The Godfather Part II (1974)

Francis Ford Coppola produced and directed The Godfather Part II, a 1974 American epic crime film based on a screenplay co-written by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo. The Godfather II is the sequel to The Godfather

Although The Godfather Part II was not De Niro's first role, it was the one that defined him as a major actor with a long career around for decades. The Godfather: Part II, following the popularity of the first film, told two tales at once. The first was a continuation of Michael Corleone's rise to power as the leader of a ruthless criminal organization. The second was Vito Corleone's rise to power after emigrating from Italy as a youngster decades before. It was for that second story that De Niro won his first Academy Award, proving that he could surpass Marlon Brando's Oscar-winning performance.

Detailed Information:
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro
Release dates: December 12, 1974 (New York City)/December 20, 1974 (United States)

Running time: 200 minutes