A satisfying conclusion.

Rating: 7/10 (24 January 2014)

An underrated and unjustifiably criticized conclusion to the Godfather trilogy. This movie is not in the ''elite'' category of its predecessors, however it deserves acknowledgment and appreciation. Centred on Michael Corleone, the film explores the cost his lifestyle has inflicted upon his own existence. We see that he has been weakened by the pressure and barbarism of being the ''Don'' of the Corleone family. This is shown throughout the film, as he comes to the heartbreaking and miserable conclusion that he has damaged everyone he was meant to care for. He is unable to escape the cold darkness of crime, and it eventually engulfs him in a fascinating, beautiful and emotional way. What truly is this films' saving grace, and what changes it from a good film to a great one, is the epic finale, in which Michael witnesses the death of his daughter, and reflects upon his life of misery. The ending is perhaps one of the most powerful in the history of cinema, as Michael, an old and decrepit man, due to the emotional agony he has been exposed to over his life, slowly and sadly passes away with not one loved one near him to witness his death.
Perhaps what let this movie down, and what lowers it below the standards of it's flawless predecessors is that the other characters displayed are either victims of poor acting (Mary Corleone), or under development. Certain scenes are victims of mediocre script writing, which is a disappointment for the higher standard displayed in the previous installments of the trilogy.
Despite these weaknesses, the Godfather Part 3 is a satisfying conclusion with areas of absolute perfection, but blatant weaknesses which remove it from it's flawless predecessors.
8.3/10