I know Michael didnt like the fact that Vincent and Mary were together but it seemed that the only reason he didnt like it was because Vincent was moving up and didnt want Mary to get hurt in case something happened to him. However, doesnt anyone else find it a bit strange that Michael didnt get mad at the relationship just on the fact that the two of them are cousins? I mean it almost seems like the fact that the two were cousins and were having a sexual relationship was ignored. Maybe I missed somethin in the movie where someone said cousins shouldnt be together but it seemed like that didnt really matter.

Hi Busta & welcome!!

Actually, I always got the impression the main reason Michael objected was because they were first cousins. I'm not as "in the know" about GFIII as the first two, but I could swear Michael made the "cousin" reference to Vincent, showing his objection.


TIS

Michael didn't want Mary involved with Vincent because he knew Vincent was destined to be a gangster. And while he recognized that he needed Vincent, even anointed him his successor, he didn't want Mary involved in the gangster life. He may well have had a premonition that her marriage to Vincent would be a casualty of the gangster life, even as his was to Kay.

Yeah, thats what I thought Michael was thinking also Turnbull. I just think it's kind of odd that Michael wasnt also upset with the fact that the two were first cousins and that a sexual relationship between first cousins is illegal and just wrong. It almost seemed like he accepted a relationship between cousins as normal.

That happens a lot in real life among mafiosi. I mean about them marrying cousins. Carlo Gambino, Paul Castellano, etc etc etc. It's sometimes a way of keeping peace between families, medieval royalty style, and sometimes it's a way of being sure that you can trust your own flesh and blood, to keep the sacred omerta. In my opinion, it's still sick, but oh well, no one asked me.

When dealing with a strongheaded person it is sometimes necessary to bait them and speak to in a language they understand.

Michael knew that to try to force Vincent to keep his fly closed would be nearly as impossible as Sonny. So ... he turns the problem into an issue of a loyal sacrifice.

He knows Vincent wants the chair and why not solve two dilemnas at once. [1] Turn his attention away from his daughter and [2] find a capable replacement.

Of course we have no way of knowing what was realy going on in Michael's head or Mary's bed.

Michael didnt seem to be bothered about Vincent and Mary being cousins and going out because to the italian/sicilian people it doesnt matter just so long as it not your brother or sister or someone that close to you they allow cousin to marry or have sexual relationships together but its only the christians and people like them who dont like that kind of business.... does that answer your question

Michael was purely concerned with 'when they come they will come at people you love' After the hit on Zaza Mike realized they were after blood and he didnt want his daughter in the firing line

Yeah I think that's Michael's main problem with it - he understands that Mary is already at least slightly endangered because of being his daughter, that forces trying to strike at Michael might try to get Mary instead, and if she hooks up with Vincent, with his outstanding talent for making enemies in a big hurry, this will become much worse.

As far as whether it's 'incest' or not, I think that does bug Michael somewhat but not that much. I don't know what the Catholic Church says, but marriage between first cousins actually is legal in like 42 U.S. states. So the whole thing is very borderline and probably creeps Michael out. But I think he is thinking more of the practical consequences.

and how does mike find out about it? i cant imagine Mary telling him.

yeah i would say that hes mainly upset that he doesnt want his daughter to get too involved with vincent because it could put her in danger. because of his quick temper, as someone said earlier he makes enemies quickly. micheal did address the cousin issue in his response to mary when she said "i love my family." and hes like "even your cousin vincent. and then she says" i love him very much." hes your first cousin" "then i love him first." i just like that line i think its really funny. i know the whole cousin thing is weird. but maybe not as weird in this situation. we find out in the begining vincent doesnt even recognize mary cause he hasnt seen her in so long so its not she was around him her whole life. plus i really acnt blame mary. andy garcia is soo hot.