Introduction
The Godfather: Part II is one of the classic movies based on the novel of the same name. The film became a significant event in cinematography because of its strong characters, plot twists, and themes. The movie revolves around crime, justice, punishment, power, and loyalty. They are interconnected and help the plot to evolve and become more interesting for viewers. However, the family theme can be considered the predominant one, as it ties together all other lines, provides the basis for the characters’ evolution, and adds drama when family conflicts occur.
Family
The critical importance of the family theme in the movie is evident from the first scenes. Michael becomes the new don of the Corleones and has to rule to save them (Coppola, 1974). At the same time, in line with Sicilian patriarchal traditions, he is the head of the family in its traditional sense. It becomes the central point of the plot.
At first, he fails to run the illegal operations successfully, which leads to a deterioration in relations with other criminals in this group. Simultaneously, the interactions between blood relatives worsen, and they cannot live happily. In this way, the movie shows that both families are interconnected and that Michael cannot separate them.
Conflicts
Moreover, the film uses the family theme to introduce numerous conflicts that require Michael to make difficult choices. The strict rules and code of behavior accepted by the Mafia imply that violating specific rules demands one to disregard kinship. Don prioritizes business issues over the needs of his close people, and he cannot act as a husband, father, or brother anymore. The scene in the court, when Pentangeli’s brother from Sicily arrives, and Pentangeli retracts his previous statement, shows the role of kinship and how the real and criminal families are interwoven (Coppola, 1974). Michael makes cruel decisions to protect the criminal business while his close people suffer.
Loyalty to Family vs. Crime
Finally, the film depicts how the opposition between criminal and blood families ends with their rise and collapse. Due to the efforts and severe measures, Michael proves his power as the don and saves the Corleones from criminal investigation and trial. However, he fails as a husband and father to his children.
Kay confesses she had an abortion as she has never wanted more children from him (Coppola, 1974). Moreover, she wants to take their children and leave forever. Michael cannot accept it; he beats his wife and prohibits her from seeing the children (Coppola, 1974). These events show that the theme of family and the conflict linked to it culminates in the dominance of criminal concerns over the need to support peace and loyalty among relatives.
Conclusion
Altogether, The Godfather: Part II offers numerous themes that might interest viewers; however, the theme of family is the most important. It serves as the background for the plot’s evolution and helps understand the main characters’ motifs. Michael has to care about criminal and blood families as a don, which introduces the dual opposition. His choices help save the Corleones and their influence in the underworld, but he loses his close people. The movie’s final shot depicts him sitting alone at the family compound, looking out at the lake, with no emotion. He remains a powerful don, but the real family is destroyed.
Reference
Coppola, F. (1974). The Godfather: Part II [Film]. Paramount Pictures.