 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Godfather: Part II
- Review Date: October 31, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1974
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant mob movie with graphic violence.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this is a cinematic masterpiece, the themes and events of this film is not suitable for young teens. Graphic violence in this film is interspersed with long discussions about mafia strategy and the organization of the family. In the opening scene, a mother begs the local don to spare her only son's life at her husband's funeral. The son is shot soon after.
What's the story?
Using flashbacks and scenes set in the film's present day, THE GODFATHER: PART II brilliantly relates the tale of Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro) transformation into mafia don during the 1900s and son Michael's (Al Pacino) reluctant takeover of the family business in the 1950s. Rather than simply glorifying the mafia don's position, PART II presents a man who is tortured by his title. Michael is pained watching his job tear his family apart. At one point he asks his mother if his father had the same emotional issues. "How was his head?" He asks her. Unlike Tony of the Sopranos, Michael does not seek psychotherapy; instead, he uses violence and revenge to solve his problems. Not anyone, including family members, dare cross him in his quest to build the family empire, as he will not tolerate the slightest bit of disloyalty.
Is it any good?
The film has the unmistakable air of saga as it moves back and forth through time, juxtaposing Michael's emotional struggle with becoming a don to that of his father's seemingly effortless, rise to power. In doing so, Francis Ford Coppola is able to maintain an amazing balance of powerful character driven stories peppered with the ruthless violence we expect from a gangster film.
Superbly written storylines and amazing performances by the principle actors including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Diane Keaton, is why PART II is considered a cinematic masterpiece, and often times called the best of the Godfather trilogy. Given its presence in hip hop and general pop culture, kids will want to see this film. Yet, due to violent content, parents might want to think twice before allowing them to do so.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the kinds of decisions Michael Corlenone could have made to avoid becoming involved in the Mafia. Does the film provide an accurate portrayal of Italians in America? How might an Italian American view the film? Does it promote cultural stereotypes?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Nearly as Good as Part 1!
Excellent piece of filmmaking. Has very graphic violence, but it is excellent all the same. anyone over 12 who wants to see should. This is the 2nd best movie ever. (beaten out only by the first)
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AGE
Not as violent as the first film, a bit more swearing, is about a half hour longer. Should be fine for ages 11 and up
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AGE
not very violent just the language but a 8 year already know every swear
this movie is totally awesome almost better than the first
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Kid, 9 years old
June 8, 2011
AGE
Perfect for 8+
An okay film.
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Mature people
One of the best films of all time, it is violent but should be good for MATURE audiences above the age of 11
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AGE
I loved it!
This is a excellent movie. Its worth watching.15 and over for violence and language. Al Pacino's performance was amazing.
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AGE
Awesome Movie
Everybody should see this movie. It's one of the only good sequils out there. If it were made today, it would be a PG-13 because there is almost no sex, almost no language, and the drugs are only in your mind. The only thing is the violence.
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AGE
A very good sequel better than the first, but also very graphic not for kids
I like this film. It has very violent themes though. It has graphic violence,bad language, implied sex and ***** reference. not for kids. I highly reccomeded it
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Francis Ford Coppola |
| Cast: | Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 200 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 12, 1974 |
| DVD release date: | May 24, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | Violence, Language |
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