"The rise and fall of the Corleone empire."
The Godfather Part II - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
— Michael Corleone
Context:
Michael says this to Tom Hagen while discussing his dealings with Hyman Roth. It explains his strategy of continuing to do business with Roth despite suspecting him of orchestrating the assassination attempt.
Meaning:
This iconic line encapsulates Michael's strategic and cynical philosophy. It advises that one must maintain a vigilant watch over rivals and potential threats by feigning friendship and alliance, in order to anticipate their moves and ultimately defeat them.
I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart.
— Michael Corleone
Context:
Michael confronts Fredo at a New Year's Eve party in Havana after Fredo inadvertently reveals his connection to Johnny Ola and Hyman Roth. Michael delivers the line after giving Fredo the "kiss of death."
Meaning:
This quote signifies the devastating moment Michael confirms his own brother's betrayal. It is a rare expression of personal pain from the otherwise stoic Don, but it is immediately followed by a cold and unforgiving condemnation, effectively sealing Fredo's fate.
If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it's that you can kill anyone.
— Michael Corleone
Context:
Michael says this to Tom Hagen in response to Tom's assertion that Hyman Roth is too powerful and well-protected to be assassinated, comparing it to trying to kill the President.
Meaning:
This chilling statement reflects Michael's complete embrace of a nihilistic and ruthless worldview. It dismisses any notion of invincibility and underscores his belief that power ultimately resides in the ability to eliminate any obstacle, no matter how powerful they may seem.
You're nothing to me now. You're not a brother, you're not a friend.
— Michael Corleone
Context:
Michael says this to Fredo after their mother's funeral. He has just "forgiven" Fredo in their mother's presence, but once she is gone, he makes his true feelings known and effectively gives the order for Fredo's execution.
Meaning:
This is the moment Michael completely disowns Fredo. It is a brutal and absolute severing of family ties, demonstrating that for Michael, betrayal is an unforgivable sin that erases all past bonds of love and kinship.