Road to Perdition
Road to Perdition

Road to Perdition

2002Movie117 minEnglish

Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure, however after his son is witness to a killing, Mike Sullivan finds himself on the run in attempt to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes81%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users84%
Director: Sam MendesGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1931, during the Great Depression, Michael Sullivan Sr. is a hitman for a Chicago mob boss. His son, Michael Jr., witnesses a murder committed by his father's partner, Rooney, leading to a bloody vendetta that forces Sullivan Sr. and Jr. to go on the run. As they flee, Sullivan Sr. grapples with his violent past and tries to protect his son, seeking redemption and a way out of the life of crime.

Critical Reception

Road to Perdition was widely acclaimed by critics for its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and atmospheric depiction of the Depression era. While some noted its deliberate pacing, the film was praised for its mature exploration of themes like loyalty, fatherhood, and the corrupting nature of violence.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and expertly directed, praised for its atmospheric cinematography.
  • Tom Hanks and Paul Newman deliver powerful and memorable performances.
  • Explores complex themes of morality, family, and the consequences of violence with gravitas.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's strong performances, particularly from Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, and its compelling, albeit dark, narrative. Many highlighted the film's visual artistry and its mature handling of complex themes.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography. Paul Newman was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Fun Fact

Paul Newman, who played crime boss John Rooney, was hesitant to take the role because he felt it was too similar to his character in 'The Color of Money'. He ultimately accepted after director Sam Mendes convinced him that the character's motivations were different.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Tom Hanks is "Mike" - enforcer for the "Rooney" family headed up by patriarch "John" (Paul Newman) with his wayward son "Connor" (Daniel Craig). When an interrogation goes fatally wrong, the father is furious with the son, who then attempts...
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

One should bear in mind that this is basically a mafia movie. I say that because it is presented almost as a dramatic coming of age story, which implies a different sort of story altogether. I mean, there is the coming of age element to it,...
The Movie Mob

The Movie Mob

**Overall : With so much going for it, The Road to Perdition is surprisingly disappointing.** After hearing Road to Perdition referred to as a classic multiple times, I was interested. Then seeing that it boasted a cast of Tom Hanks, Dan...
John Chard

John Chard

Damnation Alleyway. When his son witnesses him enacting a hit, mob enforcer Michael Sullivan finds that the man whom he likened to a father has ordered a hit on him and his family. Too late to save his wife and youngest child, Sullivan g...