Common Sense Media Review
Brilliant mob movie with graphic violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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The Godfather: Part II
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say this sequel is a brilliant continuation of the original film that features exceptional performances, particularly from its lead actors, but it has more complex storytelling and a longer runtime, which might lose younger viewers. While many reviews mention that it has slightly less overt violence than the first film, it still includes significant graphic violence, strong language, and some dark themes that make it more suitable for mature audiences compared to its predecessor.
- strong performances
- complex storytelling
- graphic violence
- mature themes
- recommended for older teens
- less engaging for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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, the sequel 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 doesn't seek psychotherapy; instead, he uses violence and revenge to solve his problems. No one, including family members, dares cross him in his quest to build the family empire, as he won't tolerate the slightest bit of disloyalty.
Is It Any Good?
Superbly written storylines and amazing performances by the principal actors, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Diane Keaton, are why PART II is considered a cinematic masterpiece. It's often 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.
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 with the ruthless violence we expect from a gangster film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Italian Americans are represented in the movie. Does the film provide an accurate portrayal of Italians in America? How might an Italian American view the film? Does it promote cultural stereotypes?
What does the movie reveal about the challenges faced by Italians upon arriving in America?
How does the movie tell two stories, and how do these two stories connect? What are the deeper themes explored in both stories?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 12, 1974
- On DVD or streaming : May 24, 2005
- Cast : Al Pacino , Robert De Niro , Robert Duvall
- Director : Francis Ford Coppola
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 200 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Violence, Language
- Last updated : May 10, 2022
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