political themes and film
The Godfather's Michael Corleone and King Henry V of Henry V seemingly have nothing to do with each other to the ordinary viewer. However, if one looks deeply into the themes and the messages behind these two classic and wonderfully composed pieces of entertainment, it can be seen that the two main characters actually have more in common than not. To begin with, both of these men found themselves in a position of important leadership; whether he really wanted to be or not. However, one fact remains to pose a rather significant difference between the figureheads. It can be recalled that Henry V wanted to stake his claim at the throne of France and was willing to fight for it, yet Michael Corleone found himself as the Don of the Corleone family after a near fatal incident which almost took the life of the original Don, Vito. Also, Henry had three of his subjects, Cambridge, Grey and Scroop, whom he somewhat trusted, want to assassinate him in order to receive monetary compensation from France; Michael didn't have any 'hits' out on his life once he was 'made'. Michael Corleone, son of the powerful Don Vito Corleone of one of the five head Mafia families in New York, was always the 'good son'. He was the war hero, the military
Of course Michael was the leader of a completely corrupt and illegal community, but he led it with a respected hand. As mentioned earlier, they both had to go through a reformation; Michael from All-American Good-Boy to Mafia Don and Henry V from obnoxious rich kid to the just and righteous leader of a dukedom. Both men were faced with heavy decisions that had to be made. Given the circumstances that they were in, both leaders fulfilled their duties to the correct people and did not abuse their acquired power; that counts for something and should be recognized as successful leadership. Both Michael Corleone and Henry V were forced to make significant changes in their own lives; morally, emotionally, and mentally. Michael did what he was sure in his heart was right, he fulfilled his family obligation; Henry V fought for what he felt was justly his and not solely for power-seeking purposes. They both employed the strategy of hard power however, Michael by making offers that people couldn't refuse and Henry V by warning officials that if they do not comply he will allow his soldiers to enter their towns and kill the men, rape the women and kill the children. As for Henry V, he was revered and loved by his subordinates and historically represented as the perfectly just Christian King. Henry V, on the other hand, was a raucous youth who caroused around carelessly and irresponsibly who grew into a just and strong Christian leader. Michael can be called the quiet rebel because he decided to deviate from the illegal family business, the mob. Henry had the power to commission men and as the Don Michael had the influence to delegate powers to men within his family. Don Michael had to learn how to be a politician in the underworld, Henry V had to learn how to be diplomatic. Being in a position of power requires both Michael and Henry V to show the traits of strength, stability, decisiveness and authority. Henry V has his own doubts and fears that his men's loyalty will crumble right beneath him, doubting his ability to successfully attack France and claim the throne.
Common topics in this essay:
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Acceptance Essays
