'The Godfather Part II' Perfected How To Make a Darker Sequel

One of these influential favorites isThe Godfather Part II, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week.

This makes his death a mostly understandable (though still violent and old-fashioned) bit of retribution.

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair, looking up in The Godfather Part II

Image via Paramount Pictures

Image via 20th Century Studios

A young Robert De Niro standing in the street in a scene from The Godfather Part II.

Image via Paramount Pictures

The Godfather Part II Movie Poster

The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.