So, PENT (=five) ANGELI (=angels)
so PENTANGELI = five angels
(according to an earlier post)

Fine... but what does that signify in itself? Is there some biblical or religious reference to Five Angels? Any clues?

P.S. A side issue: in the unofficial first-draft script at imdsb.com, there is an extra scene featuring Frankie and Carmine Rosotta in which Frankie says "Nobody I hate calls me Five Angels" -- anyone know why?

Hmmmmmmm...
well I dont know why...
sorry

His name is Pentangelli. His name means Five Angels when translated. Nothing more. It does not have any inner meaning.


Don Cardi

Sometimes you have to be careful of literal translations. Five angels is a literal translation, but it may not be indicative of the actual tanslation - the way pentangeli is used in the Italian language. Of course, it may have a familial meaning or be reflective of the area or town in Sicily where Frankie was born.

I'm not saying it means anything in reference to Frankie or to the movie/book but I couldn't resist the biblical reference...

In Revelation 9, the fifth angel of the Apocalypse is the one that gets the key to the bottomless pit. In Latin, his name is Exterminans...the Angel of Death.

(And yes, I can admit I've seen Helter Skelter too many times...but like I said...couldn't resist the biblical reference.)

So, a gangster who "murdered on the orders of Michael Corleone" is called "Five Angels"? Ironic? How about Sonny's name: "Santino," as in "little saint"? Could be FFC and Puzo having fun with us. Ever notice how many killings in the trilogy occur during religious services or ceremonies?

Pente is Greek for Five
Angeli is Greek & Italian For Angel

There is no hidden meaning

"Do you renounce Satan? " and simultaniously the heads of the five families are being killed. I've always liked that touch.


Don Cardi

The murders, justaposed against the washing away of original sin, has always been a great twist in the film. We are to believe in the sanctity of the Church, which is shown in GF3 to be as corrupt as other large organizations. Very well done.

Isn't a pentangle some kind of demonic symbol? If so that could also be a play on words.

A pentagram is, yes.

SB isnt it the same thing as a pentangle? A five point star?

Actually, a pentagram is just the star; a pentacle is the star within the circle. And neither are satanic symbols; they're wiccan signs referencing the elements. An upside down pentagram, however, is the sign of the devil.

Just thought I would clear that up

Found this, but don't think it sheds any light

http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophets/The.5.Angels.of.Continents.html

They are apparently the "five angels from the continents", but Frankie was certainly not fond of the people from at least two continents.

The only bit that seems to apply to Frankie:

Again, a note of caution here when making a literal translation into english of words from another language.

I always thought it was a play on Clemenza's name, which translates loosely into clemency/mercy. I thought it was a play on the darkeness of Godfather II, where mercy is replaced by the wrath of god as in the second coming.

The fifth angel emptied his bowl over the throne of the beast and its whole empire was plunged into darkness. Men bit their tongues on account of the pain, but instead of repenting for what they had done, they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores. See Rev. 16:10.

Interesting observation.

But was there really any "mercy" in GF I?