Picture 47: The Godfather: Part II (1974)

Just 2 years after soaring to the top of the BPFC rankings, Francis Ford Coppola returns with a sequel to his epic crime film. This is the first time a sequel has managed to win Best Picture and the crowd awaits with eager anticipation. Can he maintain this impressive debut? Be wary of spoiler alerts if you are naïve to the Godfather franchise.

This time the focus is on the new Godfather, Michael Corleone. Played by Al Pacino, Michael is the youngest son of his predecessor, Vito. Will Michael be able to cope with the pressure that comes with being a major crime boss? His job, although well renumerated, is extremely stressful and comes with an almost constant threat to himself and his young family.

The story of his father’s childhood arrival to the USA from Sicily in the early 1900s is also examined. As he matures into a young adult, Vito builds a business in line with the spirit of the community. Step by step, he constructs his empire. This younger version of Vito is played by a 31-year-old Robert De Niro.

This second instalment is almost as perfect as the first movie. Again, you find yourself treated to a gripping plot, tense scenes and excellent character development. It is fantastically rich in all domains with some of the best actors of the era taking part. The plot becomes ever darker as Michael’s ruthless quest for revenge on his enemies begins to outstrip reason. You sense these dark clouds brewing in the air around Michael as they colour his character and those still around his ever-shrinking circle.

It doesn’t quite have the magic and nostalgia of the first film. Nonetheless it is an excellent follow-up to Part 1 and is thoroughly deserving of a perfect score.

Rating: 10/10

Reflections:

1)     Success without a solid moral foundation is ultimately doomed.

2)    Revenge is the fuel for a perpetual destructive cycle.

Oscar Best Picture Rankings:

1. The Godfather (1972)

2. Casablanca (1943)

3. The Apartment (1960)

4. Rebecca (1940)

5. The Godfather: Part II (1974)

6. The Sound of Music (1965)

7. A Man for All Seasons (1966)

8. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

9. Ben-Hur (1959)

10. Lost Weekend (1945)

11. All About Eve (1950)

12. Hamlet (1948)

13. How Green Was My Valley (1941)

14. Gone With the Wind (1939)

15. West Side Story (1961)

16. Mrs. Miniver (1942)

17. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

18. Wings (1928)

19. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

20. You can’t take it with you (1938)

21. Patton (1970)

22. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

23. On the Waterfront (1954)

24. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

25. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

26. Marty (1955)

27. Oliver! (1968)

28. Cimarron (1931)

29. Grand Hotel (1932)

30. The French Connection (1971)

31. An American in Paris (1951)

32. From Here to Eternity (1953)

33. It Happened One Night (1934)

34. My Fair Lady (1964)

35. Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)

36. Cavalcade (1933)

37. The Sting (1973)

38. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

39. Going My Way (1944)

40. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

41. All the King’s Men (1949)

42. In the Heat of the Night (1967)

43. Gigi (1958)

44. Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

45. The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

46. The Broadway Melody (1929)

47. Tom Jones (1963)

Previous or current ranking leaders are in bold.

With credit and thanks to the patrons of the Best Picture Film Club:

Dr Sophie Bloomfield

Dr Caspar Briault

Dr Kate Diomede

Dr Fionnuala Durrant

Dr Josh Fisher

Mr Vivian Gallaher

Mrs Clare Gallaher

Dr Adam Holland

Dr Hannah Morrison

Dr Meera Radia