THE GODFATHER (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of the Mario Puzo novel, which he co-adapted with the novelist, is one of the all-time great cinematic experiences. Opening with the wedding of daughter Connie (Talia Shire) to her new husband, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is also handling business with various tributes, among them troubled singer Johnny Fontaine (Al Martino) who is after a top part in Hollywood with producer Jack Woltz (John Marley) who has blacklisted him because of a dalliance with a starlet he was mentoring for stardom.
Inner conflict beckons for Vito with youngest son Michael (Al Pacino) who has served in the American military against his wishes as he wants Michael to become the successor in the business, a role falling on older and more volatile brother Sonny (James Caan) . However, when Vito suffers an failed assassination attempt, Michael is forced into becoming the strength of the family and their future.
THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
PART II focuses on the growth of Michael as the successor to Vito, coupled with a parallel backstory of a young Vito (Robert De Niro in his Oscar-winning performance) with two films that chronicle nearly half a century of family, gangster and political history as the Corleones attempt to become legitimate in a boom-era of post WWII prosperity.