The Godfather Part II Ending Explained: What The Movie's Final Shot Means

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Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT The ending of The Godfather: Part II is a powerfully tragic one, with the final shot of the film underscoring the film's themes. The follow-up to 1972's The Godfather, the film charts the rise of Vito Corleone after he moved to America and became a criminal. His ascent to power is contrasted with his son Michael's efforts decades later to maintain their criminal empire.

The Meaning Behind The Godfather: Part II's Final Shot An Isolated Michael Corleone Must Reckon With The Choices That Splintered His Family The final shot of The Godfather: Part II shows Michael Corleone alone and isolated from those around him, underscoring the cost of his decisions as the head of the Corleone crime family.

This moment is specifically juxtaposed alongside the murder of Roth and the death of Michael's former ally Frank Pentangeli. This contrasts them directly to the slaughter of the Corelone's enemies during the ending of The Godfather. Both events isolated Michael from his loved ones, even while affirming his power.

The sequence ends with the family leaving to join Vito, leaving Michael alone. This sense of isolation from his family, caused by his choices, clearly weighs on Michael. It becomes worse over a decade later, as an older and harsher Michael reflects on how he's become even more isolated. While Vito's efforts never cost him his family, Michael is estranged from his wife, actively betrays his sister's confidence, and murders his brother.

The Real Meaning Of The Godfather: Part II's Ending The Cost Of Power Is Too High For Any Good Man To Claim At the core of The Godfather: Part II is the ruination of Michael's hopes to be a better man than his father. Vito may have done terrible things, but it was always in the name of family. This led to many happy years while he was Don Corleone, with a family that loved him.

Source: Entertainment Trends (entertainmenttrends.net)

 

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