The better film is THE GODFATHER. The sequel is too dependent on the original to be enjoyed on its own terms. One cannot take a first time viewer of the saga to see THE GODFATHER PART II without seeing the first one because the story would be incomprehensible whereas the original can be enjoyed as a self-contained film. However, make no mistake, PART II is the greatest movie SEQUEL of all time.
shareThe first is perfect, classically-made, and safe, but part two is the most artful, groundbreaking, elaborate film, and is better in my opinion. Part one is cautious (most material coming from the book) and perfect, like a Hitchcock film. Part two is more of a Francis ford Coppola film. More elaborate and artful, more personal and expansive.
Of course, part two can't be watched without part one...actually it can but part one helps, but I don't think that's what you should consider when deciding which one is better. When comparing two movies within a series, I think you should forget the fact that they rely on each other (or the first).
I don't think part two is all THAT reliant on part one anyways. There are some parts you may be confused on not watching the first, but not too many. Although, maybe I can't say because I watched them in order.
If we're going on "perfectness" as used by everyone to describe these films, absolutely GF1 wins. However, some reasons I like GF2 more are: the characters and their evolutions, the fall of Michael morally (this also was the main theme in 1, but it's more impactful and devastating as he goes deeper), the 20's sequences, watching the rise of Vito Corleone as he's pushed into crime by ruthless savages, the de- glorification of the mafia, Hyman Roth (one of the best villains), the treachery, the scope of telling a fathers story and a sons story in the same film, the historical aspects and ties to real events at that time in American history, Michael and Kay's falling out as she realizes there's no hope for legitimization, the portrait of the mafias ties to the US government, and most of all, Fredo and Michaels relationship. The last part of this film might not have as many deaths, but their relationship is so heartbreaking, it's more impactful to me.
A few of these themes exist in part one, but are not taken to the level as Coppola does in part two. Plus, he keeps his filmmaking style just as great, not forsaking character or story or dialogue. Using a terrific score, and one of the best cinematographers.
When someone asks me which is better, I don't consider the fact that the sequel somewhat relies on the first, because it's a fact and I'm assuming the question is if you have seen both.
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I agree with wrfarley. Godfather 1 moved liked lighting for me from beginning to end. Godfather 2 had too many lulls. The Gov't hearings, Michaels relationship with his wife, all became a bit tedious for me. I would have preferred more of DeNiro storyline. But even with those lulls I own both. Godfather 3 fuhgeddaboudit
shareI am not disparaging PART II. In fact, it's genius cannot be denied, and yes, kellyjam, there were a few dull moments, but my contention is that a film that relies so heavily on its predecessor cannot be judged in the usual way regarding film greatness.
shareI didn't like part 2 as much. There were less events. By events, I mean death scenes.
I didn't like the DeNiro part. What's the point? So Vito was the stereotypical orphan with a murdered family, and killed a big boss to become the don, then killed a senile old man who used to be a big boss. So what? I didn't need to know that. How Vito became the don is irrelevant. Pointless story line. And pretty poorly written and executed, in my opinion. I felt nothing watching it. Nothing. And the rest of it was pretty pointless as well. I like part 3 better than part 2, and everyone hates on it, so whatever.
GF2 gets easier with each re-watch, effortlessly now for me. GF1 has so many scenes & moments of exposition, it all feels so familiar. GF2 breathes a lot easier, it's not swathed in shadows, & its more modern setting + warm Miami & Cuba don't hurt either. The Vito flashbacks are uninterrupted & those characters are all the most lively of the entire saga.
GF1's Sicilian scenes play like GF2's NYC scenes, only much slower.
...my essential 50 http://www.imdb.com/list/ls056413299/