No, they weren't similar at all. The legit power brokers weren't motivated by respect, heritage or family ties

The mafia power structure was portrayed as more honorable in that regard, but there was still a constant wish to go "legit" in that Vito wanted Michael to be a senator or congressman and Michael himself kept trying to put himself in a position to get out of his criminal activities.

Frankly, I think the movie at its core was about the eroding of family values in America. Vito was totally motivated by doing the right thing for his family, from avenging his father's and brothers' deaths in Sicily to providing for his family in New York. Michael had similar motivations but he was never able to reconcile his power with his American wife (you have actually used a line from a conversation between them as your thesis for the entire saga) and ended up destroying his family and killing his own brother.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - "Killing Them Softly:" popcorn film of the year. Ray Liotta, usually - tinear 16:54:01 12/18/12 (9)

I was completely underwhelmed - tunenut 17:18:11 12/18/12 (8)

That's why I said, "popcorn." I was entertained, not much more. STRONG agreement on the dialogue: - tinear 18:32:10 12/18/12 (6)

Popcorn if you wanted to blow chunks....this was not "entertaining". - mr grits 10:27:24 12/19/12 (0)

But, a day later and the political message of the film has come a bit more into focus: it does have a - tinear 09:19:50 12/19/12 (4)

RE: But, a day later and the political message of the film has come a bit more into focus: it does have a - Jazz Inmate 10:20:37 12/19/12 (3)

No. YOU need to. The corrupt politicians and police were specifically shown to be similar to the Mafia. You - tinear 11:54:23 12/19/12 (2)

No, they weren't similar at all. The legit power brokers weren't motivated by respect, heritage or family ties - Jazz Inmate 14:37:49 12/19/12 (1)

I disagree, but you state your arguments well. nt - tinear 17:54:07 12/19/12 (0)

Nor would I see it again and still cautiously recommend it . . . - mr grits 18:11:10 12/18/12 (0)

Follow Ups

No, they weren't similar at all. The legit power brokers weren't motivated by respect, heritage or family ties - Jazz Inmate 14:37:49 12/19/12 (1)

I disagree, but you state your arguments well. nt - tinear 17:54:07 12/19/12 (0)

No, they weren't similar at all. The legit power brokers weren't motivated by respect, heritage or family ties

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