THE GODFATHER: PART II (1974) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Francis Ford Coppola

Written by - Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo

Starring - Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, Talia Shire, Morgana King, John Cazale, Mariana Hill, Lee Strasberg

"Following up a masterpiece like the Godfather could have seemed an impossible job for anyone; Coppola not only does that but also manages to take it up a step and makes it look easy. The Godfather: Part II picks up the story where the previous film left off, with Michael Corleone establishing himself as the head of the family, but also in parallel tells the story of the young Vito Corleone first establishing his family business. This film is pure brilliance of all elements that make a movie. The screenplay which like its predecessor is written by Puzo and Coppola is again a masterwork, and Coppola is very skilful in making sure that the two storylines gel naturally and letting the film run smoothly but with great intensity. Pacino and De Niro, with the latter acting entirely in Sicilian, give career defining performances."

Drama, USA