
The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, and became the first sequel to win Best Picture.

It grossed $48 million in the United States and Canada and up to $93 million worldwide on a $13 million budget. The Godfather Part II premiered in New York City on December 12, 1974, and was released in the United States on December 20, 1974, receiving divided reviews from critics its reputation, however, improved rapidly, and it soon became the subject of critical re-appraisal. Principal photography began in October 1973 and wrapped up in June 1974. Coppola, who was given more creative control, had wanted to make both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather that would tell the story of the rise of Vito and the fall of Michael. The ensemble cast also features Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Morgana King, John Cazale, Mariana Hill, and Lee Strasberg.įollowing the success of the first film, Paramount Pictures began developing a follow-up, with many of the cast and crew returning. Part II serves as both a sequel and a prequel to the 1972 film The Godfather, presenting parallel dramas: one picks up the 1958 story of Michael Corleone ( Al Pacino), the new Don of the Corleone family, protecting the family business in the aftermath of an attempt on his life the prequel covers the journey of his father, Vito Corleone ( Robert De Niro), from his Sicilian childhood to the founding of his family enterprise in New York City.

The film is partially based on the 1969 novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo, who co-wrote the screenplay with Coppola. The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American epic crime film produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
