Road to Perdition (2002)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Sam Mendes

Writers (WGA):

Max Allan Collins (graphic novel) and
Richard Piers Rayner (graphic novel) ...

Release Date:

12 July 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Pray for Michael Sullivan

Plot:

Bonds of loyalty are put to the test when a hitman's son witnesses what his father does for a living.

Plot Keywords:

Hitman | Revenge | Mafia | Snow | Loss Of Son

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 17 wins & 51 nominations

Cast

Tom Hanks	...	Michael Sullivan
Tyler Hoechlin	...	Michael Sullivan Jr.
Rob Maxey	...	Drugstore Owner
Paul Newman	...	John Rooney
Liam Aiken	...	Peter Sullivan
Jude Law	...	Harlen Maguire
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Annie Sullivan
Daniel Craig	...	Connor Rooney
Ciarán Hinds	...	Finn McGovern
Craig Spidle	...	Rooney's Henchman
Ian Barford	...	Rooney's Henchman
Stephen P. Dunn	...	Finn McGovern's Henchman (as Stephen Dunn)
Paul Turner	...	Finn McGovern's Henchman
Kathleen Keane	...	Irish Musician
Brendan McKinney	...	Irish Musician

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and language.

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Malaysia:18SG | Iceland:16 | South Korea:15 | Brazil:16 | Norway:15 (DVD rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Austria:14 | Canada:14A | Denmark:15 | Finland:K-15 | Germany:16 | India:A | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R13 | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:NC-16 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:14 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:15 | USA:R (certificate #38889)

Filming Locations:

Barrington Hills, Illinois, USA

Company:

DreamWorks SKG

Trivia:

Paul Newman had an assist with his accent from Irish writer Frank McCourt, the author of "Angela's Ashes", who gave him a tape of him speaking. McCourt has lived in the US for many years but still has some vestiges of his native Irish accent, which is what Newman wanted to emulate.

Goofs:

Continuity: The bullet removed from Sullivan's arm has no rifling marks, and appears to be .45 caliber, rather than the .32 that Maguire was using.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Michael Sullivan, Jr.: There are many stories about Michael Sullivan. Some say he was a decent man. Some say there was no good in him at all. But I once spent 6 weeks on the road with him, in the winter of 1931. This is our story.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Un long dimanche de fiançailles (2004)

Soundtrack:

Perdition - Piano Duet

Among the most beautiful films in history

Acting This film is a very well acted film. I will say that the performances are slightly weak at times; but for the most part, the acting is very good. The only actor that blew me away with his performance was Jude Law as Harlen Maguire. He was incredible! Tom Hanks seemed alittle unsure at at a few points throughout the film but he too was incredible. Paul Newman, good as always. Cinematography This is what made the movie a masterpiece (and I rarely use that word). Conrad Hall is a true genius. If at any point in the movie you were to pause it, you will see the delicately crafted work of this man. He sets up every shot so that nothing is left out. When the camera is still, there is a postcard like quality to the screen. When the camera is moving, every shot is planned to understated perfection. But it doesn't stop there. Conrads choice of colors and contrast between light and dark settings is a work of art. The way he lights the set is some of the most amazing lighting work I've seen. His work on this movie made it what it is. This movie is at the top of the list for best Cinematography with LOTR, Black Hawk Down, Hero, CTHD, Moulin Rouge, and Vertigo. Story People will say this movie is a 1930s gangster flick but, I believe they missed the point of the movie. It is a love story about a hit-man who fails in trying to protect his son from the life he chose. It is a brilliantly crafted story that unfolds into a beautiful bond between two people who have nothing but each other. The screen Writing is worthy of an Oscar. Music Thomas Newman conducts a sad but hopeful score to intensify this sad but hopeful story. The music is some of the most beautiful and moving scores I've herd. Direction Sam Mendes is a new director with a feel of an experienced director. The symbols he uses and the performances he gets from his actors is a rarity in todays film-making world. I will be on the lookout for the next Sam Mendes Film. 10/10 one of the most moving and beautiful movies I've ever seen.