The Godfather Part II (1974)
In the continuing saga of the Corleone crime family, a young Vito Corleone grows up in Sicily and in 1910s New York. In the 1950s, Michael Corleone attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba.
Details
Budget
$13,000,000
Rating
9/10 (12785 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Paramount Pictures, The Coppola Company, American Zoetrope
About The Godfather Part II
Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 crime drama, "The Godfather Part II," expands on the Corleone family saga, delving into both the origins of Vito Corleone and the continuing challenges faced by his son Michael. The narrative unfolds across two timelines: one tracing young Vito's rise from Sicily to prominence in 1910s New York, and the other following Michael's efforts in the 1950s to expand the family's criminal enterprise into new territories such as Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Cuba. This structure allows for a comparative look at the different leadership styles and pressures encountered by both men.
The film explores themes of legacy, power, and betrayal within the context of organized crime. As Michael navigates his ambitions, he confronts internal and external threats, including assassination attempts and conflicts that test family loyalties. The story integrates elements like corrupt politicians, extortion, and the complexities of the Sicilian mafia, positioning the Corleones within a broader landscape of criminal and political maneuvering. The movie's engagement with these themes, alongside its depiction of violence and intricate character relationships, reinforces its reputation as a significant work in the crime genre.
Why you might be searching for The Godfather Part II
People are often searching for details about the dual timelines, including Vito Corleone's backstory and Michael's expansion efforts into places like Cuba. Specific plot points such as betrayals, revenge, and the film's connection to New Year's Eve are also frequently sought out. The movie's strong critical reception and its status as a sequel often lead to comparisons with the original.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as the greatest movie of all time, surpassing even its predecessor, "The Godfather."
Read the full reviewThe film is seen as a worthy continuation, offering a more reflective and philosophically rich experience than the first movie, substituting dramatic mood swings for backstage discussions and strategic maneuvering.
Read the full reviewA reviewer notes that the film builds on the first movie by developing Michael's story as he expands the family business and faces betrayal, while also paralleling his father Vito's rise to power after fleeing Sicily.
Read the full reviewConversely, a different perspective suggests the film is dull and poorly directed, lacking a clear plot or compelling character motivations beyond basic gangster interactions, ultimately serving as an insomnia cure.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Godfather Part II" on services like Netflix, FuboTV, MGM+ (via Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Premium, or Paramount+ Essential), Philo, and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. It's also available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, or on DVD/Blu-ray. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-godfather-part-ii)
No, "The Godfather Part II" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional epic gangster film produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, loosely based on Mario Puzo's 1969 novel, "The Godfather". [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather:_Part_II)
At the end of "The Godfather Part II," Michael Corleone solidifies his power but at a great personal cost. After his mother's funeral, Michael discovers his wife Kay visiting their children, and he closes the door on her without a word. Following a series of assassinations of his enemies, including Hyman Roth and Frank Pentangeli (who commits suicide after Hagen's suggestion), Michael orders his brother Fredo to be killed, which his enforcer Al Neri carries out while Fredo is fishing. Michael is left isolated, having sacrificed his family ties for power. [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather:_Part_II)
"The Godfather Part II" is widely considered one of the greatest films in cinematic history and is definitely worth watching. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and many critics regard it as a masterpiece, with some even ranking it on par with or superior to the original "The Godfather." [paramountpictures.com](https://www.paramountpictures.com/movies/the-godfather-part-ii), [britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Godfather-Part-II)