The juxtaposition of Vito building the family up, personally and in terms of business, and Michael tearing the same structures down is what makes this movie. Less morally suspect than the 1st Godfather due Michael's fate this is Coppola at his best as director. It is simply remarkable that such an experimental story structure was allowed for a sequel to a blockbuster. No studio today would allow such a thing to occur.

I don't have much that can be added to the consensus but this is a mighty fine film.