Pictures Gallery For The Godfather - Part III

The Godfather - Part III (1990)

All the power on earth can't change destiny.

Starring: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Eli Wallach, Joe Mantegna, Bridget Fonda, George Hamilton, Sofia Coppola

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Running Time: 163 minutes

US MPAA rating: N/A
UK BBFC rating: 15
Crime, Drama

On DVD

On DVD

Al Pacino makes his final appearance as Don Michael Corleone, head of the Corleone mafia family. In this third part to the story, he has sold his illegal businesses in an attempt to win back his family - his wife having left him because she did not approve of the crime and violence. Michael is also seeking personal redemption - he never sought out the gangster life, and now that he is getting older he seeks absolution. Michael still has problems to face, however, which will challenge his ability to do business without resorting to violence.

His young nephew Vincent (Andy Garcia) wants a place in the family business. Vincent's father was Michael's older brother, and unfortunately Vincent shows every sign of being as hot-headed as his father was. Michael will be hard pressed to find suitable work for Vincent, and to prevent him getting into trouble. Michael's problems with Vincent escalate when Vincent is attracted to his daughter Mary (Sofia Coppola) - Michael does not approve of this match between first cousins.

In addition, an up-and-coming gangster called Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna) has his eyes on Corleone territory. Michael begins dealings with the Vatican, intending to buy out their controlling share of a large conglomerate that will give him power in the European market. When he becomes involved with the Vatican, Michael learns that Vatican business can be just as corrupt and dangerous as mafia business, and the deal threatens to draw Michael back into the violent world he has tried to put behind him.

The third and weakest of the "Godfather " films, this still has quite a bit working in its favour. Although the direction is not as strong as with its predecessors (due to personal problems in Coppola's life) it is still competent throughout and outstanding in parts. The cast are not as consistently brilliant as in the other films, especially the inexperienced Sofia Coppola who was drafted in as a last-minute replacement to play Mary. On the other hand, this may be Al Pacino's strongest outing as Michael Corleone, full of depth and emotion. If this film is missing anything, it is some of the criminal violence and action that the other two had - as reflected in the lower 15 certificate. However, just because this third part is not quite the equal of its predecessors doesn't negate the fact that it is an outstanding film in its own right.

DVD Extras: In the UK, "The Godfather - Part III" is only available as part of "The Godfather DVD Collection" five-disc box set, with a full disc of extras.

Extras: Director's commentary, The Godfather Family, On location, Francis Coppola's notebook, Music of, Coppola and Puzo on screenwiting, Gordon Wills on cinematography, Storyboards, Behind the scenes, Additional scenes/chronology, Character and cast biographies, Filmmaker biographies, Photo galleries, Theatrical trailers, Academy Award acceptance speeches, List of awards and nominations, Network TV introduction. Extras: 10 out of 10

It's Got: An extensive examination of Michael's character and motivations.

It Needs: More of the action that characterised its predecessors.

Alternatives: Once Upon a Time in America, Goodfellas, Road to Perdition, The Godfather DVD Collection

Summary: This is still an outstanding film, although it lacks much of the easy directorial style of its predecessors, as well as some of the action. Overall Score: 8 out of 10

Review by Andrea Chee
Review Date: 13th June 2003