The Godfather versus The Godfather Part II

[DJ TT 2002]

I’m going to ask the near impossible.

Choose between the two greatest movies ever made ( IMHO)
and also tell me why you’ve made your choice.

It’s as though I’ve asked someone to pick their favorite child….

For me, Godfather II
It shows the furnace that forged Vito Corleone

[hambone1983]

gotta go with the original.

I found the pacing in GF II to be painfully slow, especially the flashback scenes with young Vito. That whole sequence where he kills Fanucci, the big build up, all the shots of the festival in the street (still don't know what that had to do with anything), the running across rooftops (for what? no one was watching him, Fanucci had no bodyguards) and finally the thing with the lightbulb (also completely superfluous), I was like are you going to kill him or just bore him to death?

Anyway, the movie is like 3 1/2 hours. Even though I was pretty young when I first saw it in a theater my ass turned to stone before it was over. But all the stuff with Michael & Fredo was spectacular.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by hambone1983

gotta go with the original.

I found the pacing in GF II to be painfully slow, especially the flashback scenes with young Vito. That whole sequence where he kills Fanucci, the big build up, all the shots of the festival in the street (still don't know what that had to do with anything), the running across rooftops (for what? no one was watching him, Fanucci had no bodyguards) and finally the thing with the lightbulb (also completely superfluous), I was like are you going to kill him or just bore him to death?

Anyway, the movie is like 3 1/2 hours. Even though I was pretty young when I first saw it in a theater my ass turned to stone before it was over. But all the stuff with Michael & Fredo was spectacular.

Agree with all.

Part II was a slog. The pace was too slow and the opportunity for suspense was weighed down with a misguided effort to tell three stories at once. It was as much a soap opera as a mafia story. The whole story line with Kay was a pointless distraction. Leaving about 45 minutes on the cutting room floor could have made this a much better film.

[THC]

It’s me Enzo, the baker. For your father, for your father.

[Beo3]

I must say Godfather is the better of the two.

Seeing both about 50 times each (yeah, my wife hates when it's on) I still find hidden symbolism in each movie.

[Beo3]

duplicate

[crew]

The first 2 Godfather movies are in my top 3 movies of all time. Casablanca is the other favorite of that 3.
I’ve debated the order of the GF movies many times in my head and, finally, settled on GF 1 as my favorite. It’s a close call though. As to why it’s my preference I guess because it was the original and based on one of the most compelling books I have ever read. Btw, if you haven’t read Puzo’s masterpiece I highly recommend it. It gives much background to the movie and helps explain the “backstory”.

Favorite GF quote: Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

Currently reading: The Sicilian, by Mario Puzo

[Yobber76]

The Godfather was my favorite of the two. But in comparisons of greatest movies and sequels, do not ignore the epic Zombieland saga.

[1William]

II would be my choice.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by DJ TT 2002

I’m going to ask the near impossible.

It’s as though I’ve asked someone to pick their favorite child….

Indeed.

The first one. The first 15 minutes or so lay out the characters and the background so beautifully. The very first scene is absolute pure perfection. The Italian restaurant scene is perfect too.

[Dan Pierce]

Both are masterpieces.
dP

[SearChart]

It might be my age, but these two films are way too slow for me. Never enjoyed them.

[DJ TT 2002]

I’ve read the book twice.
Enjoyed both times!!
Many layers and many characters that couldn’t have fit into the films.

[Blansky]

Tough call. Probably the first once since it set the tone and story. Would/could the second one be great if not for the set up of the first one.

[Swearengen]

GF II

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"

[superdog]

I love them both. But I think I would go with 2. Only because I really appreciate the character development. But yeah, both are so very good.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It might be my age, but these two films are way too slow for me. Never enjoyed them.

It’s not just you Bas. I’m 56 and didn’t enjoy them either

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by DJ TT 2002

I’ve read the book twice.
Enjoyed both times!!
Many layers and many characters that couldn’t have fit into the films.

On my list to reread soon.

[DJ TT 2002]

3 things that probably make Part II the better movie :

Senator
Pat
Geary

[swils8610]

Both are great…I’d go with 2


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[Dr. Robert]

Tough choice, but I prefer the first.


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[Speedbird-1]

GF III.

(see joke section)

[Dirt]

I didn't really get into them but have come to appreciate them equally for different reasons.

[soldes]

" Leave the Gun, bring the Cannoli"
Classic line from Clemenza; Godfather 1 of course.

[Speedbird-1]

I saw, 'The Godfather' at the cinema, in 1972/3. I was spellbound, from the very first notes of Nino Rota's magical score, through the whole masterful Puzo and Coppola screenplay and direction.
It's a masterpiece.

2 and 3 Are very good, and, ok, respectively.

[Ballzzz]

due

[The Joker]

First one for me, and also worth watching "The Offer" with Miles Teller, superb drama of the making.

[Cazador60]

Both are great, I missed Clemenza in Godfather ll but Frankie Five Angels played it great.
I got the latest book on filming the Godfather for Christmas, as though I need to know more trivia on the movie. I know all the lines from both incl some in Italian.

[chro.nic]

The Godfather.
Pacino's portrayal of Michael's transformation is astounding.
The scene where he explains his idea to kill McCluskey and Sollozzo sitting in the chair and the camera slowly zooming in is acting 101.
"It's not personal Sonny, it's strictly business."

.nic

[huncho]

part 2 was a flawless and perfectly paced movie for me, so i'm going with that one. there were parts in the first one where it felt like it was a bit stretched. it's close though and i'll always rewatch either (usually both) if they're on tv