Time to start a new blog series: The Better Film. I got the idea for this one when I recently watched both Godfather movies and I was reminded of the discussions people have when comparing two (very good) movies:
If you have to pick only one, which is the better film?
My goal is to have that discussion in the comments and see which of the two gets the most support, thus being the better film of the two. This does not mean the other one is bad, it is just to see which one is the preferred choice. Don’t hesitate to respond on the comments other people make and start a discussion.
So to kick off this series we have two amazing movies, both directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
The Godfather
One of the ultimate movies made about organised crime, with its story about the Corleone family, made a huge impact. It layer a new blueprint of showing such a story, where the family life was just as important as the violent crimes that were committed to stay in power and of course make money. With stunning performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall and many more, its unique cinematography and extremely memorable soundtrack there is a good reason it is often named in “best movies ever” lists.
The Godfather: Part II
Made a few years after the original this sequel also has many of the same qualities of the original, but also successfully combines two story lines: That of Michael Corleone and his quest to expand his empire, making sure his enemies are taken out and that of his father and how what happened to him growing up, played exquisitely by Robert de Niro. It is more complex than the first movie but a classic in its own right.
So if you could only pick one movie, which one would you prefer? Which one is “the better film”?
It’s tough. 2 classics where if you put both of them together, one hell of a double-feature. I would probably say Pt II because of the paralleling storylines about Vito’s rise and his willingness to protect his family as well as Michael’s fall and his sense of mistrust which alienated him from those closest to him including his own family.
Yeah, I get what you are saying, but personally I think the first one is better. I think in the second one the story is a little less clear and the family connections which are so important in the original aren’t as strongly present. The first one is just a bit more focussed for me.
Easy for me. Godfather II all the way.
What’s your reason for preferring it?
The first is great, but it’s Part II for me. The two plot lines are perfectly melded and the whole thing is paced much better than the first. Finally, the ending blows me away. Even though we know before it happens that this is what Michael said he was going to do and probably what his position dictates he should do, it’s still a shock to our system when he actually does it. Coppola going with that is truly brave film making, the stroke that finishes painting the picture on what Michael has become.
Sound reasoning. I thought the second one used so many names that after a while I started to lose track. I’m always bad at remembering character names…
Tough call, but I’m going with “The Godfather” by a nose. I have no real good reasons, but I’ll throw two out there. First, “The Godfather” is a better looking film. Second, its ending is not as bleak–though that is the point of the second movie.
Somehow the first one feels more grand to me than the second one. But they are both different and have there pros and cons.
Godfather Two, it managed to up the intensity of the family dynamics without seeming to be trying to do that very thing. The two parallel stories of Vito and Michael are carefully manged and never feel obvious in the point that they are making. The decision to kill Fanucci is the first step the family takes to eating it’s own. Fredo is doomed by the patterns that have been created and appear inescapable. Everyone convinces themselves they are doing it for the family. The bloodbath at the end of the Godfather might seem just to those who feel the family comes first (except that Connie and her kids are made orphans)but Carlo was only the Brother in Law and he was a rat. When Al closes the door on Kay, it is to hide what Michael has become, Godfather Two kicks the door open and forces us to get over the romantic notion that it was all for the family.
Out of the two stories I liked the Vito story more. But yeah, the movie is really good.
I’ve gone back and forth with this question myself. I find myself as torn as I am between Alien and Aliens. I guess The Godfather part II just about shades it but I like the first film’s more concise nature (and, of course, Marlon Brando… but then again in part II you have De Niro…argh!)
It is a tough decision, that’s why it’s such a fun question to ask 🙂
Both are incredible but I’ll have to go with the first, which is one of very few films which I’d call “perfect”.
What are other movies you’d call perfect?
Chicago and Biutiful come to mind.
It’s such a tough choice but I go with the first on this one. It’s got Brando and that’s a major plus and in the second I don’t think the modern day stuff is quite as interesting as the flashbacks.
Having recently watched both I agree with you that in the second one I also thought the modern day events were as captivating as they were in the original.