Are you also reflecting when you're watching video from this channel? I do! The film 'Perfume the story of a murderer'... There is no critical review on this channel. Can you please do a review of the HOMELAND mini series (Showtime)? Or Bodyguard(Netflix), Jack Ryan and The Underground Railroad(Amazon), Hanna(Hulu), Mare of Easttowm(HBO), The Bureau(Apple +TV), McMafia(AXN)?
Around 7:20 mark ... something is said that being the pedantic PIA I am ... strikes me as odd. It's that 'Sonny wants to go to war with the [ 5 ] families' They are 1 of the 5 families. So unless he was going to whack his Pops, which I highly doubt ... it should only be go to war with the remaining 4 families
Vito Corleone's plan for Michael to come back was that he was not going to break the peace. Michael didn't even break the peace either if you really think about it. Bazini was the one who broke the peace. He had Tessio ask Michael for a meeting where he would be safe. That's why Michael was ready for the Baptism of Fire. He was just a few steps ahead of the rest of the 5 families.
Vito knew what Michael would do. He promised the five families he wouldn't break the peace but never said anything about his son doing it. Vito was pulling the strings.
@@deltahomicide9300In the book it goes into a lot more detail about how ruthless Vito could be. In a way he is worse, more ruthless than Micheal cause he would come at you as a friend and make you feel safe, thats whats so scary about him. (although he would never of approved Fredos death but thats not in the book). He is described as the guy who is always five steps ahead of everyone else, he could be someones best friend but at the same time, have them in his pocket and be ruthless if they didnt obey. Vitos son was killed, he wasnt going to let that slide but he also wanted his other son to live. Thats how he managed to manipulate the families into having Micheal back, while also scamming his revenge at the same time. Typical mastermind Don Vito Corleone. You dont shoot the Godfather, kill his son and get away with it. Vito won from the grave which was his plan.
@@vanmoody Somehow Michael confirmed his treachery at his father Vito's funeral. That part always confused me too bc he was guilty by association to Tessio
This is what Vito was referring to when he asked Tom to step aside as consigliere and he would take his place. He said there where things Tom couldn’t know about. It seemed like they were referring to the big move to Vegas or some other dealings. However, this is what they kept Tom in the dark about - the plan to kill the heads of the five families! This is why Vito temporarily became Michael’s consigliere. They made it seem like he was just advising Michael about his new role as Don. He was doing that, but it was ultimately for the purpose of helping Michael with the master plan of getting rid of the heads of the 5 families. Both Michael and Vito agreed it had to be done. If Vito were still Don he probably wouldn’t of done it. However with Michael at the helm the dynamic changed and they had to make the big move that would become Michael’s trademark. It was an act of venegence, but in some respects an act of survival as both Vito and Michael knew Barzini and the heads of the 5 families were planning on either destroying or taking over the Corleones once Vito died. In Vito and Michael’s eyes - it was the smart move.
Michael and Sonny agreed on something. Tom was not a war time consigliere. I do think Michael had his father in that post because they were planning on their revenge.
They cut Tom out to prevent a further breach in the family. What breach? Michael and Vito both wanted Carlo Rizzi dead, "bedadbeed" Constanzia could forgive her brother, ignore her father's tacit support and involvement, but her Sicillian nature would have called for vengeance against Tom, a none blood member of the "familia". So Michael and Vito made it public and overt that Tom, had nothing to do with Family business. That, "you're not a war time consigliere" was for show. As Vito himself said " Tom, I never thought you a poor consigliere, I thought Santino a bad Don, rest in peace. However, there are things that you cannot be apart of" .
He was planning his revenge, but changed the time he was going to act on it, because at meeting he finally found out " it was Barzini" now he knew he was fighting all the families and not counting on Barzini to be on his side.
@@anthonyc9131 I just can’t for the life of me fathom how Tom being as smart as he was didn’t deduce along with Vito that it was Barzini. Why? It was Barzini who was guiding and making demands and “assuming the sale” so to speak at the meeting like he was in charge. He was talking a lot. And when you talk, you lose. What are your thoughts?
I read the book years after watching the film. But even watching the film, I got the impression it was Vito's plan. It was Vito's revenge for the death of Sonny. There was no way Vito would let that go. He made the peace only to give his enemies a false sense of security.
It wasn't Vito revenge perse and the Don throughout seemed to be a man of his word. When Michael asked "isnt that a sign of weakness?" To which the Don replied "it is a weakness" - highlight he accepted the situation. Once Michael said he made no such promises, then vito helped/advised on how to execute it. The oath the Don took still stood as far as I'm concerned. Michael initiated it and made no promises to the other families.
@@captainlou9677 seen the film too many times to miss it. but thanx. a few years back, when cashiers started becoming check out robots, I looked closely at the machine and thought for a sec, I saw HAL9000.
@@parkerjames6531 Yeah man it was in the video , A deleted scene from the godfather of Michael speaking to his father about taking revenge over the death of Sonny and what happened in Sicily (Apollonia).
@@TheJetstream10 Oh yes there is also a deleted scene of Michael going after Fabrizzio and planting a bomb in his car and as soon as he starts it he blows up the same way he did to Apollonia . You should watch it
@@Johnny_Zed The same thing, 1 man planned and set a stage for one night that would change the balance of power in that man's world. Sure a clear difference was Hitler's victims but still the same effect. A shock and awe for their enemies and a realization that they are in charge and those who question them could face the same consequences.
@Midgeon Mac Actually you compare if you provided context. If you measure the action and what it did to their enemies that's one thing. You can do that without comparing the victims, which unlike the movie were innocent. They just spoke out against Hitler or were on his undesirable list. So in a sense you right you can't compare to two but if you look at it in another war, as a power move. In both cases, it was a move to stack the balance in favor of the guy in charge. In Hitler's case a madman, that was in charge.
Spot on. Two other scenes from the movie give it away as well. One was when Tessio and Clemenza were complaining to Vito and Michael about Barzini moving into their turf and Michael tries to reassure them that there are plans in place that will resolve their problems or words to that effect. The other one was when Michael tells Hagen that he`s out because he`s not a wartime consigliere. He does it in such a cold manner that Vito feels the need to tell Tom that he didnt think he was a bad consigliere, more that Sonny was a bad Don.
This was Vito’s hit Michael just executed it, Vito knew everything about the 5 families and leaders, their weaknesses and how to hit them. Information that would have took mike years to gather. It was his last master piece before dying
It was Vito's plan that was planned to be done by Michael after Vito's death. When Tom is kicked out as consigliere Vito hints at the this plan. Vito knew that after he was gone rivals would come after the Corleones and Michael being a new boss would be taken advantage of by enemies of the Corleones. This was Vito's way of protecting his family after his death.
@@gilliantracy7991 . So...The other families saw Vito's injuries as a weakness and Vito's retirement as a weakness the Corleone's non-response to their territory being muscled in on as weakness and Mike's inexperience as a weakness....and they, the four families saw all that and decided to Trim the Tree in NYC...and they were going to strike after Vito's death. Since Vito KNEW 'the business'..this thing of ours...then Vito would know this was true or not. And it would be...maybe...the only reason Vito might approve of the plan...and of course Revenge for the attack on him and Sonny's brutal death. Bring exact change next time.
It wasn't revenge I think. He clearly knew that Barzini intention was destroying Corleone family and take over their operations in future, so he and Michael had to act.
Read all 3 comments and most of you are somewhat right, one of you is just plan out wrong though. Yes Vito planned it out with Michael but it wasn’t for after Vito’s death. Remember, they were about to move to Vegas and that was already under way and Vito was expecting to move there with the family and continue to run the show part time. Don Vito wasn’t planning on dying just days before the move. Remember what Tom told Fredo in Vegas when Michael was pushing Mo Green out? “now wait a minute, the Don is semi retired. Anything you have to say you say it to Michael”. Knowing that the plan wasn’t to wait, after all. Could Don Vito just plan when he was going to die? It was just bad luck that Don Vito died just before the move. And yes it was absolutely revenge, it was about unfinished business and per Michael, today I settled all family business. So yes it was a necessity, but it was also personal.
Being Italian, I think Don Vito and Michael hatched the plan of revenge together and waited until Don Vito died to implement vengeance. After all, vengeance is a dish best served cold as the saying goes.
If we dont revenge it would be a sing of weeknes michael asked. Yes vito said. But vito gave his word michael didnt. It was vito all the way. He new even how shit would go down he warned michael on a messenger witch was tessio aperrntly.
I absolutely think Vito planned it. Michael was in on it, certainly, but Vito's experience makes me think that he did most of the planning. I think it was like he was teaching his son, showing Michael how it's done, because he knew he wasn't going to be around for much longer and wanted to do what he could to ensure that the family would carry on as the most powerful, and to provide for the future beyond the next generation. Vito was all about family, always.
Vito did not object when Michael said he never gave his word that he wouldn’t break the peace. They were operating from a weak position and had to be patient. I think Vito knew Michael would settle the family business once the traitor was revealed.
@@seansmith7462 That wouldnt make sense, unless Vito and Michael both knew Vito's on his way out so the agreement to carry out the attack must be after the funeral to ensure his honour and promise.
Don Vito replaces Tom Hagen as the family's Consigliere because as Michael says ' you're not a war time Consigliere Tom'. Vito and Michael together plan the hit. Vito as the voice of experience is the strategic voice while Michael is the tactical voice
When Michael took over as the Don he had Tom step down as consigliere. Vito was aware of what was coming because after his death anyone on the inside of the family business could not be trusted. By putting Tom on the outside made him the only person in the family that could be trusted because he had nothing to gain by betraying the family. He was not directly involved so he had nothing to offer the other families and couldn't tip them. He couldn't be bought and had nothing to gain but was the perfect partner and co-conspirator
The scene in the garden where Vito wants to "go over things again", it's clear Vito was giving Michael the info he needed to form his plan and pull off this extremely complicated series of hits.
The "baptism of fire" massacre was merely a reaction to events - the other bosses were planning to take Michael out thinking him young and weak so he acted first. His father did predict that would happen though and advised him accordingly, which is shown in the film. The book makes a number of references to other characters "admiring Michael's tactical genius" in relation to the massacre.
They thought he was weak because he intentionally feigned weakness. Whole thing was a ploy set in motion by Vito/Michael before Vito died. Barzini/Tattaglia/Carlo were revenge hits first and foremost…they always had to go. Moe Greene was pure business. Tessio was response to betrayal. Cuneo/Stracchi were might as well take out everyone while we’re at it. Those two weren’t whacked in the book as their was no obvious motivation beyond killing someone powerful who might take issue with other killings.
There is some symmetry in that Vito, who waited decades for the revenge of his family being killed in Sicily. waits until his own death for the revenge of his son Sonny being killed on the causeway. Vito knew, if not planned it, and let Michael loose.
@@melissarose0126 Probably. Michael didn't have to follow the old fashioned Italian tradition of fathers not interfering in their daughter's marriages like Vito felt he had to. Vito didn't want Connie to hate him for having Carlo killed so he had Michael do it after he died. Michael was willing to have his sister hate him if it meant he got her out of her abusive marriage and avenged Sonny.
Vito was a very smart man. He knew Michael would do it after he died or even before. Michael was very cunning and very intelligent. Ruthless because it was necessary. Michael showed his ruthlessness once he made his bones
@@michaelbrickley2443 I would say that Michael made his bones sometime before that in the Pacific war. In the book he said "I've been in combat against tougher guys than that and under worse conditions. Where's his air support? Where's his artillery?"
@@Paddydhistorian Michael may have killed in combat, but that doesn't count in the mafia. "Making your bones" is a mafia term and refers to killing on behalf of your mafia family. Michael didn't "make his bones" as a member of the mafia (specifically, the Corleone Family) until he took out Solozzo and McCluskey.
He knew. He advised Michael when Michael told Tom that he wasn’t the wartime consigliere. Vito told Michael how they were going to take him out. Vito is also a man known for vengeance. There’s no way he wasn’t planning getting even with the people who shot him and murdered Sonny.
He told them ALL at the meeting of the FAMILIES (More than 5) Barzini should kissed his own ass goodbye when he decided against calling off the hit on Michael. He had Vito AND Mike wanting him DEAD.
In the movie the Don went over the Plan with Michael many times. The "I never wanted this for you. You were supposed to be Senator Corleone" scene tells us Done Vito was the mastermind.
@@GUNTHERSHELL Sonny was supposed to take the reigns, but he was thrown into it too early and was a hot head and had bent up anger over his Father being shot. Michael, on the other hand, was cold and calculating. Part 3 isn’t as bad as people make it out to be by the way. It was just kind of weird inner plots and directing style. However, it was political deeper in other ways the first 2 weren’t.
People forget Michael was an ex-Marine and war hero. The family down played it, because he was fighting for ‘strangers’. However that Marine part of him shined through more and more as he settled in as the new Don. Michael’s MO was to kill his enemies. Vito was part of it, but Michael was probably the driving force behind it. Vito was however vengeful and he helped Michael with the plan. He helped Michael with the terrain and approach. Vito was definitely in the mix! One more great Vito move, with Michael doing most of the heavy lifting and planning. Vito was the super consigliere behind it, but Michael was the driving force behind it. “You think you can fool a Corleone?” Michael felt justified by it and so did Vito, but had Michael wait till Vito died to pull the trigger - at least in the movie.
I think your going too far with this ex-Marine analysis (besides there being no such thing as an ex-Marine. ;-) ). I think he was inherently ruthless, which may have served him well during the war. As Clemenza explained to him, killing someone up close is different that killing someone from a distance. Having someone killed is also different. Michael had no problem with any of it, and that probably would have been the case even if he didn't serve, imo.
@@GRice999 it was hot head Sonny, who didn't show any respect for his brother's proven ability to kill w/ out pause ,and said that it makes a difference whether "you shoot 'em up close bata bing! and blow his brains all over your nice ivy league suit, than from far away". Sonny hit Tattagglia, but had not seen the trail of blood Mike had seen in the war. that's why Clemenza, in the basement scene, w/ Mike and the .38, paid his respects to mike's service, and betrayed Vito's true feelings on the matter. "we wuz all proud of ya, your father too".' Vito and Clemenza both were in street wars. they knew Mike was now a man. it's true that film analysts skip right past Mike's choice of Military over college. he was lucky to even make it home. but it's fiction.
Michael's vengeance was, imo, greater than Vito's. Michael is also getting revenge for Apolonia who really was a civilian in the whole deal and didn't deserve what she got. Vito provided advice covering angles Michael wouldn't be aware of, but Michael knew about planning as his taking out Sollozo and Mcklusky shows.
Tessio and Clemenza underestimated Michael. Especially Tessio, who had no problem in setting up a hit on Michael. However, Michael wasn't surprised that Tessio had decided to defect from the family: "Tessio was always smarter." Surpringly, Connie turns out to be more vicious than her brother. Michael even acknowledged that fact when he says to her, "Maybe they should fear you."
“Tatalia is a pimp, he could never have out fought Santino, but I didn’t know until this day that it was Barzini all along “!!!!!! “The Barzini people are getting too close to Michael , so there was nothing else to be done than offer the peace” And in all that was unsaid it was clear there would be a day of reckoning in the future
When he swore on the souls of his grandchildren to the heads of the other families that *he* wouldn't be the one to break the truce (saying nothing about Michael), and then made Michael the head of the family, of course he knew!
I do not agree that Don Vito's death was a hindrance to killing the other heads of the mafia families. The other families would never let their guard down while Don Vito was alive. Once he was dead the other bosses did not fear Michael and did not know if he could even keep control of the family. There was a question if Tessio or Clemenza might even try to take over the family.
I like Michael for the whole plan. I think Vito saw how Michael was changing and growing into the role and even if they never spoke directly about it, Vito was confident that Michael would settle all family business.
But Vito was not the kind of man to take that on faith. Especially not when he was in a position to teach Michael what he needed to know to pull this massive a hit off.
I always assumed Vito was the mastermind. I felt it when he was giving his promise that he wouldn’t break the peace, knowing he would instruct the next in line too
Even without the deleted scene (which I saw for the first time here) it was pretty clear to me that Don Vito had planned the revenge with Michael. He was absolutely sure that they would come after Michael, he kept repeating it. The only way to keep Michael safe would be to attack and Vito would certainly have planned it with Michael.
“I swear..on the souls of my grandchildren..that I will not be the one who breaks the peace we’ve made here today”. He wasn’t lying, he was putting them at ease to relax their defenses so the plan could work.
I think that even when he made that promise, he had already a plan for revenge. He knew Michael would come and what he was capable to do after kiilling sollozzo and mccluskey. For me he just knew revenge would be taken by Michael
@@robertofernandez879 absoloutly. Remeber when they cut out tom, Michael said there are things that will be taking place that he can't know about. Vito was the one who advised michael to cut tom out. I belive Vito always had a plan up his sleeve. Look at how he was with fannuci.
It was a necessary move. Both Vito and Michael knew that the other families would come after Michael after Vito died. Hagen showed he had some wartime knowledge. Remember at the funeral when he asked did Michael know how they were going to come at him?
10:45 Vito's smile was all I needed to see. It was as if up until that moment he hadn't considered letting his son seek his revenge was brilliant. He was happy not that he would get revenge and save the family name but that he can be confident that Michael as the Don was the best choice.
Vito's promise was to keep the peace while he was still alive. Once he died, the other families understood this agreement died with Vito and thus came after Micheal, a move easily predicted. Though audacious, Michael killing the heads of the family begs the question of who succeeded these heads, had none of them sons? Killing the King leaves the problem of heirs. as Macbeth discovered. Leaving for Las Vegas does not consolidate a position in New York either.
I personally don't think, Vito would have advocated that move. Michael was night and day difference, more ruthless than his father. In fact, that was the first move he made, that displayed, how ruthless he'd be willing go. They ultimately, ran the family two different ways, two different visions. Greatest movie ever made 💯
Vito would advocate it. In the book it goes into a lot more detail about how ruthless Vito could be. In a way he is worse, more ruthless than Micheal cause he would come at you as a friend and make you feel safe, thats whats so scary about him. (although he would never of approved Fredos death but thats not in the book). He is described as the guy who is always five steps ahead of everyone else, he could be someones best friend but at the same time, have them in his pocket and be ruthless if they didnt obey. Vitos son was killed, he wasnt going to let that slide but he also wanted his other son to live. Thats how he managed to manipulate the families into having Micheal back, while also scamming his revenge at the same time. Typical mastermind Don Vito Corleone. You dont shoot the Godfather, kill his son and get away with it. Vito won from the grave which was his plan.
@@fenixchief7 Said no one ever. Let me guess, you’re going to say GoodFellas was. Even Scorsese would say The Godfather is the best mob movie ever made
@@Jeffery-Vanity-Blofield This is not the same Vito as thr book. In the film, if you pay enough attention, Vito clearly knows of Michael's plan but its up to debate whether he actually pushed Michael to do it. And if Vito did, wouldn't that go against his oath of retaliation since he is the one behind it? It would also go against Michael's character development. He does his first kill, gets exiled to Sicily, his new wife gets murdered, he snaps, he returns to America, retaliates against the other 4 families. But in your theory the last step would be doesn't directly retaliate? We already know Michael is more ruthless than Vito from the 2nd one too.
@@OfficialPortlandFilmCollection movie Vito clearly orchestrated the plan with Michael. They cut tom out and worked together on it for months. Vito swore on the souls of his grandchildren, HE wouldn't break the peace, not his children. Michael broke the peace with vitos help and in turn, michael lost his soul. The Scene where Vito is feeling sad, speaking how he wanted michael to be a senator shows this too, he knows michael will be trading in his soul now but he knows what has to be done.
I believe Vito planned this after the meeting with the five families. In the book as Vito and Tom are talking in the backseat, the scene ends with Tom thinking, "A day of reckoning in the future."
100% Vito's plan it made perfect sense he already figured out it was Barzini who masterminded Sonny's death and the move on Vito, that's why he had Tom Demoted and promoted Michael. Even before he died he warn Michael their's a traitor in the family, Vito died and Michael finished the job
A GR8 presentation, what this group put together does make sense. The way all the killings happened only Don Vito knew the other heads of families patterns and Carlo making phone calls to Barzini while Michael was in Sicily. I'm glad the Corleone family merged victorious.
This is 100% Vito's plan, remeber Vito already figured out Barzini was behind everything. Michael carried out his father's plans, by then Vito only trusted Michael and was prepared to wipe out everyone including disloyal family members
Vito definitely planned it in readiness for Michael to carry it out after he had died. He knew Michael would be targeted after his death and the only way was for Michael to strike first.
Vito promised to not break the peace while he was alive during the meeting of the five families. It was noted in the book that the families would remember that promise as confirmation of Vito's genius, meaning that he had planned this action and groomed Michael for it. The other families respected Vito for the cunning promise and planning and feared Michael for carrying it out so ruthlessly and efficiently. That's what I got out of it.
In the book, we see how Michael cultivates Al Neeri to be his own Luka Brazzi. This started, I think, while Don Corleone is still alive and is undoubtedly encouraged by Don Corleone. An infrastructure to implement the future operation is thereby being constructed by both of them. Al, dressed in his cop uniform, then becomes the one who carries out the most important assassination of all: the elimination of Barzini, who was the Genovese-like mastermind behind the attempt to involve all the families into the drug trade earlier and then later attack the Corleone family when Don Corleone refused to provide support by refusing to lean on the judges and politicians in advance to deter them all from cracking down on the planned Solazzo/Tattalia drug operation (and which Barzini promoted and encouraged discretely, and which only became explicitly transparent to Don Corleone during the meeting of the five families and other non-NYC mob bosses) ...
I was going to mention that "sign of weakness" scene, and then you showed it. One other element that bolsters your point of view is the exact wording of Vito's oath at the meeting, which if I recall correctly was, "I will not be the one to break this peace," which is a bit different from, "I will not break this peace." I took his phrasing to be foreshadowing.
Definitely. The first time he said that I knew that it would happen just after his death. He told his truth. They only heard what they thought it meant. They weren't smart enough listen closely and ask what he meant by it. Just let a thug get a little control and thinking that they know everything and they never hear anything except what they want.
@@kimrogers4865 When Barzini opened his mouth at the Bank meeting in the book I........ Knew he was behind the scenes not Tattaglia... The famous line... """ I never knew till this day.,,, It was Barzini all along""""to Tom Hagen in the car on the ride back from meeting.... The godfather is referred to in the Novel as the ultimate Mathematician by Mario Puzo...... """" You don't read a book.... You read an author"""" Repeatedly told by Carmelite Nuns as a kid✨✨💝💥
Yes he did. Carlo was separated from his wife and family so that he could be executed and not in front of them. It was in a fitting place too. Exactly where he married Connie.
@@lovelygivan1442 that is easy. But in this case you can't look to the book or movie. You have to know how a dead body was legally handled from place of death until final disposal in that time period. This is history as to what would happen. A police officer or member of the coroner office who could be paid off would have come out to the residence and signed off probably with another cause of death ☠️ The Coreleone family would have probably called Bonasera the Funeral Director to pickup the body. He would have prepared Carlo knowing that he was garroted. He would have never told the police anything. Connie would possibly been told by Bonasera or one of the lower level members of the Family. They could not have disposed of Carlos body. He and Connie had children. He was a visible high ranking member of the Coreleone Family. Too many questions about that would have been asked. Connie clearly shows what a lot of battered women have developed from an abusive relationship. Because Carlo has now died she will be free from his abuse she should be relieved. Instead she attacks Michael screaming about how much she loved him and he never thought about her. She is suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.
That would have been crazy and really unexpected if it had happened like that. The one you least expected to come out and be shown as the mastermind. Brilliant.👌
Fredo knew the whereabouts and daily habits of all five heads of the families because Fredo got this intelligence from all the cocktail waitresses he was banging two at a time.
Vito Corleone was the mastermind of the plan. Through his extensive years as the Don of one of the most powerful of the 5 crime families of New York. He was extremely knowledgeable about the inner working of the mafia. He also had intel on the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies.He also knew the dire position his family was in. This situation was a test a right of passage to solidify their families power and to show how ruthless and cunning they can be.
Michael was by far the most dark and ruthless. He wasn't before the assassination attempt, and Sonny's murder, but became. I definitely think they discussed it, and was more than happy to witness it. Masterpiece.
Well it was Vito who told him about the person who was going to approach him first would be the traitor so the scene would make sense that it was Vito’s plan from the beginning and have Michael remove all of the heads of the five families.
Vito was smart enough to know that his death would severely weaken the family. He likely planned the hit to help micheal make a name for himself and stop anyone one else from targeting his family
One of the things that makes this movie so great and infinitely rewatchable is the fact that so many things are left ambiguous, and watching it from different perspectives changes the experience. Cutting the scene between Michael and Vito was a brilliant move.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Vito ended the war and made peace so Michael could hit the heads of the other family when they least expected it.
@EasyE Yes, indeed. That "peace treaty" meeting was nothing more than a clever little ruse to get the heads of the Five Families to let their guards down! As I said in another comment, because Michael had been such an enigma to them, they underestimated him and, in turn, he killed ALL FIVE bosses because of it!
Vito planned the whole thing but the person who would approach Michael. And what is meant by “ Tom you are out” was not that Tom was out of the family but out as consigliere. When Michael expresses surprise that it was Tessio it is Tom who says “ It was the smart move and Tessio was always smarter...”
Reading through the comments I can tell who read the book and who hasn’t 😭. Vito was basically lying thru his teeth at that meeting and even Tom suggested after the meeting that Don’s actions were inconsistent with his character. Vito knew exactly what was going to happen because he planned it and as far as warming Mike about a traitor. Michael only had to finish what Sonny had started.
Vito didn't lie thru his teeth he said he would not be the one who broke the peace and he didn't in the book the move to make peace was a tactical retreat it was a corleone reset Vito knew before he made the peace that Carlo was responsible for sonny's death and that even for a man who has killed or ordered man killed that killing your daughter's husband was to much Vito needed time to groom Michael to become the Don and he knew he would get his revenge and save his criminal organization thru Michael the sins of the father passed on thru the child Vito made the peace, the families didn't make the peace they wanted to wipe the corleones of the map they thought they were weak, Michael didn't make the peace he took care of all family business in one fell swoop
@@tonyharden7630 so if he had no intention of holding the peace he was asking for? How isn’t that lying ? 😂😂 Look you stated facts but denied that Vito was a snake in this scene ( as he should’ve) .
@@davoz9773 he said he wouldn't break the peace and he didn't that doesn't mean he couldn't prepare his family for war do u think he was going to let his family be slaughtered and he died before any bloodshed so yes he didn't lie he just prepared his family the other families really broke the peace the corleones acted really in self defense it was a preemptive strike
@@tonyharden7630 basically you’re saying “I didn’t commit the murder, I just prepared the gun, the location and the gateway vehicle but I’m innocent” lmaooo Vito was lying cuz that’s what he needed to do as you pointed out. Plain and simple.
@@tonyharden7630 plus in the book he’s still alive she Mo Green gets killed which is a precursor to their change. So yea he’s still around for the bloodshed and his death was untimely. Michael was still working on getting Vito contact. So if he had survived he would’ve been around to see the bloodshed as he planned.
The book version, where only Barzini and Tataglia are hit, makes more sense than the movie version, where the heads of all four other families are hit. Surely that would line all four families up together for vengeance against the Corleones?
While I agree, but I think the idea was that the Corleones were allied with factions within those families who would happily take over. But yeah, just going after 2 families + Moe Greene was more realistic.
Will Mosse While I agree that Bazzini, Tataglia, and Rizzi were the parties directly involved in the Don Vitio shooting, and the Sonny murder, I believe these acts would never be allowed without the consent of the other 2 family heads. The others didn’t pull the trigger, but they definitely knew and approved it.
Having watched the film a number of times it was always my impression that was precisely what they were intending to do all along--holding back to appear weak so the other families would let their guard down, letting the others "move" first to give justification for the eventual hit along with smoking out who in the family would not be loyal as they moved forward.
This theory makes perfect sense! Vito was a strategic genius and knew that they would come after the family once he’s gone know that he’s the “TRUE POWER” of the family. The “Baptism by Fire” was the true logical response.
It was actually Sonnys It was His plan , unfortunately he was killed before he could action it . Unfortunately Sonny does not get the props he deserved cunning wise , he was brutal and ruthless unfortunately just a little hot headed .
@SC14 According to the book, he was like his paternal grandfather (Vito's own father) in that respect and, much like Sonny, the grandfather's temper apparently got him killed too!
I like to think it was Michael’s idea, a plan not fully formed, reaching. And with his father’s guidance and wisdom, it grew. It’s 50/50 at best, 30/70 and it’s still ok... Vito was a grand master.
After returning from Sicily, Michael doesn't go to see Kay for a long time. I think it was something like a year. What do you think he was doing all that time? Being prepared by his dad. When Tom mentions discovering Rocco has built a new regime, Vito tells Tom Vito told Michael that Tom would notice that. The implication is Rocco and his new regime were part of the plan and that Vito had full knowledge. Finally, Vito specifically tells Michael he will be set up and how Michael will be able to know who the traitor is. Set up when? After Vito dies and Michael takes over. Of course Vito plotted this entire thing! And his planning started way back when he told Tom to organize that meeting where Vito made peace. He knew even then he needed to get Michael back so that he could prepare Michael to get their revenge and regain their powerful position. The only way that was possible was if he made peace.
In the third and final installment of The Godfather Trilogy, Michael Corleone does another world tour taking out heads of families. So I would not put it past Michael Corleone to have a great deal of input into the plan and Vito Corleone polishing it in helping Michael plan it.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold” The book addresses Vito’s knowledge of the play against the five families. The movie is based on the book so I’ll give Vito credit for his role in the plot.
The one thing I haven't seen mentioned was the fact that Michael was a Marine Captain with the Silver Star. You didn't win those in a poker game. Remember the Marines' war was in the Pacific against the Japanese. That combat experience was something that none of the others had. It would have hardened him and made him ruthless. Add that to the mix and you had someone who was more formidable than any of the others.
In the book Micheal had told his father that if he had forbidden him to kill Tataglia and Barzini that he would have been prepared to split off from the Corleone Family and go after them on his own.
Most defintinely Vito's plan it made too much sense, from the moment he told Tom it was Barzini and not Taligia it was on, he cleverly demoted Tom and promoted Michael that way he could tell his son his plan, he also warned Michael of a traitor in their family, After Sonny's death he made Michael the king but Vito controlled the chess board, with Tom & Fredo out he could protect them and him and Michael were fully prepared to kill everyone including Corleone members who they thought souled the family out
.... and I thought I knew everything about Godfather movie. Thank you for this new angle which makes more sense than what I had been living with since forever. I am subscribing for your channel and giving it a thumbs up.
also Vito says in the meeting something along the lines of “ i swear on the souls of my grandchildren that i won’t be the one who breaks the peace we’ve made today” he doesn’t say the corleone’s won’t break the peace
The Four Family hit was done the moment that Vito said to the families, that HE would not be the one to break the peace. When Michael asks him if that makes him appear weak, it does, because he wanted to appear weak so that the hit would be easier. The families let their guards down and they were easy to kill. If Vito would have appeared strong, they would not have been that easy. He also needed time to bring Michael home to tell him the plan. All was put in place so that they would appear weak and the other families would not suspect. Vito is the real mastermind of the hit.
Revenge was set forth with the news of Sonny. My buddy's and I growing up used to spend weekends watching both movies. To this day after seeing them close to 200 times each...I have yet to read the book. I don't want it to influence what I grew up with! I'm thinking I have to read it now. What a masterpiece that keeps giving!!! Keep emailing coming!! ❤
I believe yr spot on. It was Vito Cortisone who completely masterminded the destruction of the heads of the 5 families. I can see that he plotted the surprise and shock of Michael being Godfather as the least expected day of the massacre. It still was a joint venture - getting even for his son's brutal death and Michael's beloved young wife. Genius.
Another very prime example of Vito’s cunning vengeance are the hits on The Black Hand and his Sicily return in GFII. His contributions are all over the 4 families hits. Never to say Michael could never do it alone himself, but some flawless, masterful tactics and executions have to be taught.
At the novel, Don Vito has a hand in recruiting Al Neri to be Michael's Luca Brasi (and there are detailed description in the novel on how critical and loyal Neri is to Michael): he knows full well how critical Luca Brasi won the First War of New York for the family and he wants Michael has the same weapon before starting the Second War. IMHO, Don Vito helped Michael running through all the scenarios, Pros & Cons and repurcussions of the war before his death. In fact, I would imagine it was him telling Michael that the execution of the plan cannot be carried out until after his death, in order to keep the promise he made to the other families so that the Corleone family would not be held against by any means.
Sir it was never said or hinted in the book that Vito only wanted the plan carried out after his death he didn't know he was going to die he had a heart attack this was something that tragically just happened he did orchestrate the plan he put everything on Michael because Vito knew he couldn't kill his daughter's husband so he let Michael carry that
Michael masterminded the 5 family hit. He consulted with his father about the business. It in the garden scene before Don Vito’s death Michael tells him: “I’ll handle it. I told you I could handle it.” That tells me that Michael organized the 5 family hit.
Mr Riff In God Father 1? ....At Vito's funeral In The Cemetery?.........After Tom Asks Michael... "Do You Know How Their Gonna Come At You?" Michael replies About How Safe He'll Be On Tessio's Ground........And Then He Says To Tom "Ive Decided To Be Godfather To Connie's Baby"...... "But,Im Gonna wait" "And Then I'll Meet The Don Bardzini...,And Tattaglia,.... All The Heads of The "5" Families" Those Are Michael's Words...Listen for Yourself. I Don't Think A Slip Up Like That Would've been Allowed to Slide......Do You?
12 minutes to explain what was obvious in 2 lines... Vito: I swore I would never break the peace. Michael: You gave your word that you didn't break the peace. I didn't give mine. You don't have to have any part in it. Vito smiles. Nah. I don't think Vito knew.
I always thought Michael broached the idea to Vito and Vito agreed this was the best plan to save the family, the business, and solidify Michael's position of Godfather.
You're spot on. This plan was formulated by both men. Michael was the initial planner, Vito was the detail man. Michael listened to his father, Sonny didn't. Don Vito was patient as you said in your video. And by taking himself out of the equation, it freed Michael to act.
In the Novel Tom tells Michael how masterful how utterly Sicillian his plan is. Michael responds that a lot of it was " the old man", "that he never appreciated how smart" his father was, until they started working on the Baptism of fire.
From the film Michael had the intuition to know that Tessio would be the traitor and that Clemenza was a little dim witted and not ambitious enough. I never read the book so I don't know if they elaborated on that.
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The film 'Perfume the story of a murderer'... There is no critical review on this channel.
Can you please do a review of the HOMELAND mini series (Showtime)? Or Bodyguard(Netflix), Jack Ryan and The Underground Railroad(Amazon), Hanna(Hulu), Mare of Easttowm(HBO), The Bureau(Apple +TV), McMafia(AXN)?
Around 7:20 mark ... something is said that being the pedantic PIA I am ... strikes me as odd.
It's that 'Sonny wants to go to war with the [ 5 ] families'
They are 1 of the 5 families. So unless he was going to whack his Pops, which I highly doubt ... it should only be go to war with the remaining 4 families
It was Sonny’s plan they went underground before he could strike he started the blueprint and the sequels say it was mostly Vito
Vito Corleone's plan for Michael to come back was that he was not going to break the peace. Michael didn't even break the peace either if you really think about it. Bazini was the one who broke the peace. He had Tessio ask Michael for a meeting where he would be safe. That's why Michael was ready for the Baptism of Fire. He was just a few steps ahead of the rest of the 5 families.
Vito knew what Michael would do. He promised the five families he wouldn't break the peace but never said anything about his son doing it. Vito was pulling the strings.
In the car with Tom he implied that he only promised peace to weed out his enemies. I agree... it was a clever ruse
@@deltahomicide9300In the book it goes into a lot more detail about how ruthless Vito could be. In a way he is worse, more ruthless than Micheal cause he would come at you as a friend and make you feel safe, thats whats so scary about him. (although he would never of approved Fredos death but thats not in the book). He is described as the guy who is always five steps ahead of everyone else, he could be someones best friend but at the same time, have them in his pocket and be ruthless if they didnt obey.
Vitos son was killed, he wasnt going to let that slide but he also wanted his other son to live. Thats how he managed to manipulate the families into having Micheal back, while also scamming his revenge at the same time. Typical mastermind Don Vito Corleone. You dont shoot the Godfather, kill his son and get away with it. Vito won from the grave which was his plan.
@@deltahomicide9300 In the car Vito said he learned that day who the one was who ordered his murder. What exactly tipped Vito off that it was Barzini?
@@vanmoody Somehow Michael confirmed his treachery at his father Vito's funeral. That part always confused me too bc he was guilty by association to Tessio
@@deltahomicide9300 That makes sense. Since Tessio was the one who came in Barzini's name then it had to be him.
This is what Vito was referring to when he asked Tom to step aside as consigliere and he would take his place. He said there where things Tom couldn’t know about. It seemed like they were referring to the big move to Vegas or some other dealings. However, this is what they kept Tom in the dark about - the plan to kill the heads of the five families! This is why Vito temporarily became Michael’s consigliere. They made it seem like he was just advising Michael about his new role as Don. He was doing that, but it was ultimately for the purpose of helping Michael with the master plan of getting rid of the heads of the 5 families. Both Michael and Vito agreed it had to be done. If Vito were still Don he probably wouldn’t of done it. However with Michael at the helm the dynamic changed and they had to make the big move that would become Michael’s trademark. It was an act of venegence, but in some respects an act of survival as both Vito and Michael knew Barzini and the heads of the 5 families were planning on either destroying or taking over the Corleones once Vito died. In Vito and Michael’s eyes - it was the smart move.
*Consigliere
Michael and Sonny agreed on something. Tom was not a war time consigliere. I do think Michael had his father in that post because they were planning on their revenge.
Tom is not a Sicilian.
Tom would have never plan something like this.
Read the book. Don't guess. This video gives reference to the film and not the book.
They cut Tom out to prevent a further breach in the family. What breach? Michael and Vito both wanted Carlo Rizzi dead, "bedadbeed" Constanzia could forgive her brother, ignore her father's tacit support and involvement, but her Sicillian nature would have called for vengeance against Tom, a none blood member of the "familia". So Michael and Vito made it public and overt that Tom, had nothing to do with Family business. That, "you're not a war time consigliere" was for show. As Vito himself said " Tom, I never thought you a poor consigliere, I thought Santino a bad Don, rest in peace. However, there are things that you cannot be apart of" .
I think its fairly obvious that Vito started planning as soon as Tom Hagan told him Sonny was dead
He was planning his revenge, but changed the time he was going to act on it, because at meeting he finally found out " it was Barzini" now he knew he was fighting all the families and not counting on Barzini to be on his side.
@@anthonyc9131 Good point
@@anthonyc9131 I just can’t for the life of me fathom how Tom being as smart as he was didn’t deduce along with Vito that it was Barzini.
Why? It was Barzini who was guiding and making demands and “assuming the sale” so to speak at the meeting like he was in charge. He was talking a lot. And when you talk, you lose.
What are your thoughts?
No As Soon As He Knew Barzinni Was Trying To Kill Him
@@blackadonis4440 do you think so?
Thought it was Michael, but I never knew till this day that it was Vito all along.
Vito dragged Michael into this
ISWYDT
@@bra-balllegend3940 meaning?
@@cityhunter557 reference to the the most famous Godfather 3 line
@@bra-balllegend3940 I See What You Did There
I read the book years after watching the film. But even watching the film, I got the impression it was Vito's plan. It was Vito's revenge for the death of Sonny. There was no way Vito would let that go. He made the peace only to give his enemies a false sense of security.
It wasn't Vito revenge perse and the Don throughout seemed to be a man of his word. When Michael asked "isnt that a sign of weakness?" To which the Don replied "it is a weakness" - highlight he accepted the situation. Once Michael said he made no such promises, then vito helped/advised on how to execute it. The oath the Don took still stood as far as I'm concerned. Michael initiated it and made no promises to the other families.
your user ID is too cool for school. shows again, what a genius of the visual Kubrick was.
@@tonym994 exactly, most people don't catch it either. Good call!
@@captainlou9677 seen the film too many times to miss it. but thanx. a few years back, when cashiers started becoming check out robots, I looked closely at the machine and thought for a sec, I saw HAL9000.
Read the book to see how they brought Michael back
“You gave your word that you wouldn’t break the peace , I didn’t Give Mine.”
Can you point out which part of the movie he said this? totally missed this one
@@parkerjames6531 it was in a deleted scene. Its in this video
@@parkerjames6531 Yeah man it was in the video , A deleted scene from the godfather of Michael speaking to his father about taking revenge over the death of Sonny and what happened in Sicily (Apollonia).
@@ElenArroyo In the book, Michael finds the killer who planted the car bomb that killed Apollonia and at the end has him killed in revenge.
@@TheJetstream10 Oh yes there is also a deleted scene of Michael going after Fabrizzio and planting a bomb in his car and as soon as he starts it he blows up the same way he did to Apollonia . You should watch it
The baptism of fire, the original order 66
I love this comment.
This just made me realise- the night of the long knives in Nazi Germany was the *real* order 66/baptism of fire
I see what you did there.
@Toby Cosmo lol
@@Johnny_Zed The same thing, 1 man planned and set a stage for one night that would change the balance of power in that man's world. Sure a clear difference was Hitler's victims but still the same effect. A shock and awe for their enemies and a realization that they are in charge and those who question them could face the same consequences.
@Midgeon Mac Actually you compare if you provided context. If you measure the action and what it did to their enemies that's one thing. You can do that without comparing the victims, which unlike the movie were innocent. They just spoke out against Hitler or were on his undesirable list. So in a sense you right you can't compare to two but if you look at it in another war, as a power move. In both cases, it was a move to stack the balance in favor of the guy in charge. In Hitler's case a madman, that was in charge.
Don Vito definitely knew!
When Michael says:" I'll handle it...I told you I can handle it, I'll handle it!" this is what he meant!!
Exactly
Spot on. Two other scenes from the movie give it away as well. One was when Tessio and Clemenza were complaining to Vito and Michael about Barzini moving into their turf and Michael tries to reassure them that there are plans in place that will resolve their problems or words to that effect. The other one was when Michael tells Hagen that he`s out because he`s not a wartime consigliere. He does it in such a cold manner that Vito feels the need to tell Tom that he didnt think he was a bad consigliere, more that Sonny was a bad Don.
This was Vito’s hit Michael just executed it, Vito knew everything about the 5 families and leaders, their weaknesses and how to hit them. Information that would have took mike years to gather. It was his last master piece before dying
It was Vito's plan that was planned to be done by Michael after Vito's death. When Tom is kicked out as consigliere Vito hints at the this plan. Vito knew that after he was gone rivals would come after the Corleones and Michael being a new boss would be taken advantage of by enemies of the Corleones. This was Vito's way of protecting his family after his death.
Exactly!
@@gilliantracy7991 .
So...The other families saw Vito's injuries as a weakness
and Vito's retirement as a weakness
the Corleone's non-response to their territory being muscled in on as weakness
and Mike's inexperience as a weakness....and they, the four families saw all that and decided to Trim the Tree in NYC...and they were going to strike after Vito's death.
Since Vito KNEW 'the business'..this thing of ours...then Vito would know this was true or not. And it would be...maybe...the only reason Vito might approve of the plan...and of course Revenge for the attack on him and Sonny's brutal death.
Bring exact change next time.
It wasn't revenge I think. He clearly knew that Barzini intention was destroying Corleone family and take over their operations in future, so he and Michael had to act.
Read all 3 comments and most of you are somewhat right, one of you is just plan out wrong though.
Yes Vito planned it out with Michael but it wasn’t for after Vito’s death. Remember, they were about to move to Vegas and that was already under way and Vito was expecting to move there with the family and continue to run the show part time. Don Vito wasn’t planning on dying just days before the move.
Remember what Tom told Fredo in Vegas when Michael was pushing Mo Green out? “now wait a minute, the Don is semi retired. Anything you have to say you say it to Michael”.
Knowing that the plan wasn’t to wait, after all. Could Don Vito just plan when he was going to die? It was just bad luck that Don Vito died just before the move.
And yes it was absolutely revenge, it was about unfinished business and per Michael, today I settled all family business. So yes it was a necessity, but it was also personal.
Being Italian, I think Don Vito and Michael hatched the plan of revenge together and waited until Don Vito died to implement vengeance. After all, vengeance is a dish best served cold as the saying goes.
If we dont revenge it would be a sing of weeknes michael asked. Yes vito said. But vito gave his word michael didnt. It was vito all the way. He new even how shit would go down he warned michael on a messenger witch was tessio aperrntly.
No Shit Sherlock That was The Whole Point. Same Reason Nothing happened to Fredo until their Mother Died.
What does being Italian have to do with your claim
Dude you sounded so cringe, not all italians are gangsters so stop pretending that
@@artdealerss What I was thinking haha
What made Michael dangerous was that you couldn’t read his mind! He would quietly reflect in his own mind and share no feeling!
Al Pacino has been MY FAVORITE ACTOR since I was a kid.
I absolutely think Vito planned it. Michael was in on it, certainly, but Vito's experience makes me think that he did most of the planning. I think it was like he was teaching his son, showing Michael how it's done, because he knew he wasn't going to be around for much longer and wanted to do what he could to ensure that the family would carry on as the most powerful, and to provide for the future beyond the next generation. Vito was all about family, always.
Yes he was! Both, fleshly and "Cosa Nostra"!!!
Vito did not object when Michael said he never gave his word that he wouldn’t break the peace. They were operating from a weak position and had to be patient. I think Vito knew Michael would settle the family business once the traitor was revealed.
He wasn't, he promised that he wouldn't strike at the other godfathers, why do you think he waited until he died to carry it out
I was going to say exactly that.
@@seansmith7462 That wouldnt make sense, unless Vito and Michael both knew Vito's on his way out so the agreement to carry out the attack must be after the funeral to ensure his honour and promise.
@@Jupa he waited until he died out of respect for his father and to fool the other godfathers into thinking he was in over his head.
@@seansmith7462 How do you wait for something that isnt gauranteed to happen at any time soon? Use your head.
Don Vito replaces Tom Hagen as the family's Consigliere because as Michael says ' you're not a war time Consigliere Tom'. Vito and Michael together plan the hit. Vito as the voice of experience is the strategic voice while Michael is the tactical voice
When Michael took over as the Don he had Tom step down as consigliere. Vito was aware of what was coming because after his death anyone on the inside of the family business could not be trusted. By putting Tom on the outside made him the only person in the family that could be trusted because he had nothing to gain by betraying the family. He was not directly involved so he had nothing to offer the other families and couldn't tip them. He couldn't be bought and had nothing to gain but was the perfect partner and co-conspirator
I’m
@@rashonhayes4832 but later they cite his heritage as the reason he won't be approached for helping with an ambush.
The scene in the garden where Vito wants to "go over things again", it's clear Vito was giving Michael the info he needed to form his plan and pull off this extremely complicated series of hits.
The "baptism of fire" massacre was merely a reaction to events - the other bosses were planning to take Michael out thinking him young and weak so he acted first.
His father did predict that would happen though and advised him accordingly, which is shown in the film.
The book makes a number of references to other characters "admiring Michael's tactical genius" in relation to the massacre.
Michael had learned a lot from the war.
I can tell, YOU DID NOT READ the BOOK. READ the BOOK, the PLAN is 99.9% Vito. Only the DATE, the day he BECAME a GODFATHER!
@@billolsen4360 I mean he was a captain in the Marines so yeah
They thought he was weak because he intentionally feigned weakness. Whole thing was a ploy set in motion by Vito/Michael before Vito died. Barzini/Tattaglia/Carlo were revenge hits first and foremost…they always had to go. Moe Greene was pure business. Tessio was response to betrayal. Cuneo/Stracchi were might as well take out everyone while we’re at it. Those two weren’t whacked in the book as their was no obvious motivation beyond killing someone powerful who might take issue with other killings.
In the book, Vito told Tom Hagen, not long after meeting with all the heads of the famlies, "There will be a day of reckoning in the future."
There is some symmetry in that Vito, who waited decades for the revenge of his family being killed in Sicily. waits until his own death for the revenge of his son Sonny being killed on the causeway. Vito knew, if not planned it, and let Michael loose.
Vito accepted Sonny death, but not Michaels
I wonder if Carlo's death is also for how he treated Connie as well as him turning on Sonny.
@@melissarose0126 Probably. Michael didn't have to follow the old fashioned Italian tradition of fathers not interfering in their daughter's marriages like Vito felt he had to. Vito didn't want Connie to hate him for having Carlo killed so he had Michael do it after he died. Michael was willing to have his sister hate him if it meant he got her out of her abusive marriage and avenged Sonny.
Vito was a very smart man. He knew Michael would do it after he died or even before. Michael was very cunning and very intelligent. Ruthless because it was necessary. Michael showed his ruthlessness once he made his bones
Tony G, Michael for sure showed his cujones when he killed Solozzo and McCloskey..
@@michaelbrickley2443 I would say that Michael made his bones sometime before that in the Pacific war. In the book he said "I've been in combat against tougher guys than that and under worse conditions. Where's his air support? Where's his artillery?"
@@Paddydhistorian Michael may have killed in combat, but that doesn't count in the mafia. "Making your bones" is a mafia term and refers to killing on behalf of your mafia family. Michael didn't "make his bones" as a member of the mafia (specifically, the Corleone Family) until he took out Solozzo and McCluskey.
@@alohajoe98 Yes, but I was speaking figuratively. He probably killed more of the enemy during the war than several Mafia torpedoes on the streets.
@@alohajoe98 You've got to get up close like this and Bada Bing blow their brains all over your nice Ivy league suit.
He knew. He advised Michael when Michael told Tom that he wasn’t the wartime consigliere. Vito told Michael how they were going to take him out. Vito is also a man known for vengeance. There’s no way he wasn’t planning getting even with the people who shot him and murdered Sonny.
He told them ALL at the meeting of the FAMILIES (More than 5) Barzini should kissed his own ass goodbye when he decided against calling off the hit on Michael. He had Vito AND Mike wanting him DEAD.
In the movie the Don went over the Plan with Michael many times. The "I never wanted this for you. You were supposed to be Senator Corleone" scene tells us Done Vito was the mastermind.
or Governor Corleone
@@cashflodigitalsportsnetwork The Don was depending on Sonny to take His place. Not Michael. What do you think.
@@GUNTHERSHELL yeah, but later it fell into Michaela hands... Vito hated that, but adjusted
@@GUNTHERSHELL Sonny was supposed to take the reigns, but he was thrown into it too early and was a hot head and had bent up anger over his Father being shot. Michael, on the other hand, was cold and calculating.
Part 3 isn’t as bad as people make it out to be by the way. It was just kind of weird inner plots and directing style. However, it was political deeper in other ways the first 2 weren’t.
@@yanyansalvilla958 it’s almost as if he knew that they would never legitimately be away from the “life”.
People forget Michael was an ex-Marine and war hero. The family down played it, because he was fighting for ‘strangers’. However that Marine part of him shined through more and more as he settled in as the new Don. Michael’s MO was to kill his enemies. Vito was part of it, but Michael was probably the driving force behind it. Vito was however vengeful and he helped Michael with the plan. He helped Michael with the terrain and approach. Vito was definitely in the mix! One more great Vito move, with Michael doing most of the heavy lifting and planning. Vito was the super consigliere behind it, but Michael was the driving force behind it. “You think you can fool a Corleone?” Michael felt justified by it and so did Vito, but had Michael wait till Vito died to pull the trigger - at least in the movie.
I think your going too far with this ex-Marine analysis (besides there being no such thing as an ex-Marine. ;-) ). I think he was inherently ruthless, which may have served him well during the war. As Clemenza explained to him, killing someone up close is different that killing someone from a distance. Having someone killed is also different. Michael had no problem with any of it, and that probably would have been the case even if he didn't serve, imo.
@E Smidt Nope, Marines. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Corleone
@E Smidt no, it says in Part II that he was in the marines, his uniform had the eagle, globe, and anchor on it
@@GRice999 it was hot head Sonny, who didn't show any respect for his brother's proven ability to kill w/ out pause ,and said that it makes a difference whether "you shoot 'em up close bata bing! and blow his brains all over your nice ivy league suit, than from far away". Sonny hit Tattagglia, but had not seen the trail of blood Mike had seen in the war. that's why Clemenza, in the basement scene, w/ Mike and the .38, paid his respects to mike's service, and betrayed Vito's true feelings on the matter. "we wuz all proud of ya, your father too".' Vito and Clemenza both were in street wars. they knew Mike was now a man. it's true that film analysts skip right past Mike's choice of Military over college. he was lucky to even make it home. but it's fiction.
Michael's vengeance was, imo, greater than Vito's. Michael is also getting revenge for Apolonia who really was a civilian in the whole deal and didn't deserve what she got. Vito provided advice covering angles Michael wouldn't be aware of, but Michael knew about planning as his taking out Sollozo and Mcklusky shows.
Tessio and Clemenza underestimated Michael. Especially Tessio, who had no problem in setting up a hit on Michael. However, Michael wasn't surprised that Tessio had decided to defect from the family: "Tessio was always smarter."
Surpringly, Connie turns out to be more vicious than her brother. Michael even acknowledged that fact when he says to her, "Maybe they should fear you."
One of the highlights of Part III is the fact that Connie has in effect become underboss with Al acting as her capo and Vincent as her enforcer
@@rickdrais9737 and thus, we could've had.... The Godmother.
Connie gave Vincent the order.......
Poisoned cake.
@@treasurehunteruk9718 Cannoli. Poisoned cannoli.
“Tatalia is a pimp, he could never have out fought Santino, but I didn’t know until this day that it was Barzini all along “!!!!!!
“The Barzini people are getting too close to Michael , so there was nothing else to be done than offer the peace”
And in all that was unsaid it was clear there would be a day of reckoning in the future
When he swore on the souls of his grandchildren to the heads of the other families that *he* wouldn't be the one to break the truce (saying nothing about Michael), and then made Michael the head of the family, of course he knew!
And his granddaughter died in his son’s arms...
@@MrNMNM2010 karma
I do not agree that Don Vito's death was a hindrance to killing the other heads of the mafia families. The other families would never let their guard down while Don Vito was alive. Once he was dead the other bosses did not fear Michael and did not know if he could even keep control of the family. There was a question if Tessio or Clemenza might even try to take over the family.
Michael was an enigma to the five families having been in WW2 and never involved in the business.
@RGC2005 That's why they underestimated him and it cost them THEIR lives!
@@thomasshort1784 Never underestimate a devil dog!
I like Michael for the whole plan. I think Vito saw how Michael was changing and growing into the role and even if they never spoke directly about it, Vito was confident that Michael would settle all family business.
But Vito was not the kind of man to take that on faith. Especially not when he was in a position to teach Michael what he needed to know to pull this massive a hit off.
@@irvingthemagnificent totally agree Michael learned at the feet of his father.
I always assumed Vito was the mastermind. I felt it when he was giving his promise that he wouldn’t break the peace, knowing he would instruct the next in line too
Because you didn’t read the book
@@karlangeloperez7086 Just reading threw the movie.
on my list of reads now.
Even without the deleted scene (which I saw for the first time here) it was pretty clear to me that Don Vito had planned the revenge with Michael. He was absolutely sure that they would come after Michael, he kept repeating it. The only way to keep Michael safe would be to attack and Vito would certainly have planned it with Michael.
Vito was Michael’s consigliere .... he definitely helped Michael plan those hits
“I swear..on the souls of my grandchildren..that I will not be the one who breaks the peace we’ve made here today”. He wasn’t lying, he was putting them at ease to relax their defenses so the plan could work.
he didnt break the piece, his son did
@@gigid9606 yeah....we know.
@@WiseGuy5674 😂
I think that even when he made that promise, he had already a plan for revenge. He knew Michael would come and what he was capable to do after kiilling sollozzo and mccluskey. For me he just knew revenge would be taken by Michael
@@robertofernandez879 absoloutly. Remeber when they cut out tom, Michael said there are things that will be taking place that he can't know about. Vito was the one who advised michael to cut tom out. I belive Vito always had a plan up his sleeve. Look at how he was with fannuci.
I think the book made it clear that Vito was aware and involved. I think the book also shows even more why Vito is so respected and feared.
It was a necessary move. Both Vito and Michael knew that the other families would come after Michael after Vito died. Hagen showed he had some wartime knowledge. Remember at the funeral when he asked did Michael know how they were going to come at him?
Both Hagen and Clemenza were brought in at some point since both participated in the beautiful massacre.
10:45 Vito's smile was all I needed to see. It was as if up until that moment he hadn't considered letting his son seek his revenge was brilliant. He was happy not that he would get revenge and save the family name but that he can be confident that Michael as the Don was the best choice.
Yup. This.
I agree that smile was priceless 💯
Michael"""" I told you
I can handle it"""
Vito's promise was to keep the peace while he was still alive. Once he died, the other families understood this agreement died with Vito and thus came after Micheal, a move easily predicted. Though audacious, Michael killing the heads of the family begs the question of who succeeded these heads, had none of them sons? Killing the King leaves the problem of heirs. as Macbeth discovered. Leaving for Las Vegas does not consolidate a position in New York either.
READ the BOOK, IT EXPLAINS WHO TAKES OVER!!!!
"Won't they take that as a sign of weakness?"
"It is a sign of weakness."
Vito was a badass, right up until the end.
I personally don't think, Vito would have advocated that move. Michael was night and day difference, more ruthless than his father. In fact, that was the first move he made, that displayed, how ruthless he'd be willing go. They ultimately, ran the family two different ways, two different visions. Greatest movie ever made 💯
Vito would advocate it. In the book it goes into a lot more detail about how ruthless Vito could be. In a way he is worse, more ruthless than Micheal cause he would come at you as a friend and make you feel safe, thats whats so scary about him. (although he would never of approved Fredos death but thats not in the book). He is described as the guy who is always five steps ahead of everyone else, he could be someones best friend but at the same time, have them in his pocket and be ruthless if they didnt obey.
Vitos son was killed, he wasnt going to let that slide but he also wanted his other son to live. Thats how he managed to manipulate the families into having Micheal back, while also scamming his revenge at the same time. Typical mastermind Don Vito Corleone. You dont shoot the Godfather, kill his son and get away with it. Vito won from the grave which was his plan.
Not even the best mob movie ever made.
@@fenixchief7 Said no one ever. Let me guess, you’re going to say GoodFellas was. Even Scorsese would say The Godfather is the best mob movie ever made
@@Jeffery-Vanity-Blofield This is not the same Vito as thr book. In the film, if you pay enough attention, Vito clearly knows of Michael's plan but its up to debate whether he actually pushed Michael to do it. And if Vito did, wouldn't that go against his oath of retaliation since he is the one behind it? It would also go against Michael's character development. He does his first kill, gets exiled to Sicily, his new wife gets murdered, he snaps, he returns to America, retaliates against the other 4 families. But in your theory the last step would be doesn't directly retaliate? We already know Michael is more ruthless than Vito from the 2nd one too.
@@OfficialPortlandFilmCollection movie Vito clearly orchestrated the plan with Michael. They cut tom out and worked together on it for months. Vito swore on the souls of his grandchildren, HE wouldn't break the peace, not his children. Michael broke the peace with vitos help and in turn, michael lost his soul. The Scene where Vito is feeling sad, speaking how he wanted michael to be a senator shows this too, he knows michael will be trading in his soul now but he knows what has to be done.
I believe Vito planned this after the meeting with the five families. In the book as Vito and Tom are talking in the backseat, the scene ends with Tom thinking, "A day of reckoning in the future."
100% Vito's plan it made perfect sense he already figured out it was Barzini who masterminded Sonny's death and the move on Vito, that's why he had Tom Demoted and promoted Michael. Even before he died he warn Michael their's a traitor in the family, Vito died and Michael finished the job
It was both of them acting together.
A GR8 presentation, what this group put together does make sense. The way all the killings happened only Don Vito knew the other heads of families patterns and Carlo making phone calls to Barzini while Michael was in Sicily. I'm glad the Corleone family merged victorious.
This is 100% Vito's plan, remeber Vito already figured out Barzini was behind everything. Michael carried out his father's plans, by then Vito only trusted Michael and was prepared to wipe out everyone including disloyal family members
The real person who ordered the hit was Jimmy Two Times after he went to get the papers get the papers
Lol
Lmao!!
Vito definitely planned it in readiness for Michael to carry it out after he had died. He knew Michael would be targeted after his death and the only way was for Michael to strike first.
Vito promised to not break the peace while he was alive during the meeting of the five families. It was noted in the book that the families would remember that promise as confirmation of Vito's genius, meaning that he had planned this action and groomed Michael for it. The other families respected Vito for the cunning promise and planning and feared Michael for carrying it out so ruthlessly and efficiently. That's what I got out of it.
In the book, we see how Michael cultivates Al Neeri to be his own Luka Brazzi. This started, I think, while Don Corleone is still alive and is undoubtedly encouraged by Don Corleone. An infrastructure to implement the future operation is thereby being constructed by both of them. Al, dressed in his cop uniform, then becomes the one who carries out the most important assassination of all: the elimination of Barzini, who was the Genovese-like mastermind behind the attempt to involve all the families into the drug trade earlier and then later attack the Corleone family when Don Corleone refused to provide support by refusing to lean on the judges and politicians in advance to deter them all from cracking down on the planned Solazzo/Tattalia drug operation (and which Barzini promoted and encouraged discretely, and which only became explicitly transparent to Don Corleone during the meeting of the five families and other non-NYC mob bosses) ...
My head hurts from all the incorrectly written names.
I was going to mention that "sign of weakness" scene, and then you showed it. One other element that bolsters your point of view is the exact wording of Vito's oath at the meeting, which if I recall correctly was, "I will not be the one to break this peace," which is a bit different from, "I will not break this peace." I took his phrasing to be foreshadowing.
Or he could have chosen to say "The Corleone Family will not be the ones to break this peace".
@ Ted
""""As long as I'm ALIVE""".
THATS THE POINT
Definitely. The first time he said that I knew that it would happen just after his death.
He told his truth. They only heard what they thought it meant. They weren't smart enough listen closely and ask what he meant by it.
Just let a thug get a little control and thinking that they know everything and they never hear anything except what they want.
@@kimrogers4865
When Barzini opened his mouth at the Bank meeting in the book
I........ Knew he was behind the scenes not Tattaglia...
The famous line...
""" I never knew till this day.,,,
It was Barzini all along""""to Tom Hagen in the car on the ride back from meeting....
The godfather is referred to in the Novel as the ultimate Mathematician by
Mario Puzo......
"""" You don't read a book.... You read an author""""
Repeatedly told by
Carmelite Nuns as a kid✨✨💝💥
I loved how Michael saved Carlo for last.
@lkgrave That was so he could get Carlo to let his guard down.
If he killed him first barzini would have known that carlo spilled the beans on him and barzini would have his guard up and be tougher to kill
Yes he did.
Carlo was separated from his wife and family so that he could be executed and not in front of them.
It was in a fitting place too.
Exactly where he married Connie.
How did Connie find out about Carlo?
@@lovelygivan1442 that is easy. But in this case you can't look to the book or movie. You have to know how a dead body was legally handled from place of death until final disposal in that time period.
This is history as to what would happen.
A police officer or member of the coroner office who could be paid off would have come out to the residence and signed off probably with another cause of death ☠️
The Coreleone family would have probably called Bonasera the Funeral Director to pickup the body.
He would have prepared Carlo knowing that he was garroted. He would have never told the police anything.
Connie would possibly been told by Bonasera or one of the lower level members of the Family.
They could not have disposed of Carlos body. He and Connie had children. He was a visible high ranking member of the Coreleone Family.
Too many questions about that would have been asked.
Connie clearly shows what a lot of battered women have developed from an abusive relationship. Because Carlo has now died she will be free from his abuse she should be relieved.
Instead she attacks Michael screaming about how much she loved him and he never thought about her.
She is suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.
the series of scenes during the baptism is on my “top ten” movie segments of all time
Neither Vito nor Michael were behind the Five Family hits. I should have known it was Fredo all along.
That would have been crazy and really unexpected if it had happened like that. The one you least expected to come out and be shown as the mastermind. Brilliant.👌
Fredo knew the whereabouts and daily habits of all five heads of the families because Fredo got this intelligence from all the cocktail waitresses he was banging two at a time.
@@maratonlegendelenemirei3352 Wow, he had to go all the way to Vegas to find out. Mo Green was thrown in just for fun.
@@maratonlegendelenemirei3352 If Fredo knew about the 5 families then how come he got slapped by Moe Green..
@@sylvesterjohnfernandes4121 Because Mo Green got really pissed when he couldn't get a drink!
Even without the deleted scene, it was clear that Vito was aware and involved with the baptism by fire.
Vito Corleone was the mastermind of the plan. Through his extensive years as the Don of one of the most powerful of the 5 crime families of New York. He was extremely knowledgeable about the inner working of the mafia. He also had intel on the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies.He also knew the dire position his family was in. This situation was a test a right of passage to solidify their families power and to show how ruthless and cunning they can be.
It was after Don Vito’s funeral , at the funeral where Michael learned how everyone lined up.
Michael was by far the most dark and ruthless. He wasn't before the assassination attempt, and Sonny's murder, but became. I definitely think they discussed it, and was more than happy to witness it. Masterpiece.
Well it was Vito who told him about the person who was going to approach him first would be the traitor so the scene would make sense that it was Vito’s plan from the beginning and have Michael remove all of the heads of the five families.
Exactly, Vito died before he could carry out the hit.
The part we didn't see in the movie is that they undoubtedly had at least one conversation about Carlo, and agreed that he had to outlive the 5 dons.
I liked the book version when Michael said: My father betrayed me. Meaning he will not see victory along with his father.
Vito wanted Michael out. Sonny wasn’t a leader neither was Fredo. He wanted it to die with him, but Sonnys death changed it.
Vito was smart enough to know that his death would severely weaken the family. He likely planned the hit to help micheal make a name for himself and stop anyone one else from targeting his family
One of the things that makes this movie so great and infinitely rewatchable is the fact that so many things are left ambiguous, and watching it from different perspectives changes the experience. Cutting the scene between Michael and Vito was a brilliant move.
You hear the one about the Chinese Godfather? He made them an offer they couldn’t understand.
I get it. He drove a Lincoln.
@@bryaningle6034 Ryan Dunn's Lincoln, whatever happened there...
@@forcemajeur.5138
Take it easy...we're not making a Western here ! You either come in heavy or not at all !
Quasimodo predicted all this with Vito and Michael.
@@bryaningle6034 what did the old Chinese guy say to his optometrist when he was told he had cataracts?
Forget you, me drive a Rincoln!!!
😃
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Vito ended the war and made peace so Michael could hit the heads of the other family when they least expected it.
@EasyE Yes, indeed. That "peace treaty" meeting was nothing more than a clever little ruse to get the heads of the Five Families to let their guards down! As I said in another comment, because Michael had been such an enigma to them, they underestimated him and, in turn, he killed ALL FIVE bosses because of it!
Vito planned the whole thing but the person who would approach Michael. And what is meant by “ Tom you are out” was not that Tom was out of the family but out as consigliere. When Michael expresses surprise that it was Tessio it is Tom who says “ It was the smart move and Tessio was always smarter...”
No. Tom expresses surprise and Michael says "it was the smart move. Tessio was always smarter"
Reading through the comments I can tell who read the book and who hasn’t 😭.
Vito was basically lying thru his teeth at that meeting and even Tom suggested after the meeting that Don’s actions were inconsistent with his character. Vito knew exactly what was going to happen because he planned it and as far as warming Mike about a traitor. Michael only had to finish what Sonny had started.
Vito didn't lie thru his teeth he said he would not be the one who broke the peace and he didn't in the book the move to make peace was a tactical retreat it was a corleone reset Vito knew before he made the peace that Carlo was responsible for sonny's death and that even for a man who has killed or ordered man killed that killing your daughter's husband was to much Vito needed time to groom Michael to become the Don and he knew he would get his revenge and save his criminal organization thru Michael the sins of the father passed on thru the child Vito made the peace, the families didn't make the peace they wanted to wipe the corleones of the map they thought they were weak, Michael didn't make the peace he took care of all family business in one fell swoop
@@tonyharden7630 so if he had no intention of holding the peace he was asking for? How isn’t that lying ? 😂😂
Look you stated facts but denied that Vito was a snake in this scene ( as he should’ve) .
@@davoz9773 he said he wouldn't break the peace and he didn't that doesn't mean he couldn't prepare his family for war do u think he was going to let his family be slaughtered and he died before any bloodshed so yes he didn't lie he just prepared his family the other families really broke the peace the corleones acted really in self defense it was a preemptive strike
@@tonyharden7630 basically you’re saying “I didn’t commit the murder, I just prepared the gun, the location and the gateway vehicle but I’m innocent” lmaooo Vito was lying cuz that’s what he needed to do as you pointed out. Plain and simple.
@@tonyharden7630 plus in the book he’s still alive she Mo Green gets killed which is a precursor to their change. So yea he’s still around for the bloodshed and his death was untimely. Michael was still working on getting Vito contact. So if he had survived he would’ve been around to see the bloodshed as he planned.
The book version, where only Barzini and Tataglia are hit, makes more sense than the movie version, where the heads of all four other families are hit. Surely that would line all four families up together for vengeance against the Corleones?
While I agree, but I think the idea was that the Corleones were allied with factions within those families who would happily take over. But yeah, just going after 2 families + Moe Greene was more realistic.
Will Mosse While I agree that Bazzini, Tataglia, and Rizzi were the parties directly involved in the Don Vitio shooting, and the Sonny murder, I believe these acts would never be allowed without the consent of the other 2 family heads. The others didn’t pull the trigger, but they definitely knew and approved it.
Having watched the film a number of times it was always my impression that was precisely what they were intending to do all along--holding back to appear weak so the other families would let their guard down, letting the others "move" first to give justification for the eventual hit along with smoking out who in the family would not be loyal as they moved forward.
Classic Sun Tzu, appear weak, when you are strong
This theory makes perfect sense! Vito was a strategic genius and knew that they would come after the family once he’s gone know that he’s the “TRUE POWER” of the family. The “Baptism by Fire” was the true logical response.
What THEORY? READ the BOOK!!!!
It was actually Sonnys
It was His plan , unfortunately he was killed before he could action it .
Unfortunately Sonny does not get the props he deserved cunning wise , he was brutal and ruthless unfortunately just a little hot headed .
@SC14 According to the book, he was like his paternal grandfather (Vito's own father) in that respect and, much like Sonny, the grandfather's temper apparently got him killed too!
I WILL NOT BE THE ONE TO BREAK THE PEACE WE HAVE MADE HERE TODAY
A man like Don Vito Corleone never retires... if you see him gardening and playing with his grandson know that shit is coming and coming hard
I like to think it was Michael’s idea, a plan not fully formed, reaching.
And with his father’s guidance and wisdom, it grew. It’s 50/50 at best, 30/70 and it’s still ok... Vito was a grand master.
After returning from Sicily, Michael doesn't go to see Kay for a long time. I think it was something like a year. What do you think he was doing all that time? Being prepared by his dad. When Tom mentions discovering Rocco has built a new regime, Vito tells Tom Vito told Michael that Tom would notice that. The implication is Rocco and his new regime were part of the plan and that Vito had full knowledge. Finally, Vito specifically tells Michael he will be set up and how Michael will be able to know who the traitor is. Set up when? After Vito dies and Michael takes over. Of course Vito plotted this entire thing! And his planning started way back when he told Tom to organize that meeting where Vito made peace. He knew even then he needed to get Michael back so that he could prepare Michael to get their revenge and regain their powerful position. The only way that was possible was if he made peace.
In the third and final installment of The Godfather Trilogy, Michael Corleone does another world tour taking out heads of families. So I would not put it past Michael Corleone to have a great deal of input into the plan and Vito Corleone polishing it in helping Michael plan it.
I've been watching this movie for 15 years and I'm still learning something new. Great video 👍👍
“Revenge is a dish best served cold”
The book addresses Vito’s knowledge of the play against the five families. The movie is based on the book so I’ll give Vito credit for his role in the plot.
The one thing I haven't seen mentioned was the fact that Michael was a Marine Captain with the Silver Star. You didn't win those in a poker game. Remember the Marines' war was in the Pacific against the Japanese. That combat experience was something that none of the others had. It would have hardened him and made him ruthless. Add that to the mix and you had someone who was more formidable than any of the others.
In the book Micheal had told his father that if he had forbidden him to kill Tataglia and Barzini that he would have been prepared to split off from the Corleone Family and go after them on his own.
I really like your analysis it showcases how much patient Vito was to get his revenge
Diffenitly like to think Vito was the Mastermind behind it. It's more satisfying.
Most defintinely Vito's plan it made too much sense, from the moment he told Tom it was Barzini and not Taligia it was on, he cleverly demoted Tom and promoted Michael that way he could tell his son his plan, he also warned Michael of a traitor in their family, After Sonny's death he made Michael the king but Vito controlled the chess board, with Tom & Fredo out he could protect them and him and Michael were fully prepared to kill everyone including Corleone members who they thought souled the family out
@@melvynsngltn27 Great insight! I'm going to keep my eye on you kid.
.... and I thought I knew everything about Godfather movie. Thank you for this new angle which makes more sense than what I had been living with since forever. I am subscribing for your channel and giving it a thumbs up.
I don't think there is a single line in that movie that doesn't have at least 3 pieces of subtext to it.
also Vito says in the meeting something along the lines of “ i swear on the souls of my grandchildren that i won’t be the one who breaks the peace we’ve made today” he doesn’t say the corleone’s won’t break the peace
Lets not forget vito took another sworn oath to put the mafia first !
The Four Family hit was done the moment that Vito said to the families, that HE would not be the one to break the peace. When Michael asks him if that makes him appear weak, it does, because he wanted to appear weak so that the hit would be easier. The families let their guards down and they were easy to kill. If Vito would have appeared strong, they would not have been that easy. He also needed time to bring Michael home to tell him the plan. All was put in place so that they would appear weak and the other families would not suspect. Vito is the real mastermind of the hit.
Damm i love the name of the hit. Baptism of Fire is exactly what that was.
Revenge was set forth with the news of Sonny. My buddy's and I growing up used to spend weekends watching both movies. To this day after seeing them close to 200 times each...I have yet to read the book. I don't want it to influence what I grew up with! I'm thinking I have to read it now. What a masterpiece that keeps giving!!! Keep emailing coming!! ❤
Yes, he did because he was co-author of that plan with Michael! The scene where he talks about the traitor was a "P.S."! =)
I believe yr spot on. It was Vito Cortisone who completely masterminded the destruction of the heads of the 5 families. I can see that he plotted the surprise and shock of Michael being Godfather as the least expected day of the massacre. It still was a joint venture - getting even for his son's brutal death and Michael's beloved young wife.
Genius.
Correction: Corleone
Another very prime example of Vito’s cunning vengeance are the hits on The Black Hand and his Sicily return in GFII. His contributions are all over the 4 families hits. Never to say Michael could never do it alone himself, but some flawless, masterful tactics and executions have to be taught.
I love your thoughtful, logical analysis of my all-time favorite movies-Godfather 1 & 2. Great videos!!!
At the novel, Don Vito has a hand in recruiting Al Neri to be Michael's Luca Brasi (and there are detailed description in the novel on how critical and loyal Neri is to Michael): he knows full well how critical Luca Brasi won the First War of New York for the family and he wants Michael has the same weapon before starting the Second War. IMHO, Don Vito helped Michael running through all the scenarios, Pros & Cons and repurcussions of the war before his death. In fact, I would imagine it was him telling Michael that the execution of the plan cannot be carried out until after his death, in order to keep the promise he made to the other families so that the Corleone family would not be held against by any means.
Sir it was never said or hinted in the book that Vito only wanted the plan carried out after his death he didn't know he was going to die he had a heart attack this was something that tragically just happened he did orchestrate the plan he put everything on Michael because Vito knew he couldn't kill his daughter's husband so he let Michael carry that
Wasn't Al Nero an ex cop?
Michael masterminded the 5 family hit. He consulted with his father about the business. It in the garden scene before Don Vito’s death Michael tells him: “I’ll handle it. I told you I could handle it.” That tells me that Michael organized the 5 family hit.
Mr Riff
In God Father 1? ....At Vito's funeral In The Cemetery?.........After Tom Asks Michael... "Do You Know How Their Gonna Come At You?" Michael replies About How Safe He'll Be On Tessio's Ground........And Then He Says To Tom
"Ive Decided To Be Godfather To Connie's Baby"...... "But,Im Gonna wait" "And Then I'll Meet The Don Bardzini...,And Tattaglia,.... All The Heads of The "5" Families"
Those Are Michael's Words...Listen for Yourself.
I Don't Think A Slip Up Like That Would've been Allowed to Slide......Do You?
Don Vito and Michael had equal knowledge on the planning of the Bloody Baptism.
The book and movie are both equally fantastic.
12 minutes to explain what was obvious in 2 lines...
Vito: I swore I would never break the peace.
Michael: You gave your word that you didn't break the peace. I didn't give mine. You don't have to have any part in it.
Vito smiles.
Nah. I don't think Vito knew.
Which is why they deleted this scene, so as to maintain the suspense.
Great commentary. Don Vito orchestrated that.
I always thought Michael broached the idea to Vito and Vito agreed this was the best plan to save the family, the business, and solidify Michael's position of Godfather.
You're spot on. This plan was formulated by both men. Michael was the initial planner, Vito was the detail man. Michael listened to his father, Sonny didn't. Don Vito was patient as you said in your video. And by taking himself out of the equation, it freed Michael to act.
In the Novel Tom tells Michael how masterful how utterly Sicillian his plan is. Michael responds that a lot of it was " the old man", "that he never appreciated how smart" his father was, until they started working on the Baptism of fire.
From the film Michael had the intuition to know that Tessio would be the traitor and that Clemenza was a little dim witted and not ambitious enough. I never read the book so I don't know if they elaborated on that.
Good post. I’ve been watching TG for years this is the first time I ever thought of this.
Me too...
9:39 Her name was Apollonia. Not Apollina.