The Godfather: Part III

The Godfather: Part III

Year: 1990

Runtime: 162 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

As the powerful Michael Corleone navigates the treacherous landscape of his 60s, two obsessions consume him: extricating his family from a life of crime and securing a worthy successor. But as Vincent's fiery passion simmers, Michael's dream of legitimacy may ignite into a maelstrom of mob violence, threatening to destroy all he holds dear.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Godfather: Part III (1990)
Trace every key event in The Godfather: Part III (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Michael Corleone Reflects on His Past

As 1979 comes to a close, Michael Corleone finds himself at a pivotal moment in his life as he approaches his sixtieth birthday. Haunted by the memory of orchestrating his brother Fredo's death, he grapples with feelings of guilt and seeks redemption through philanthropy.

1979
2

Michael’s Relationship with Kay

Michael and Kay have parted ways, leaving their children, Anthony and Mary, under Kay's care. This division highlights the strain in their relationship, exacerbated by the dark secrets that Michael continues to harbor.

3

Family Reunion at St. Patrick's Cathedral

A poignant family reunion occurs at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral during a papal induction ceremony. Here, Anthony reveals his desire to abandon law school in favor of a career in opera, seeking Michael's approval, which reflects Michael's struggles with his family's expectations.

St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
4

Vincent Mancini's Arrival

Vincent Mancini makes a dramatic entrance at the reception, confronting Joey Zasa and stirring tensions within the family. Although wary of Vincent's volatile nature, Michael feels drawn to his loyalty and contemplates bringing him into the family's business.

5

Financial Crisis at the Vatican

Archbishop Gilday reveals a significant financial shortfall at the Vatican Bank, prompting Michael to make a bold offer of $600 million for a stake in Internazionale Immobiliare. This strategic move showcases Michael's ambition to secure his position as its main shareholder despite the Vatican's controlling interest.

6

Michael Rejects Mob Collaboration

Don Altobello suggests collaboration with his allies on The Commission for the Immobiliare deal, but Michael, seeking a legitimate path, opts to liquidate his Las Vegas interests instead. This decision underscores Michael's struggle between the violent world he knows and his desire for a more respectable life.

7

Assassination Attempt and Chaos

A helicopter suddenly opens fire on the bosses during a tense meeting, resulting in mass casualties. Michael, Vincent, and Al Neri narrowly escape, highlighting the constant danger engulfing Michael's life and the violent ramifications of his dealings.

8

Vincent Courts Mary

While Michael recuperates, Vincent begins to pursue a romantic relationship with Mary. This burgeoning romance adds complexity to the family dynamics as tensions rise and revenge plots are set into motion against their enemies.

9

Michael's Confession to Cardinal Lamberto

Seeking guidance, Michael confesses his long-held secret regarding Fredo’s death to Cardinal Lamberto. This cathartic moment allows him to confront his guilt, yet the lingering guilt hints at his complicated quest for redemption.

10

Tragedy Strikes at Don Tommasino's Funeral

As Michael and Kay face their feelings for one another during Tommasino's funeral, a devastating turn occurs when Mosca, under the guise of a priest, kills Don Tommasino. This act of betrayal exacerbates Michael's internal struggles and deepens the cycle of violence.

Sicily
11

Cardinal Lamberto Becomes Pope

Following the Pope's passing, Cardinal Lamberto is unexpectedly chosen as the new pontiff, becoming Pope John Paul I. His ascent brings hope for Michael as he approves the Immobiliare deal, but also instigates plotting and unrest in the Vatican.

12

Vincent Named New Don

In a surprising twist, Michael designates Vincent as the new Don of the Corleone family but only on the condition that he distance himself from Mary. This pivotal moment signifies a generational shift within the family's power structure and foreshadows impending conflict.

13

Conspiracy from the Opera House

During a performance of *Cavalleria rusticana*, Connie orchestrates a meticulously planned assassination from the opera box. This moment serves as a culmination of the family's dark heritage, showcasing themes of revenge intertwined with art.

Palermo's opera house
14

The Death of Mary

In a heartbreaking climax, Michael's encounter with Mosca leads to the tragic death of Mary. As she falls victim to the chaos surrounding Michael, he cradles her lifeless body, marking the ultimate consequence of his life choices.

15

Michael Reflects on His Life

In the years that follow, an aging Michael is portrayed reflecting alone at Don Tommasino's villa, consumed by frailty. As he confronts his past and the toll of his choices, the essence of his journey toward love, betrayal, and redemption comes to a poignant close.

Don Tommasino's villa

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 16:11

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