Possibly the greatest scene of the entire trilogy. Nothing is said outright. Everything is implied. Two gentlemen who know full well what's going on. A handshake seals it. You take your life against your families safety and security. Wow. 3 1/2 minutes of perfection.
@@diogenes. the must touching thing in this scene, in my opinion, it's this idea of roman loyalty and the idea of suicide in the name of the honor. The ideia that only the word it's enough and in the name of this ancient code and fidelity, a extreme action must be done. And it will be. And everything is discussed using these keycodes subliminal mensages and analogies.
@@caiograco3427 yeah man ,it's great, the acting ,the script, everything, even the birds were prefect, yeah the first thing he asked if his brother is alright ,then what do i do now tom ,in other words I'm at your mercy... Coppola is a genius
Frank Pentangeli is one of my favorite characters from The Godfather he seems like the most relatable he had a heart and that "everyman" charm. The actor who plays him gives a great performance that is often overlooked and underappreciated.
I always liked that dude the best in the Godfather movies...he seemed really like the most legit mobster of them all. Frank Pentangeli....Frankie 5 Angels.
@@slobodanranitovic471 That is so cool! It's interesting, I think the "Pent" prefix comes from the Greeks (like English geometry words pentagram (five pointed star) , pentagon etc. Italian for five is "cinque". I do not know any Greek but I searched "Five angels" in an English to Greek google translator and it said "pénte ángeloi". So it is very possible that "Pentangeli" is a Greek surname or a surname of one of the Greek communities in Southern Italy. There are a number of both Greek and Albanian communities in Southern Italy dating back to the time of the Turkish invasion (My great grandmother was Arberëshe, she came from an Albanian community in Calabria).
"The Corleone Family was like the Roman Empire." "It was, once." Ah, the sadness in Tom's voice...even as powerful as the Family appears to be under Michael, it's still not the same as it once was. And Tom knows it. I can only imagine how Part 3 would have turned out if Robert Duvall stayed on and Coppola was able to do what he planned.
Exactly what I was thinking. Frank was right all along, sold out by Michael, deceived by Roth, & even at the end, wished for nothing more than to have things go back to the ways things were before.
@@sethevans7587 Michael didn't sold him, roth mens played it like Michael order them to kill him, but not, just like what tom said, roth really did played it well.
He broke omerta. That alone was a death sentence back then. Remember, this was written before half of the mob became informants. Valachi was the first and that happened only 6 years before the book was written. Valachi also thought his boss was gonna have him killed and he was partially the basis for Frankie five angels. He died in jail though, not suicide.
@@mauricio460 If your boss betrays u, go to another boss to take revenge or take your revenge yourself. Going to the law is forbidden by anymeans in omerta.
If Frankie five angels was not honorable then he would try to weasel his way out of it and not kill himself. If Tom was not honorable then he would not give his word that Frankie‘s family would be cared for. Peace and honor to you.
It's for the better Tom didn't appear in Pt.III. This.scene is the perfect ending for the character: he understands the lifestyle amd the underworld Empire has degenerated into a rampage of paranoia, betrayal and murder. His "father" (Vito) and "brother" (Sonny) were long gone. That cancer was probably the result of his disappoinment and regret.
@Trey Stephens that’s how I feel about a lot of things that have been ruined by liberal BS and bad writing. Game Of Thrones, Star Wars, Last of Us Part 2 was trash. Good thing some great things ended years ago, Breaking Bad, Sopranos etc. I don’t mean to ramble but I do agree with all of you. 👏🏻
That music after Tom says 'It was once' referring to the Corleone Empire. Everything in the first 2 movies has a purpose. Part II is the greatest movie of all time.
I respectively disagree. Although I think both part 1 and part 2 are both 10/10, in my opinion part 1 is superior. I can be bias though because I like how you had all the characters in part 1 and part 2 was watered down and mainly Michael. But aye both are 10/10. 👍
Duvall plays it so well. Looks longingly in the distance while saying “It was once”, obviously knowing how far the family has fallen. But immediately switch’s back into lawyer mode. One of the greatest scenes in film history
The family hasn't fallen. It has just on its way to becoming legitimate. When the Corleone family was only a criminal enterprise it was a much bigger organization.
@DixiePokerAce to Tom it was that he felt right in with the family Don vito was the emperor that everyone loved, Sonny was the one that made Tom feel like a brother, fredo was the party guy. Michael was always the one that isolated himself from the family and cut Tom out because he kept reminding him he wasn't a Sicilian. Tom was felt alone too and missed the old family.
The line, "You were always interested in politics and history" serves as a reminder that Frank Pentangeli was written to replace Pete Clemenza, who was a history buff in the first film.
I'm actually kinda glad that Clemenza was replaced. Would be sad for him to also betray Michael. Although his betrayal would be a little different from Tessios
"It was.. once..." with a wishful retrospective gaze, goes to show that tom never expected that Michael would become a calm deviant psychopath. Now the family is scrambled under Michael's supervision, and imagined times with Vito Corleone's Compassionate Charisma for the family
I think you are disillusioned with Vito's rule or Frankie's words. They were the Roman Empire because they experienced being showered with wealth and were almost untouchable. But even Vito admitted that these were all temporary. His dream was to become the big wig but never became one. He wanted to passed it in his son but none were capable except for Michael. They are a family of Killers whose only interest is their own Family. But even as loving as a "Family" they can be, Vito's creed has always been about being careful with traitors. Yes they are the Roman Empire because people around them were all cloaks and daggers. One wrong turn and the rule is over. But not with Michael. His rule was absolute till his death and beyond. He planned to do what any of them failed to do, he wanted to become legitimate but his subordinates were all drunken from power and false imagery that he thinks he is just some ass kisser. Frankie thought Michael betrayed him when he didn't. The Judas was Fredo, and he did it to his brother and nephews and niece. If they could atleast be as competent like Tom, the troubles with Hyman Roth could've went smoothly but everyone got their own agenda.
Modern films are missing scenes like this. Such great dialogue. Two powerful characters having a conversation behind a fence, and it carries more dramatic weight than anything in a 100 million dollar CGI spectacle.
@@charlesmeniru5082 Exactly. The only reason the past seems better is because we glorify the cream that floats to the top and ignore all the terrible terrible shit that sinks to the bottom.
Everything about this movie is so damn perfect. And this scene, dear lord. I have no words. The dialogue, the acting, the subtle agreement between Tom and Frankie to kill himself. Just pure perfection, one of the greatest scenes ever, if not the greatest.
One of the greatest scenes in cinematic history. Coppola is a genius and was a young man when this masterpiece was released. A subtle but powerful touch is when Tom is in the car and says to Frank "addio" (Italian for farewell, goodbye forever).
When Frankie says the Corleone family was like the Roman Empire, the music starts to show their nostalgia for the old times and they both knew that those days would never come back.
@@jacksoncaldwell3865 No, those are two different actors. The actor who played Don Ciccio in Godfather II (the one who was "sliced in half") was Guiseppe Sillato. The actor who played Frank Pentangeli was Michael V. Gazzo.
The beauty of that scene is when Franky says "and sometimes they had a party before they did it" the Hustle never dies. Trying one last life line and Tom just tosses the cigar and tells Franky everything is gonna be alright. Just like Sally asking Tom in the first one if he can get off for old times sake, "Not a chance." Tom wasn't wartime but he was Cosa Nostra through and through.
Actually Tom's "Not a chance" line was when Fredo wanted to see Michael during their mother's wake. When Salvatore Tessio asked Tom Hagen if he could get him off the hook "for old time's sake" Tom told him "Can't do it Sally."
Scenes like this are the reason why I rank Godfather 2 over 1. It’s just mesmerizing. It’s genius how this scene is shot during a sunset, and when Tom says “It was once,” it signifies the sun setting of the Corleone family, no longer in its shining luster of the former years. And the music, as always, is introduced perfectly and beautifully. Every scene of this movie is classic, the greatest film in cinema.
How can this movie still keep me glued to the screen even though I have seen it close to 100 times? It’s quite simple…Raw acting at it’s finest with a brilliant script!
this is my favorite scene in all of film. hearing Tom say, "Don't worry about anything, Frankie Five Angels," you know based on the conversation that he isn't telling Frank he himself is going to be okay, but that his loved ones will be safe and cared for when he kills himself. perfect soundtrack for the interaction. just haunting and beautiful at the same time.
I love how Coppola kept the actors at a distance and in one take; close-ups and cutting would have been unsubtle and wrecked the scene. It's 10 times more powerful when it dawns on the audience that Tom is suggesting Frank kill himself and Frank agrees.
yep, now there are always too much cuts in movies, as if the audience was unable to stay focused on a scene without any action, like babies or hyperactive children
That's probably what Tom was thinking too. When Vito was alive both the crime family and the blood family were strong. People respected Vito in the underworld enough to make deals with him. But with Michael they were too scared of what he'd do to them if they refused.
Tom is the most profound character in the films. He manages to keep his sense of direction, despite constantly being at the forefront of so much violence.
There are not 10 better written scenes in movie history - amazing stuff. Controversial take but I actually think Pentangeli is a more compelling character than Clemenza.
WIthout a doubt. Pentangeli also known as Michael V. Gazzo, now deceased, had the performance of his life and should have won countless awards and also gone down as one of the best performances as a supporting actor EVER.
@@Comictalent As should John Cazale. Amazing how a film can have three actors nominated for best supporting actor and you can rightly claim that they should have had more.
True, but there were emotional ties to Clemenza from the first movie. It’s Clemenza that jokes around with Michael during Part I and then teaches him how to make the sauce. It’s Clemenza who teaches Michael how to shoot and tells him how proud the family is of him for saving the Don at the hospital. And it’s Clemenza that stays loyal and helps Michael win the war. To have Clemenza betray Michael in Part 2 would have been incredibly powerful after the bond we saw between them in the first movie.
This scene is a Juggernaut in cinema. The way Tom drives the conversation to the point in which he lets Frankie reach the conclusion that suicide is the most honorable way to pay for his betrayal of Michael. This is why The Godfather will continue standing the test of time.
@@Paul-vf2wl still honorable. Frankie was old school and he was going down the honorable way, and of course, to save his family as you well pointed out.
Not entirely. The Feds were cracking down on not just the Corleone family at the time. The Mafia was seeing the sun starting to sink. Rome declined, too.
The best scenes in both Gofather films feature Duvall heavily. This being one snd the Woltz estate scene. He's a "secondary" character in these films z yet overshadows them all. That's not a coincidence. That's how good Duvall ism
You just don’t see subtlety like this in films, now. Audiences seem to need it all to be spelled out for them, or at least that’s what a lot of filmmakers or studios think, now. The truth is there’s so much beauty in this scene because of its subtlety. It’s sad. Mournful of old times long past.
"It was...once." Tom contrasted the compassion and integrity of Vito versus the cold and calculated ruthlessness of the Don's youngest son Michael. Yes, Michael found a way to get back on top undisputed...but at the cost of both his figurative and literal family. Saddest scene in the film IMHO.
@@mundobostal8530 They barely are.. they aren't anymore corrupt now that politicians are. Most of the families were severely reduced in the US do to the fact that they ratted on each other to save themselves from massive jail sentences.
The way Tom tells Frankie about how they used to talk about Hitler, knowing that allegedly Hitler committed suicide... just telling Frankie, without directly telling him, that that's what the family wants him to do... and the Roman Empire talk, that's Frankie trying to make sure that his family will be taken care of after his suicide... Addio Frank!
He is nicknamed "Frankie Five Angels" from his last name, which is formed from the Greek-derived prefix penta- (meaning "five") and the Italian word angeli ("angels").
This scene is so sad. Frankie Pentangeli makes a deal with Tom Hagen at the behalf of Michael Corleone. He later kills himself in order to protect his family. He was a man of honor no matter the cost. Adios Frankie Five Angels.
Agreed ! But I do see one more stroke of brilliance. Not to be lost in the scene ( as I see it) is what is never said. The guiding presence of Tom who brings the matter to a close with such powerful efficiency. Frankie accepts his fate as he too is convinced by Tom there is no other option and Frankie is granted the dignity to exit on his terms. I have carried this scene with me for 40 years. From generation to generation we are blessed with artistic genius. The sad thing Is, I believe this too will one day be forgotten.
The dialogue for this whole movie is unbelievable. But this scene stands out more the most in movie history. It is done so poetic. Both actors were in there element and performed it to a tee. But the writing is like no other just simply perfection.
This was my ste Dads fav scene, because it was about making sure his family was taken care of. RIP Pop, I love you, and I will take care of the family now.
I think this also shows the brilliance and cunning of Roth. He knew that Frank had already betrayed his former boss (Mariposa) so he figured with just a little push (the attempt on Frank's life) he'd flip again.
To me greatest sense in movie history. It’s the little things from the actors. When Tom says the actors families were allowed to keep their wealth and then he taps Franky on the shoulder that everything will be taken care of. Even though Tom was no longer consigliere. He gave Franky advice like one.
i am 41 years old...been watching these movies ever since i was 13....and to this day, i'm still finding hidden details on these movies.....it's a fkn masterpiece. Coppola gave attencion to the minor detail. Can you hear the birds ?? Roman 'omen" for death or luck...you can hear them on Fredo's death scene also. The orange, always at the plot of a murder.
This was brilliantly acted and written. When Frankie says, 'I get a lot of good stuff to read in here.', Tom's body language says, 'Damn...I got to dislodge any notion he may have that life is good in protective custody.' So then Tom changes tack. Away from his interest in reading history books and towards the subtle deal. When Frankie says, 'yeah but the little guys all got knocked off and their estates went to the Emperor....unless, they killed themselves and then their families were taken care of.' At that point Frankie came up with the solution without Tom actually having to say it. Tom cleverly just poked him subtly in the direction he wanted him to go. A very clever lawyer. Tom had to be very careful as he wasn't sure whether Frankie was wearing a wire. Tom wanted it to be Frankie's idea based on what he knew about Frankie -- his love for Roman history. Shaking hands at the end was his way of saying, 'Your family will be taken care of...kill yourself and all will be well.' Same deal Hitler gave to Rommel.
Every summer since I saw this movie for the 1st time in 1996 when I was 18, I'll get up at 5AM on a sunny summers dawn, smoke a cigar while the birds wake up and start chirping and get this scenes EXACT same vibes.
Tom was actually negotiating for just Frankie's family, Frankie didnt just look out for him. He was looking out for all his men (the little guys) so he offered his life so that nothing would change apart from him dying. Tom never intended to ask Frankie to kill himself, Frankie volunteered for the better of everyone, including his image. His death would mean that he would never talk.
Breaking omerta was an automatic death sentence. There were no mitigating or extenuating circumstances. The mafia grew out of a paramilitary force which resisted foreign occupiers. In war, there is only one penalty for crossing to the other side.
I just realized that Frankie says "sometimes they even had a little party before they did it.". Before his death scene, we see the FBI guys playing cards, waiting for Frankie to return. That was probably the "little party" Frankie had before his death.
The way Tom discards his cigar I've always interpreted this scene as Frankie's last little party, smoking with Tom with one final talk between true friends, and this gesture from Tom was his way of signaling to him "...Party's over..."
Absolutely amazing scene. He violated his oath. But he was untouchable in witness protection. But there is a mutal agreement here explaing if he takes his own life. The family will get to keep his fortunes. Incredible.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
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Possibly the greatest scene of the entire trilogy. Nothing is said outright. Everything is implied. Two gentlemen who know full well what's going on. A handshake seals it. You take your life against your families safety and security. Wow. 3 1/2 minutes of perfection.
Everything about it is perfect, i remember first time i watched it, i felt pain in my stomach as if he's telling it to me I'm done . Love it
@@diogenes. the must touching thing in this scene, in my opinion, it's this idea of roman loyalty and the idea of suicide in the name of the honor. The ideia that only the word it's enough and in the name of this ancient code and fidelity, a extreme action must be done. And it will be. And everything is discussed using these keycodes subliminal mensages and analogies.
@@caiograco3427 yeah man ,it's great, the acting ,the script, everything, even the birds were prefect, yeah the first thing he asked if his brother is alright ,then what do i do now tom ,in other words I'm at your mercy... Coppola is a genius
very moving and open-hearted scene between 2 specialists in duplicity and violence…
@@diogenes. 'even the birds were perfect' ..well said.
Frank Pentangeli is one of my favorite characters from The Godfather he seems like the most relatable he had a heart and that "everyman" charm. The actor who plays him gives a great performance that is often overlooked and underappreciated.
He was a tragic figure as well..
He was in magnum pi
I always liked that dude the best in the Godfather movies...he seemed really like the most legit mobster of them all. Frank Pentangeli....Frankie 5 Angels.
He played a mob boss in one of the Dirty Harry movies
@@quiqueley6045yeah, Harry caused him to have a heart attack while having dinner with his family.
To ancient Romans birds were an “omen” of either death or luck. That’s why you can hear the birds being so loud in this clip.
Good catch.
Nah nah...bird sounds are just normal, just normal.
Oh shut up
If the birds are chirping you know things are okay
@@jeremyjohnson2466 no, he’s right. The birds chirps are definitely amplified more than the mic picks them up
Tom calls Frank by his street name, to remind him of the man he was, even as he confirms Michael's wish that Frank kill himself. Perfect writing.
Good call. But also, from Frankie’s perspective, Tom was confirming that Frank’s family will be taken care of.
@@truthhurts837 Indeed! Such a sad and beautiful scene!
Pentangeli is his cognome (surname) , which means "Five Angels" , that's why it's his nickname.
@@Lugh444 Yes you are wright. We,in Serbia, saying Pet Andjela(Five Angels).
@@slobodanranitovic471 That is so cool!
It's interesting, I think the "Pent" prefix comes from the Greeks (like English geometry words pentagram (five pointed star) , pentagon etc.
Italian for five is "cinque".
I do not know any Greek but I searched "Five angels" in an English to Greek google translator and it said "pénte ángeloi".
So it is very possible that "Pentangeli" is a Greek surname or a surname of one of the Greek communities in Southern Italy.
There are a number of both Greek and Albanian communities in Southern Italy dating back to the time of the Turkish invasion (My great grandmother was Arberëshe, she came from an Albanian community in Calabria).
"The Corleone Family was like the Roman Empire."
"It was, once."
Ah, the sadness in Tom's voice...even as powerful as the Family appears to be under Michael, it's still not the same as it once was. And Tom knows it. I can only imagine how Part 3 would have turned out if Robert Duvall stayed on and Coppola was able to do what he planned.
I think thats what the movie is trying the say, the wedding was the prime of the corleone family and it got worse afterwards.
Part 3 was exactly the way Coppola wanted it...
" It was my greatest wish to do it that way "
Coppola talking about gf3 during commentary
P3 is an excellent movie.
It strips the glitz and glam and romance out of the story.
- A fitting end for a bunch of overglorified street thugs.
@@ezekielbrockmann114
How did it strip romance out of the story?
Tom was the one who dealt with the traitors.
He sent Tessio to the death and made a death deal with Frankie.
Micheal couldn't even tell Tom to have fredo killed
@@shadeofshattered3 Fredo being dispatched off, was way above Tom's paygrade. Fredo is a blood relative.
@@KRAKENNCHANNEL how about Carlo?
@@maxie4937 - Carlo wasn’t blood. Tom integrated himself within the Corleones and was one of them, Carlo never did.
Man, that last “See ya, Tom” is heartbreaking
Exactly what I was thinking. Frank was right all along, sold out by Michael, deceived by Roth, & even at the end, wished for nothing more than to have things go back to the ways things were before.
The "Addio" from Tom was much worst. A subtle way to say "time to die Frankie".
@@claudios5007
"Subtle"... they just finished negotiating what was going to happen after Frank's death??
❤
@@sethevans7587 Michael didn't sold him, roth mens played it like Michael order them to kill him, but not, just like what tom said, roth really did played it well.
Frankie deserved a pass. He reasonably believed Michael tried to have him whacked. Otherwise he was always loyal.
He broke omerta. That alone was a death sentence back then. Remember, this was written before half of the mob became informants. Valachi was the first and that happened only 6 years before the book was written. Valachi also thought his boss was gonna have him killed and he was partially the basis for Frankie five angels. He died in jail though, not suicide.
@@CaptanF0rever Omerta is not a code for "allow your boss to whack you even if you haven't done anything wrong"
Doesn’t matter, he still went to the police
@@mauricio460 If your boss betrays u, go to another boss to take revenge or take your revenge yourself. Going to the law is forbidden by anymeans in omerta.
@@mauricio460 the thing is if you don't allow them to wack you, your family will pay the price
That’s how you make someone die, in their own words, by their own hands, of their own accord. Amazing.
But only among honorable men.
@@truthhurts837 honorable? How??
If Frankie five angels was not honorable then he would try to weasel his way out of it and not kill himself. If Tom was not honorable then he would not give his word that Frankie‘s family would be cared for. Peace and honor to you.
@@truthhurts837 even your answer is honorable. What an honorable man you are.
Well said!
The way Tom said "It was, once", it just sad :(
Trey Stephens Jesus Christ reigns forever,
@@josecarranza7555 Jesus was, once.
It's for the better Tom didn't appear in Pt.III. This.scene is the perfect ending for the character: he understands the lifestyle amd the underworld Empire has degenerated into a rampage of paranoia, betrayal and murder. His "father" (Vito) and "brother" (Sonny) were long gone. That cancer was probably the result of his disappoinment and regret.
@Trey Stephens amen
@Trey Stephens that’s how I feel about a lot of things that have been ruined by liberal BS and bad writing. Game Of Thrones, Star Wars, Last of Us Part 2 was trash. Good thing some great things ended years ago, Breaking Bad, Sopranos etc. I don’t mean to ramble but I do agree with all of you. 👏🏻
That music after Tom says 'It was once' referring to the Corleone Empire. Everything in the first 2 movies has a purpose. Part II is the greatest movie of all time.
what's the name of the song?
I respectively disagree. Although I think both part 1 and part 2 are both 10/10, in my opinion part 1 is superior. I can be bias though because I like how you had all the characters in part 1 and part 2 was watered down and mainly Michael. But aye both are 10/10. 👍
the argument is strong for it..
Saw both for the first time last week and I can’t stop thinking about them.
@@chrisszyyy i guess that is the first part of "Ninna Nanna a Michele". Nevertheless, the melody is all over the soundtrack álbum.
Duvall plays it so well. Looks longingly in the distance while saying “It was once”, obviously knowing how far the family has fallen. But immediately switch’s back into lawyer mode. One of the greatest scenes in film history
The family hasn't fallen. It has just on its way to becoming legitimate. When the Corleone family was only a criminal enterprise it was a much bigger organization.
It's about doubt and loyalty..
@DixiePokerAce to Tom it was that he felt right in with the family Don vito was the emperor that everyone loved, Sonny was the one that made Tom feel like a brother, fredo was the party guy. Michael was always the one that isolated himself from the family and cut Tom out because he kept reminding him he wasn't a Sicilian. Tom was felt alone too and missed the old family.
One reason, besides the movie script, was that Robert Duvall is such a magnificent actor!
God what a great actor
The line, "You were always interested in politics and history" serves as a reminder that Frank Pentangeli was written to replace Pete Clemenza, who was a history buff in the first film.
I'm actually kinda glad that Clemenza was replaced. Would be sad for him to also betray Michael. Although his betrayal would be a little different from Tessios
@@carloso2459 if you remember, they expected it to be Clemenza because he was "the smart one."
@@PantherU if you're talking about Tom and Michaels conversation at the Don's funeral they were talking about Tessio
@@carloso2459 I'm glad it happened purely because Frank Pentangeli is an incredible character
In real life Pauli was Paul castelanos mafia boss nephew
So he didn’t comeback in God Father 2 because they wanted him to be a snitch
Frankie Five Angels, true to the game until the end.
"Don't worry about anything,
Frankie Five Angels."
Adio
never knew what that meant until i read above..
Pentageli is a Greek word that means "pente =five , aggeli = angels
Defo
Loved this same sequence dubbed in spanish: " no te preocupes de nada Frankie cinco angeles".
"It was.. once..." with a wishful retrospective gaze, goes to show that tom never expected that Michael would become a calm deviant psychopath. Now the family is scrambled under Michael's supervision, and imagined times with Vito Corleone's Compassionate Charisma for the family
I think you are disillusioned with Vito's rule or Frankie's words. They were the Roman Empire because they experienced being showered with wealth and were almost untouchable. But even Vito admitted that these were all temporary. His dream was to become the big wig but never became one. He wanted to passed it in his son but none were capable except for Michael. They are a family of Killers whose only interest is their own Family. But even as loving as a "Family" they can be, Vito's creed has always been about being careful with traitors. Yes they are the Roman Empire because people around them were all cloaks and daggers. One wrong turn and the rule is over. But not with Michael. His rule was absolute till his death and beyond. He planned to do what any of them failed to do, he wanted to become legitimate but his subordinates were all drunken from power and false imagery that he thinks he is just some ass kisser. Frankie thought Michael betrayed him when he didn't. The Judas was Fredo, and he did it to his brother and nephews and niece. If they could atleast be as competent like Tom, the troubles with Hyman Roth could've went smoothly but everyone got their own agenda.
@@user-pi1lb4tf2f
Even the Roman Empire fell.
All empires fall.
Nothing lasts forever.
Modern films are missing scenes like this. Such great dialogue. Two powerful characters having a conversation behind a fence, and it carries more dramatic weight than anything in a 100 million dollar CGI spectacle.
Another day another brain dead “old good,new bad” comment.
WOMP WOMP
@@charlesmeniru5082 Exactly. The only reason the past seems better is because we glorify the cream that floats to the top and ignore all the terrible terrible shit that sinks to the bottom.
@@dmk941It's True though, The 70's were the Golden Ages of cinema
@@dmk941 Kinda true, but sad part is, that in these days we dont even have the cream at the top. All we have nowadays is that terrible shit.
Everything about this movie is so damn perfect. And this scene, dear lord. I have no words. The dialogue, the acting, the subtle agreement between Tom and Frankie to kill himself. Just pure perfection, one of the greatest scenes ever, if not the greatest.
yeh man youre damm right
yes best scenes of all gfather series.
The sunset makes it better too.
Agreed 👍🏽
Just a normal scene, just a normal scene.
When Tom says: "It was once", I felt it.
One of the greatest scenes in cinematic history. Coppola is a genius and was a young man when this masterpiece was released. A subtle but powerful touch is when Tom is in the car and says to Frank "addio" (Italian for farewell, goodbye forever).
I wouldn't go that far ...it's a great scene, but cinematic history...not even close
@@kd17Burger To each his own. We agree to disagree.
@@cardo1111 Agreed - Still a Great Scene
You seem to forget hundreds work a movie set and it was more than coppola that directed
@@kd17Burger unless you've seen evey single movie in cinematic history then you can't have an opinion on what's the greatest or not
When Frankie says the Corleone family was like the Roman Empire, the music starts to show their nostalgia for the old times and they both knew that those days would never come back.
3:29 I don't know why I love that gesture so much. Frank puffing the cigar with one hand and then taking it with the other. So natural. AMAZING ACTOR.
Good catch. That's where he puts the knife in his right pocket.
"It was, once."
One of the best-delivered lines in the trilogy.
Palestine never existed it was never once existed lol.
a great depression
Whoever played Frankie in this movie...some of the best acting I’ve ever seen
He was also Cicero when he gets sliced in half by The Godfather.
@@jacksoncaldwell3865 No, those are two different actors. The actor who played Don Ciccio in Godfather II (the one who was "sliced in half") was Guiseppe Sillato. The actor who played Frank Pentangeli was Michael V. Gazzo.
Saddest scene in the movie. Frankie made a mistake and made it right.
movie_dude_ damn you right
nope he stil snitched so he has to GOOOOOOO
But he didnt kniw the truth, that those guys trying to kill him, saying they are Michael's, was Roths theathre
@@guusjeachterbuurt7592 that's how he made it right.....
@akumma sopranos reference approved
The beauty of that scene is when Franky says "and sometimes they had a party before they did it" the Hustle never dies. Trying one last life line and Tom just tosses the cigar and tells Franky everything is gonna be alright. Just like Sally asking Tom in the first one if he can get off for old times sake, "Not a chance." Tom wasn't wartime but he was Cosa Nostra through and through.
Actually Tom's "Not a chance" line was when Fredo wanted to see Michael during their mother's wake. When Salvatore Tessio asked Tom Hagen if he could get him off the hook "for old time's sake" Tom told him "Can't do it Sally."
@@Steveross2851 my bad I got the lines mixed up
For a scene that seemed so mellow, this is probably the most darkest scene ever
Legendary loyalty from Frankie Pentangeli ("Five Angels"). Sad but epic cinematographic moment.
Scenes like this are the reason why I rank Godfather 2 over 1. It’s just mesmerizing. It’s genius how this scene is shot during a sunset, and when Tom says “It was once,” it signifies the sun setting of the Corleone family, no longer in its shining luster of the former years. And the music, as always, is introduced perfectly and beautifully. Every scene of this movie is classic, the greatest film in cinema.
Doubt that was planned
How can this movie still keep me glued to the screen even though I have seen it close to 100 times? It’s quite simple…Raw acting at it’s finest with a brilliant script!
this is my favorite scene in all of film. hearing Tom say, "Don't worry about anything, Frankie Five Angels," you know based on the conversation that he isn't telling Frank he himself is going to be okay, but that his loved ones will be safe and cared for when he kills himself. perfect soundtrack for the interaction. just haunting and beautiful at the same time.
The dialog here is poetry.
I love how Coppola kept the actors at a distance and in one take; close-ups and cutting would have been unsubtle and wrecked the scene. It's 10 times more powerful when it dawns on the audience that Tom is suggesting Frank kill himself and Frank agrees.
Also love that they are not in center screen.
yep, now there are always too much cuts in movies, as if the audience was unable to stay focused on a scene without any action, like babies or hyperactive children
Tom isn't suggesting, he is making a subtle threat.
You always got the feeling that even though Tom isn’t Sicilian everyone associated with that family respected him maybe even more than Michael.
The chirping birds in the background is so beautifully symbiotic of the situation.
Who here thought of Vito when they said “it was once”
That's probably what Tom was thinking too. When Vito was alive both the crime family and the blood family were strong. People respected Vito in the underworld enough to make deals with him. But with Michael they were too scared of what he'd do to them if they refused.
The finality of way Tom tosses the cigar to shake Frankie's hand to seal the deal
What a character Frankie is! The type of guy with whom you would enjoy sharing some cigars and a few drinks.
Thanks Tom, thanks.....
It broke my heart when Tom said “it was, once”
Damn I wish things didn’t have to change.
Tom is the most profound character in the films. He manages to keep his sense of direction, despite constantly being at the forefront of so much violence.
There are not 10 better written scenes in movie history - amazing stuff. Controversial take but I actually think Pentangeli is a more compelling character than Clemenza.
WIthout a doubt. Pentangeli also known as Michael V. Gazzo, now deceased, had the performance of his life and should have won countless awards and also gone down as one of the best performances as a supporting actor EVER.
Gazzo was nominated for an Oscar.
@@SN2903 Yep he was awesome. Duvall should've been too
@@Comictalent As should John Cazale. Amazing how a film can have three actors nominated for best supporting actor and you can rightly claim that they should have had more.
True, but there were emotional ties to Clemenza from the first movie. It’s Clemenza that jokes around with Michael during Part I and then teaches him how to make the sauce. It’s Clemenza who teaches Michael how to shoot and tells him how proud the family is of him for saving the Don at the hospital. And it’s Clemenza that stays loyal and helps Michael win the war. To have Clemenza betray Michael in Part 2 would have been incredibly powerful after the bond we saw between them in the first movie.
This scene is a Juggernaut in cinema. The way Tom drives the conversation to the point in which he lets Frankie reach the conclusion that suicide is the most honorable way to pay for his betrayal of Michael.
This is why The Godfather will continue standing the test of time.
It had nothing to do with honor it was to save his wife and children
@@Paul-vf2wl still honorable. Frankie was old school and he was going down the honorable way, and of course, to save his family as you well pointed out.
This is one of the greatest scenes in movie history
Perfect timing as the mournful cello begins with Tom's statement, "It was once" - then intensifies as Frankie is describing how he will take his life.
The acting and the dialogue are at the highest you can ever see. The perfection.
What a movie what a scene.
"The Corleone family was like the Roman Empire" "It was once!" Tom vocalizing his displeasure with Micheal's leadership.
Not entirely.
The Feds were cracking down on not just the Corleone family at the time. The Mafia was seeing the sun starting to sink. Rome declined, too.
@@timdowney6721 great comment.
Tom's last words "ADIO" go with God brilliant nicely done.
Tom is always like the HR person who goes to tell the employee that he is fired, and the severance package
Yep, definitely due for another watch of this movie sometime soon, been a few years.
Dont worry 'bout anything Frankie Five Angles
The best scenes in both Gofather films feature Duvall heavily. This being one snd the Woltz estate scene. He's a "secondary" character in these films z yet overshadows them all. That's not a coincidence. That's how good Duvall ism
“The Corleone Family was like the Roman Empire.”
It was, once.
"And their families-- Their families were taken care of, Tom." The most subtle line of dialogue in the entire franchise.
You just don’t see subtlety like this in films, now. Audiences seem to need it all to be spelled out for them, or at least that’s what a lot of filmmakers or studios think, now. The truth is there’s so much beauty in this scene because of its subtlety. It’s sad. Mournful of old times long past.
3:41 "Addio" Used in parting to say "Goodbye Forever"...
Don’t you worry about anything, Frank Five Angels.
"It was...once." Tom contrasted the compassion and integrity of Vito versus the cold and calculated ruthlessness of the Don's youngest son Michael. Yes, Michael found a way to get back on top undisputed...but at the cost of both his figurative and literal family. Saddest scene in the film IMHO.
I simply love Frankie Pentangeli’s character
You can't deny that this is the greatest movie ever made
How they agreed silently. Goosebumps.
This is a very interesting dialogue. Now I understand why there is this whole family organization, it is based in Roman history.
And like the Romans.. greed and fear destroyed the mob.
@@Matthew075 So why mafias still up?
@@mundobostal8530 They barely are.. they aren't anymore corrupt now that politicians are. Most of the families were severely reduced in the US do to the fact that they ratted on each other to save themselves from massive jail sentences.
@@Matthew075 Well, that's a good thing. I hope every single evil doer does the same.
@@mundobostal8530 It is a good thing, agreed.
The way Tom tells Frankie about how they used to talk about Hitler, knowing that allegedly Hitler committed suicide... just telling Frankie, without directly telling him, that that's what the family wants him to do... and the Roman Empire talk, that's Frankie trying to make sure that his family will be taken care of after his suicide... Addio Frank!
Wonder if Jeffrey Epstein watched this last night
they disabled the comments on the other video....smh
Andrew Lee My thoughts exactly
Ding! Ding! ding! ding! Ding!
He saw it
He didn't take that deal.
Hard to believe this is almost 50 years old wow!! Master Class
He is nicknamed "Frankie Five Angels" from his last name, which is formed from the Greek-derived prefix penta- (meaning "five") and the Italian word angeli ("angels").
This scene is so sad. Frankie Pentangeli makes a deal with Tom Hagen at the behalf of Michael Corleone. He later kills himself in order to protect his family. He was a man of honor no matter the cost. Adios Frankie Five Angels.
Damn, shaking your hand after telling them how will you die is cold af
Two great actors at work.
Tom's smile of proud when Frankie mentioned Corleone family was like Roman Empire. Robert Duvall acting is incredible
Agreed ! But I do see one more stroke of brilliance. Not to be lost in the scene ( as I see it) is what is never said. The guiding presence of Tom who brings the matter to a close with such powerful efficiency. Frankie accepts his fate as he too is convinced by Tom there is no other option and Frankie is granted the dignity to exit on his terms. I have carried this scene with me for 40 years. From generation to generation we are blessed with artistic genius. The sad thing Is, I believe this too will one day be forgotten.
Most impressive is how Frankie took Tom at his word, knowing he (Frankie) wouldn't be around himself to see that it happened. The ultimate in trust.
The dialogue of this scene is out of this world.
The dialogue for this whole movie is unbelievable. But this scene stands out more the most in movie history. It is done so poetic. Both actors were in there element and performed it to a tee. But the writing is like no other just simply perfection.
it was once. tom's expression is timeless.
This was my ste Dads fav scene, because it was about making sure his family was taken care of. RIP Pop, I love you, and I will take care of the family now.
This is one of my favorite scenes from The Godfather. Incredible acting
Robert Duvall and Michael Gazzo with 3 and a half minutes of the finest, most subtle and beautiful piece of acting ever put on film, utterly superb.
I think this also shows the brilliance and cunning of Roth. He knew that Frank had already betrayed his former boss (Mariposa) so he figured with just a little push (the attempt on Frank's life) he'd flip again.
To me greatest sense in movie history. It’s the little things from the actors. When Tom says the actors families were allowed to keep their wealth and then he taps Franky on the shoulder that everything will be taken care of. Even though Tom was no longer consigliere. He gave Franky advice like one.
"I knew it was you Fredo, you broke my heart"
This is what Tom Hagen said to Frankie indirectly
i am 41 years old...been watching these movies ever since i was 13....and to this day, i'm still finding hidden details on these movies.....it's a fkn masterpiece. Coppola gave attencion to the minor detail. Can you hear the birds ?? Roman 'omen" for death or luck...you can hear them on Fredo's death scene also. The orange, always at the plot of a murder.
* throws cigar* ... party is over.
This was brilliantly acted and written. When Frankie says, 'I get a lot of good stuff to read in here.', Tom's body language says, 'Damn...I got to dislodge any notion he may have that life is good in protective custody.' So then Tom changes tack. Away from his interest in reading history books and towards the subtle deal. When Frankie says, 'yeah but the little guys all got knocked off and their estates went to the Emperor....unless, they killed themselves and then their families were taken care of.' At that point Frankie came up with the solution without Tom actually having to say it. Tom cleverly just poked him subtly in the direction he wanted him to go. A very clever lawyer. Tom had to be very careful as he wasn't sure whether Frankie was wearing a wire. Tom wanted it to be Frankie's idea based on what he knew about Frankie -- his love for Roman history. Shaking hands at the end was his way of saying, 'Your family will be taken care of...kill yourself and all will be well.' Same deal Hitler gave to Rommel.
Every summer since I saw this movie for the 1st time in 1996 when I was 18, I'll get up at 5AM on a sunny summers dawn, smoke a cigar while the birds wake up and start chirping and get this scenes EXACT same vibes.
That’s dope.
Hope you don't waste any cigars like tom🤣🤣🤣
that cello that drops in at the "...it was once..." line is sooooo perfect.
Tom was actually negotiating for just Frankie's family, Frankie didnt just look out for him. He was looking out for all his men (the little guys) so he offered his life so that nothing would change apart from him dying. Tom never intended to ask Frankie to kill himself, Frankie volunteered for the better of everyone, including his image. His death would mean that he would never talk.
Breaking omerta was an automatic death sentence.
There were no mitigating or extenuating circumstances.
The mafia grew out of a paramilitary force which resisted foreign occupiers.
In war, there is only one penalty for crossing to the other side.
Duvalls scene in this should have grabbed him the Oscar, it's absolute perfection
Michael Gazzo who portrayed Frankie "Five Angels" was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the greatest role of his long career.
I love this guys voice it’s like asmr
I love how there are no cuts! Just a beautiful oner...
I just realized that Frankie says "sometimes they even had a little party before they did it.". Before his death scene, we see the FBI guys playing cards, waiting for Frankie to return. That was probably the "little party" Frankie had before his death.
The way Tom discards his cigar I've always interpreted this scene as Frankie's last little party, smoking with Tom with one final talk between true friends, and this gesture from Tom was his way of signaling to him "...Party's over..."
I like how Frankie pleads mercy for his family, he cared for.
Does anybody else find this scene comfy despite the dark and morbid context?
Absolutely amazing scene. He violated his oath. But he was untouchable in witness protection. But there is a mutal agreement here explaing if he takes his own life. The family will get to keep his fortunes. Incredible.
Frankie knew where Tom was going with it from the jump
3:11 love how he throws the cigar … like I had enough of it
Addio frankie :(
Such a sad scene. When the violins kick in a sense of dread spreads across the storyline as the Roman bath is drawn.