THE movie that exists to illuminate the moral rot lurking beneath the quest for "The American Dream": The casual jettisoning of - or the never-were-there-to-begin with - any sense of scruples or ethics; That only "success" matters, that there are no rules, and that there is no bottom - the only real crime is getting caught.

Utterly masterful, superlative film-making of the highest standard. Unforgettable performances, a knowing script, lush cinematography, an evocative musical score - "The Godfather Pt II" truly has it all.

Maybe the greatest drama of all time

Update: I watched this recently went it came on AMC, and the flashback scenes with De Niro as Vito Corleone are some of the best ever caught on film. The first two Godfather movies are both great, but the background supplied in Godfather II is the highlight of the franchise.

12/9/2002 - Who doesnt want to be in the Mafia because of these movies?

Previous review (and reviewer) are as accurate as it gets. . .

But I'll throw it a five. . .I like a film that juxtaposes two stories, two characters, and two timelines and pulls it off with such richness. It's a gorgeous film that's well acted. . .tough to say anything new about this one EXCEPT-

. . .anyone else think 'Kay" as a character was somewhat overrated? (What did Mike ever see in her?)

I may be the only human being who does not think this was better than the original; but if you are into movies at all, this is a must-see. Al Pacino was at his absolute-best here as the Don who becomes maniachal with power and paranoia. The story was excellent, the direction and cinematogrophy were both A+. The ending (which I won't spoil in case there is someone who hasn't seen this) is probably one of the best in Hollywood history.

Flashbacks make it more tolerable. Great film, but the characters might keep you awake at night.

John Cazale, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton were never finer. What an outstanding film.

Greatest American Film ever made in my opinion.

After a dramatic success in the "Godfather," everyone hits another home run with this entry. That is rare in the history of the cinema.

Possibly the only time in Hollywood history that a film sequel measures up to (or, in some ways, surpasses) the original, Francis Ford Coppolla's "The Godfather Part II" (1974) will go down in history as one of the greatest films of all time. With his masteriece, "The Godfather" (1972)properly rewarded by audiences, cirtics, and the Academy, Coppolla set out, in very short order, to both provide a follow-up and a prequel that would do the original justice. To that end, he hit on all cylanders. Possibly the most difficult job for the director was to cast an actor capable of giving the same sort of understated, yet powerful performance that garnered a much-deserved (whether he wanted to accept it or not) Academy Award for Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. He struck absolute gold with a young Robert DeNiro. Deniro, as young Vito, was so good, and so convincing that he was able to win the Best Supporting Actor Award while hardly uttering a word of his performance in English. THe tale begins in the present and through the use of flashbacks, allows the audience an in depth study into the makings of a family business and the lenths at which the heads of the family will go to both obtain and protect their power. AL Pacino leads returning original cast members (Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, John Cazale...) through the sequences that see the seventies version of the Corleone family dole out heavy doses of vengeance and retribution to all who have and continue to cross the line that interferes with the family's "business." All of the principals are again exquisite but I personally was held rivited by the flashback scenes featuring DeNiro as an honest, hard-working immigrant who learns, through his exposure to the reality of the streets, that he must take control of his situation if he is ever to realize his ambition. A fantastic picture from beginning to end and well worth endless repeat viewings. In an era that is less character based and more special effects driven, we owe it to ourselves the indulgence that these sort of classic films may give us. Novels come to life are far more engrossing than the sort of comic book characters that are feasted upon by the audiences of today.

one of the few sequels that surpass the original, the best mafia movie ever.

A marvellous movie, with an astonishing performance by De Niro, given that very few of his lines are in English. The rest of the cast is brilliant, as is the cinematography and direction. Together with the first, these are possibly the best pair of movies ever made. Don't expect much from the third, however.

If the original is arguably the greatest film ever, 'The Godfather, Part II' is also definitely among the very best films ever put on the silver screen. Who can weave two stories together as well as Francis Ford Coppola? No one can. And if there is one thing that might make it stand out from the original film, it is the even greater acting on display. With respect to Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Lee Strasberg, and Michael Gazzo, I really don't think John Cazale as Fredo Corleone gets enough credit. Cazale gives the performance of a lifetime as the runt of a family of lions. The bottom line is that 'II' is every bit as ferocious and probably more cunning a film than the original. Standing by itself in moviedom, however, it sits Janus-faced in its historical importance, as generations of moviegoers are awed.

Not as good as the original but still one of the best dramas (and sequals) ever.

The best of the Godfather movies. Al Pacino and John Cazale are outstanding.

The Godfather movies deserve nothing except to be destroyed and put out of their forsaken misery.

In a Hollywood rarity, the sequel matches (if not surpasses) the original.

Much better than the original. It is much more toned down, and takable. The performances are amazing, and I went wild for it.

I think every part to the godfather aregreat ones.

Just as great as the first.

as good as the first! just look for the reviews of the original, best sequal ever! watch the first and second

THE only sequel to match its brother. Acting moves into the GODLIKE arena! DeNiro, Pacino, Duvall and Keaton prove they are the actors of their generation. Coppola proves he was the director with the midas touch during the 1970's.

Not as good as Part 1 but still a formidable piece of entertainment. It shows Vito Corleone's rise to power and his death. very dramatic. Desreves much more recognition.

I'm one of the few people who prefered part1. I guess i just preferred the old fashioned mobsters.

The best mob-movie there is. all of the crew is excellent, but De Niro steals the show as young vito corleone. The scene that micheal sees his brother dying is one of the best there is.

Without Marlon Brando this movie could never be anywhere near as good as the original.

This is good follow up to the first movie and I love it. I would like to see more movies.

Superb acting. The references to Godfather I at the beginning are masterful and show how implanted the Mafia is in American life. Great scenes between Michael and Fredo. Killer montage sequence at the end(as usual).

Better than the first one. Not too many movies get better than the original, but this one does. It continues from the first movie, but it seems to have more violence, which makes it off the hook.

This sequel may have actually eclipsed the original.

The only sequel to outdue the original. The flashback scenes were so amazing (Signor Roberto trying to leave the office). The acting was perfect as well as the directing.

An absolutely marvelous film and one of the few sequels which lived up to the original. The movie is divided into two parts and the action goes back and forth between the two. One part tells the story of a young Vito Corleone, wonderfully played by Robert DeNiro. The other part chronicles the rise in power of Michael Corleone, perfectly played by Al Pacino. If you've never seen this movie, do yourself a favor and rent Godfather and Godfather: PartII. It will be a well spent afternoon.

The best movie ever made!!!

One Of The Best Films Ever.

It was good - but only good.

It is rare for a sequel to be on par with its predecessor.