Godfather II a reappraisal

Rating: Null/10 (9 April 2004)

The Godfather part two is as exceptional if not better than the original. It is true that the theme of soul corruption had been explored to great length by the end of the first film however through the genius of Coppola this is re-investigated albeit in greater depth. Michael's transition follows it's natural devastating conclusion, and his relationship aswell as his desire to emulate his father is far more prevalent. Michael's motives for becoming head of the family were like his father's, the protection and consolidation of his family, however he loses sight of this and loses most of that foundation and solidarity through death and divorce and is left with no-one, this arguably becomes the greatest irony of the series with the perpetual insistence on the importance and virtues of the family.The second film is vital in charting this trajectory more clearly and the importance of family becomes secondary to that of survival and power. Coppola intelligently looks at the situation in Cuba in the 1950s and the wealth and corruption in abundance under the direction of what would have been Battista's regime. From Cuba Michael learns that although money is power the determination of one individual to sacrifice his life for a cause is infinitely more powerful, in this instance Coppola offers us hope rather than nihilism.The story of Vito Corleone's rise to power adds a rich subtext to the film and the two are interwoven throughout highlighting the contradictions between Michael and his father who's life he so covets by the end of the film. Both part one and two in the Godfather series inspire thought provoking analysis into the human condition and the sense of of catharsis at the end is more reminiscent of King Lear than a gangster flick. Coppola's achievement was to produce two entirely different films and with the genial masterpiece that is the Godfather as its backdrop part two is extremely accomplished and no simple task for any director.