Both endings were beautiful. I find the final image of Michael sitting in Lake Tahoe all too effective - my favorite ending for a movie, ever.

However, I find III's ending more tragic. And the song playing all the way to the end... Its so sad to see Mary die, and then this... Definitely more tragic. Simply, because Michael paid the price "for the life he chose".

And no, III wasn't a mistake... I only wish they never named it PART III.

On a sidenote, IF the film was named DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE, do you think public reaction would've been different? Do you think it'd still be a contender for 7 Oscars?