Sequel and Prequel.

Rating: 9/10 (5 October 1999)

Godfather Part II is a sequel but it is also a prequel at the same time. The story of young Vito Corleone portrayed by Robert DeNiro from his violence enhanced humble beginnings to his rise as a mob boss is told along with the tale of son Michael who is now firmly in charge as Don of the Corleone Family. Brilliant cinematography with great acting makes this certainly the best PART TWO film ever. Michael V. Gazzo is particularly memorable as Frank Pentangeli a Capo in the Corleone family who was neither seen nor mentioned in the first film has now taken over the duties of the deceased Pete Clemenza. Lee Strasberg the legendary acting coach and teacher turns in a top performance himself as Hyman Roth friend yet enemy to Michael . Gastone Moschin as Fanucci a moustache Pete of the early mob days who young Vito must confront. G.D. Spradlin as Nevada Senator Pat Geary who's pleasant smile holds his slick veneer. Dominic Chianese as Johnny Ola `Sicilian Messenger Boy' to the powerful Roth.
Part Two is a much more complex picture than the first as many more characters are involved in the dual story line. At one point Gazzo's character Pentangeli comments that `The Corleone family was like the Roman Empire'. The Roman Empire however fell. Godfather Part II will never fall.