "That is a complete falsehood."

[@transmissionggb2820]

That's exactly how I interpreted it, so I can't think of any other reason other than the family honour and how he was a disgrace to his brother if he ratted out Michael and obviously it tells Frankie Michael is not responsible for the attempt on his life.

[@sailorbychoice1]

One thing Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola forgot to include as part of Michael's make-up~ his War Record. He was a known hero, having participated in a number of battles. He'd have Army-Buddies he served with and bled with. Why did we never see him hook up an old army buddy with a congressional position, and he knows he can rely on him because they saved each others' lives... At least mention he has built a new Veterans' Hall in town or something...

[@scLefQ]

For many to understand what really happened, you have to take events in that time into account. 'Beat Cops' were just that; they surveyed a particular area or route on a regular bases. Most cops fall into a pattern of which routes they walk and at what times. If it is known that a cop walks that same beat around the same time every day, it would be easy to set your watch by him. Roth used the classic, "pit your enemies against your enemies and nobody would be the wiser." If Michael already expressed his distrust in Frank but Roth knows it wasn't Frank because he set up the hit, then Roth uses this against Michael. Set up a situation that creates distrust within the inner circle and watch it implode. So Roth convinces Frank to make peace with the Rosatto brothers and timing it for when the cop passes by the bar. Convince Frank that he will be killed, and have the cop show up just in time to break it up. This gives reason for the line "Michael Corleone says hello." The intention was to let him survive to either side with Roth or possibly flip on Michael. With Frank being thought of as dead, Michael would never know where the information is coming from. So this is precisely why Frank flipped. His brother being the man that he looked up to and now expressing disappointment in Frank was more than enough reason for Frank to change his mind. Omerta code is that you never involve the cops no matter the situation.

[@MantisFootball]

Awesome. Makes sense now why the cop walked in at that moment.

[@TV-Tony]

Good point at the end there. By going down his own path like that and against the family, Michael was destined to end up a lonely, broken old man, even though he thought he did everything to protect his family.

[@civwar054]

I always thought it was a threat, until now. Thanks for a great analysis!

[@FieldGeneralCTC]

Brother was old school Omertà

[@shrimpflea]

Your explanation is exactly what have always thought for many years. It also makes sense in the context of the film.

[@707strait]

The trial story thread is my fav in this film.

[@jockoadams3377]

Frank Pentangeli seeing his brother with Michael was definitely about Corleone signaling that he really wasnt behind any doublecross. I agree 100% what you say about Vincenzo’s message to Frank. Also, I always read his face as one of concern.. like “Bro, WTF are you doing?! Stop.”

[@STONESGAM]

I think he was brought over for intimidation purposes. I think Tom or someone from the Corleone Family reached out to his brother in Sicily and told him that Frank was going to rat on Michael the Boss and they needed his brother to help change his mind. Pentangeli's brother was an old school Sicilian gangster and believed in Omerta and him showing his face reminded Frank that word of this would reach Sicily and destroy the whole family name as being a rat. It would likely put his brother and any relatives life at risk as well in his own family where your family reputation matters a lot. I don't think Michael was going to have him killed and I doubt he had the authority to kill a made guy in Sicily. I think it was more like "your brother has lost his mind and is about to break the Mafia code and disgrace your family and you need to check this out for yourself and try to stop it". When Frank changed his mind and didn't rat his mission was accomplished and he wanted to get on a plane and go straight home.

[@38kdoncorleone]

Good scene, thanks for doing this video. I've always been a bit confused about this, so thanks for clearing it up and explaining it.

[@Arojas83]

Damn good video. This literally nailed everything on the head and really shows how deep and truly sad Godfather 2 was.

[@donaldcramond9641]

Surely 1 look from the bother means "this is the life we chose and we don't co operate. "

[@WanBerry]

it's the old school OMERTA's,very simple..

[@johningram1899]

No honor is everything with these people for him to testify would be a stain on their family name.

[@muhammadfaizankhan150]

The expressions of brother what I feel were like we r the people of words, the allegiance cannot be betrayed like this Pentengali...

[@Lewis5020]

Really great analysis of a scene about which I've always wondered.

[@willy565]

"They got more people than a ball game here!"

[@paxsopranodynasty7555]

The look on the brothers face was "Frank, what the fuck are you doing " ?

[@baruchben-david4196]

I always figured it was the older brother's shame and disgust at violating Omerta that changed Frankie's mind about testifying. I see in the brother's face something like, "How could you?"

[@bparrish517]

Well done, introspective and cogent analysis!

[@nomdeplume7537]

The actor who portrayed his brother ... to me always seemed like a "simple farmer" not someone who would be deep in the mafia. He did look like he carried power, but the face of their family.

[@BostonsF1nest]

In Italy it’s actually the “simple farmers” who are mafia bosses and connected. It’s very different than American LCN. Over there they don’t stand out in society. It’s to their advantage to blend in.

[@eugenemonasterio2024]

Most Mafiosi don’t usually look like The Dapper Don. Most don’t want to attract attention.

[@rouskeycarpel1436]

In southern Italy most powerful mob guys do look like simple farmers and on many occasions ARE simple farmers

[@38kdoncorleone]

The way I saw the scene was Frank trying to dig himself out of his own grave, I thought that he was trying to fix up his mistakes and side with Michael again.

[@ryszakowy]

frank's brother enters the courtroom makes a look that says "i can't believe i see him squealing to feds"

[@agustinlucarella]

such a great explanation. thank you

[@beckettman42]

When Johnny Fontaine starts his song we hear what sounds like a concert full of teenage fans screaming. When we cut to the actual audience we see only 3...not teenagers behaving as if they were. I think we can all agree that those characters were not physically capable of making the sounds we heard. This mystery has kept me from sleeping for over 20 years.

[@vanmoody]

Maybe some guys who had higher voices were also screening?

[@eugenemonasterio2024]

😂👍

[@Akeem_768]

It was out of complete shame that Frank changed his mind when he saw his brother, he couldn't bring himself to cooperate with his brother (who he respects) looking on.

[@DiegoVarini]

Thank you for this very interesting analysis, I was searching such video in italian but I only find it yours in english. Anyway very good job thank you for letting me understand more about this very important scene of the Padrino Movie. This was a video offer I couldn't refuse to watch it 😉

[@peterwall583]

Does everybody know the man who says Michael Corleone says hello is Danny Aiello?

[@shrimpflea]

I did..I doubt everybody does.

[@rasheed12th38]

So glad I found this channel 👍🔥

[@juniorfortune5873]

This hits very close to home..my father had a party.

[@gregorybrown6719]

Spot on this what Ive always thought.

[@wacodraco1558]

That look said “No snitching Frank!”

[@kitcachapp3094]

I think your videos are brilliant and have really helped me understand the godfather....maybe you should do a video asking what song Frank was trying to get the orchestra to play in the opening scene when they mistakenly played "pop goes the weasel" ?? ...I believe it was the wedding music from the first movie he wanted.

[@lancehood7916]

My interpretation is that you keep your mouth shut and remember your roots.

[@benmerliss7702]

Well done as always sir. I hope the next time you ask us your subscribers what video we’d like to see next you’ll keep at least some of your choices from last time. However much time it takes to happen, I (and others I’m sure) are looking forward to your video on Rawls from The Wire.

[@josephstachler7613]

The true story of what was between the brothers is explained in the screenplay for The Godfather Part 2, easily found via Google. While reading it you’ll also find more about Tom Hager’s situation with Michael and other storylines, some of which were used in GF3.

[@barryschalkwijk9388]

Guys, it is even said (in Italian) in the movie. "the family's name has been upheld/carried" when his brother is told "la nombre de familia esta porta". He was there to intimidate/remind Frank to not betray the omerta.

[@amcalabrese1]

There is an earlier version of the hotel scene between Kay and Michael that explains it better. I do not believe the scene was ever filmed. In it Michael states that Pentangeli had a girlfriend who was a bad cook so he couldn’t marry her. They had children. She wanted to be free of him so he agreed but their children were sent to live in Sicily. The threat here was that Pentangeli’s children would be killed. However, Mike tells Kay that Vincenzo loved the kids and wouldn’t do it. He also used the term “omerta”. Kay would then have asked Mike to let her go.

[@bajovato]

I think Frank reconsidered his testimony due to all of the things you mentioned. It could be possible that multiple things were implied instead of just one. Francis Ford Coppola was a sophisticated enough Director to have orchestrated a scene like that with multiple layers of implications. It gives us the impression of how these high level mafia bosses & capos were playing a game of 4-D chess with each other.

[@ConnorHolbrook419]

the very careful and subtle way they wrote the first two films based on real life events and people while also not disrespecting anyone or crossing any lines isn’t talked about enough. NO other organized crime movie has done this, from American Me to Goodfellas they all offended someone. Granted Coppola sat down with Joe Colombo prior to writing the movie as to know what he could and could not do, that was genius. Especially when you think about the juice Joe Colombo had at the time, be it him being a boss or the head of the AIDL. Excellent

[@mortalclown3812]

Frank was an amazing character. I had never seen Gazzo's work before - hell, I was young. But his performance resounds as one of the greatest in the trilogy. (3 probably shouldn't even be in the running.)

[@kevinmorgan2968]

Nailed it again ranter.

[@mbryson2899]

Messing with someone as they die, causing them the most distress possible, is used by some sadistic criminals. Causing someone to believe a trusted person ordered their death falls squarely into that. "Ezekiel 25:17" is a perfect manifestation of it.

[@tderuvo]

The analysis is correct, it was an honor thing with the brother

[@toddpick8007]

Michael brings pentangeli brother over to remind Frank where his loyalty and honour lie, thats in his name. He welches against the government after seeing his brother because he realizes his familys honour and his family name would be tarnished if he betrays his oath to the Corleone family. Thats why Tom Hagen literally states so to Franks brother in Italian when he says "L'onore alla tua famiglia è intatto" Your familys honour is intact because Frank didnt rat. Michael didnt "dishonour" his family by killing Fredo, nor did he go against the Cosa Nostra traditions in doing so. Fredo double crosses Michael it directly lead to his assassination's attempt in his bedroom with his wife there. In doing so Fredo broke the bond of family Michael had no choice but to kill him, he was weak and a traitor.

[@josecarranza7555]

Part 2 is the greatest movie ever.

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

Thank you for breaking this down. It also took me awhile to figure out that Frank had killed himself in the bathroom when the FBI found him. Can you do a video explaining the part where Senator Geary (sp) is found with the dead woman in that brothel? What was the significance of it to the story?

[@darrendelacy8162]

The Corleones knew they had to bring the senator ‘to heel’ some way, as he basically declared himself an enemy of the family and an obstacle to it’s business goals in Nevada. Used correctly, he stood to be a useful ally, so senator geary was manoeuvred/ lured into a situation in a Corleone-owned brothel. The details could be argued, but it appears that Geary was given a drug or something that causes him to lose consciousness whilst with a prostitute. At this point Al Neri (seen in the background wiping his hands in the aftermath) had presumably murdered the prostitute in grisly fashion, and allowed the senator to eventually wake up to a scene that incriminates him and stands to take away his power, family and his very freedom. We don’t know exactly what is said between Tom Hagen (summoned to the scene by Fredo the brothel manager) and the senator, but we can assume that Tom lays out the facts of Geary’s position to him, and offers him a clean escape from a life in jail in exchange for his loyalty to the Corleones. The next we see of the senator he is part of Fredo and Michael’s party in Cuba, noticeably relaxed, on-side and very much going with the flow. I think the scene featuring Geary and the murdered prostitute is the sequel’s equivalent to the famous ‘horse’s head scene in the first film- both demonstrate the Corleone’s capacity for violence in the name of subjugating individuals who stand in their way, but could serve a useful purpose if their attitudes were readjusted……..

[@MoejiiOsmanTV]

The senator wouldn't bow down to them he thought he was above the mob so they setup a death of a prostitute with him in the room unconscious from drugging him and would release this info to the press if he didn't come "bend the knee" and be loyal to the corleone family. His political career was on the line so they blackmailed him into submission.

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

@@darrendelacy8162 Thank you so much. I get it, now. Appreciate it.

[@smartncrafty5598]

Read the book, The Godfather it explains it. Lots of back story on characters, Al Neri and Luca

[@darrendelacy8162]

@@smartncrafty5598 that’s the thing with Godfather 2 though- apart from the flashbacks featuring De Niro as young Vito, the narrative had been created by Coppola, not Mario Puzo. I do agree that the original novel is essential reading and provides background and depth to many of the characters👍🏻👍🏻

[@j.d.6915]

What should Michael have done about Fredo? What were his options after Fredo tried to have him killed? Maybe ship him off to Italy for good?

[@carlogambino1979]

The reason Frankie never flipped is because of the shame it would cause his family name in Sicily.

[@virgolife8832]

Buffers…..FAMILY HAD A LOT IF BUFFERS 😂😂😂

[@majerstud]

All along, I thought the message was that Michael would have his brother killed if Frank testified.

[@ibrahemhosni899]

Marvelous analysing my complement

[@Hyperplaterine]

I always assumed that the cop who saved Frank was working for Roth too.

[@thomasbrown3356]

Not much to speculate. His brother was there for one reason. Omerta!

[@PrinceMishka]

No dude. He was breaking Omerta. His brother, an actual Sicilian, was there to remind his brother of his honor. Of his code. His lifestyle.

[@chrisscerbo5731]

I agree with your first thought it showed frank he wasn't betrayed by michael

[@norman5927]

Yeah the brother wasn't a threat he was a reminder of the oath of Omerta.

[@Three_Sevens]

Like Tom says Roth orchestrated the whole thing during the "botched" Pentangeli hit.

[@bitter37]

They were threatening to kill his brother if he didn’t change his testimony. That’s it. Nothing more.

[@ajjjay9583]

Frank’s brother has the same look I have when I take a dump in my pants lol

[@surfboardwave3788]

Well said ,I'm watching this movie now as I comment

[@mrmac123]

Great video content.

[@caseyhart4999]

While I certainly believe Michael was making a statement of his own to Frank I think the ultimate reason Frank changed his mind was that as soon as he saw the look on his brothers face he knew he couldn’t face the shame of it.

[@BostonsF1nest]

That line is actually improvised- “Michael Corleone says hello”- it wasn’t in the script. He said it because of something to do with getting more money or health insurance from the acting union if you have lines - and Coppola kept it in the movie because it added an extra layer that ppl had to decipher

[@thomasm733]

I literally just watched this the other night and this is one the biggest pondering thoughts I have about the second act of the film. Thanks for adding to the conversation