The Godfather: Part II, based on the novel by Mario Puzo

The Godfather: Part II, based on the novel by Mario Puzo

The Godfather Part II is an exhilarating, magnificent chef d’oeuvre, one of the best ten films ever made.

Some feminists criticize this work of art as expressing the male admiration for a violent mobster.

Even if there is some grain of truth in that statement, the reality is much more complex, like the protagonist of the motion picture.

Michael Corleone is the Godfather in this sequel to the other masterpiece, wherein Marlon Brando was Vito Corleone.

In addition, this is both a hero and the evil character, making the film so much more interesting, with his complicated personality.

Some of the Character Strengths that the leader of one of the most powerful Mafia families has are:

-          Bravery, Curiosity, Persistence, Perspective, even Citizenship at the time of his volunteer enrollment in the army

-          Also Leadership, Vitality, Love, Social Intelligence, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Gratitude…

Some, if not most of these qualities have helped him keep control of the organization and diversify the operations.

However, it is also difficult to appreciate this powerful personality since these skills have been put to the wrong use.

Moreover, it could all have been so different.

One of the most powerful scenes in the movie takes place decades in the past, on the birthday of Vito Corleone.

It was also the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and this is the subject of conversation at the table.

Sonny is meant to be the future Godfather and in the same room, we have Fredo, Tom Hagen, Connie and Michael.

The elder brother is convinced that the many thousands that have volunteered to fight the enemy are stupid.

Nevertheless, Michael emphasizes that they will fight for their country and that appears to be the noble thing to do…

-          Fight for strangers?...you fight for your family- that appears to be the credo as expressed by Vito Corleone himself

-          To fight for the country is the right thing to do

-          Yeah? Why don’t you skip college and join the army then!?

-          I did…

-          What?! You idiot…these are not quotes, but the dialogue as I remember it

Then tom Hagen is expressing amazement and he says:

-          Why didn’t you come to us?

-          What for?

-          Your father has pulled a lot of strings to save you from joining

-          I did not ask for that

-          Your father has talked a lot about your future with me…

-          My future?

-          Yes, he has such high hopes for you Michael…

The always impulsive and neurotic Sonny tries to beat his younger brother, but this is so relevant and thought provoking.

In The first part of The Godfather, Michael talks to Kate at the memorable wedding and states clearly that, although his family has this very dark side, he is not like that and he has other ideals.

Therefore, it is so ironic that the young idealist, who saw himself so different from his siblings and father, ends up running the family “business”.

The values of the young Michael Corleone have all vanished? Alternatively, is this just a case of a found identity?

This of course makes the plot and this phenomenal film so much appealing, with its intricate philosophical issues.

The film that the popular vote on IMDB has placed at number three is not just a gangster movie, violent and simple.

The Godfather is an example of failure, for his marriage is finished under the most gruesome circumstances, his brother Fredo is killed, and the family name is tarnished when a Senate investigation is opened.

The Godfather: Part II is a glorious, phenomenal motion picture.