Man oh man, this is a good discussion.

However, I must disagree on several key points.

Michael-Sonny Sonny was the oldest, and certainly was favored by the Don. I refer to this from both the movie AND the book. He knew Santino (his proper name) and respect was given to him by others by calling him Sonny. (The son of Vito) Michael loves his brother, but Sonny is hot-headed--he shows this in the dinner scene in Godfather II. His irrationality is disturbing, but it is not uncharacteristic of his kindness. He IS kind! His hatred was for attitudes which conflicted with his more base responses.

Michael-Tom This is explored more in the book, and Tom felt Mike was not loving as Vito or Sonny. However, Tom really looked to him as his brother, and so did Mike. Mike tells Kay that he is his brother, and she mentions why does he have a different name then? (Smile!) Tom tries his best to help the family, but realizes he IS a lawyer. As such, certain actions he found to be harsh, cruel or unnecessary.

Michael-Fredo Fredo is sweet, sentimental, and really unassuming. He naturally loved all of his brothers, but realized he was not cut out for the business. Later, as he got older, he felt if he had more opportunities, this would translate to more respect. He became fixated on his small role, which led him to betrayal and a pawn in the assassination attempt.

Sonny-Fredo Both of these characters are kind, sweet, and good-natured. Sonny impulses drive him, while Fredo is driven more by kindness, and fairness. He makes excuses (I'll get the car, Pop, Paulie is a good kid...) for his friends, (Mike!, you can't talk to a man like Moe Green like that!) because they are NEAR him. This nearness may be illusionary but he feels it. He betrays Mike because Mike does not talk to him. (I wish we talked like this earlier!)

Tom-Sonny This is the most critical link. They were friends who became brothers, and made different choices in their lives. They loved their father immensely, and wanted to help him in his business. They loved their families, and wanted to make sure they were safe and secure. They wanted to help in any way possible. Tom, through legal and counsel advice, and Sonny with the gun and realistic threats. They were closer in age to any of the other brothers, thus making the relationship very special.

Tom Fredo Although not made a strong point in either the film or the movie, respect was certainly with both of them. Tom did not hate Fredo nor thought him useless, but saw him as being weak, and easily swayed by small friendships, and did not see the big picture. Fredo looked at Tom I am sure with a mixed eye, since really Tom was Sonny's friend and confidant.

Boy, I did not realize I had it in me!