The Godfather

2024 - 8 - 16

Did You Know The Godfather Has a 37-Year-Old Forgotten Sequel?

Cinematic history - Film sequels - Francis Ford Coppola - Mario Puzo - The Godfather

Discover the hidden gem in The Godfather saga that fans have completely overlooked!

When you think about iconic cinematic masterpieces, The Godfather instantly comes to mind. Directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, this saga of crime, loyalty, and family has captivated audiences around the globe since its first installment released in 1972. Many fans might think that they know everything there is to know about Michael Corleone and the rest of the famiglia, but did you know that there’s a forgotten sequel that’s been hiding in plain sight for the past 37 years? Well, buckle up because we’re diving deep into the dark alleys of forgotten cinema!

The sequel in question is 'The Godfather Part III,' released in 1990. While it may not hold the same venerable status as its predecessors, it is indeed a continuation of the iconic tale etched in the annals of film history. The movie explores Michael Corleone’s attempts to legitimize his family's business while also dealing with the emotional toll of his past decisions. Even with its controversial reception, many fans and critics agree that it deserves another look—or perhaps a solid rewatch because there’s much more to it than what’s often acknowledged.

What many cinephiles don’t realize is that the original cut of 'The Godfather Part III' was significantly altered following its release. The combination of production issues and the personal struggles of cast and crew resulted in a work that some fans found unsatisfactory. Brian De Palma, for example, famously said the movie had "more than two generations to it." Fortunately, there was a resurgence of interest in the film recently, leading to the release of a restored and re-edited version dubbed 'Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.' This edition reclaims the aspects that originally aimed to convey the tragic trajectory of Michael's empire and legacy.

Above and beyond its status as a sequel, 'The Godfather Part III' is home to one of the most quotable lines in film. If you’ve ever found yourself in a sticky situation and thought, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in," remember it’s all a nod to Michael Corleone reflecting on the inescapable grasp of his old life. Seemingly, no matter how one tries to move on, the past has a nasty habit of reappearing. Also, did you know that the film features a star-studded cast, including the likes of Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Andy Garcia? This ensemble shows that even a sequel had some serious pedigree besides its reputation!

In closing, 'The Godfather Part III' has often been overshadowed by the greatness of its predecessors, but it still offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the human condition—echoing the age-old struggles of redemption and legacy. For devoted fans of the saga, revisiting this installment can yield fresh perspectives on the Corleone family's odyssey. So, whether you've been avoiding it or simply forgot it existed, why not give it another shot? It might surprise you! Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of saying you’ve explored all corners of one of the most celebrated film series of all time.

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Image courtesy of "CBR"

The Godfather Has a 37-Year-Old Forgotten Sequel Most Fans ... (CBR)

As far as cinephiles are concerned, The Godfather movies are Francis Ford Coppola's vision. Loosely based on the book of the same name written by Mario Puzo ...

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