Road to Perdition

Tyler Hoechlin, Tom Hanks, Paul Newman

In Road to Perdition, Tom Hanks plays a hit man who finds his heart. Michael Sullivan (Hanks) is the right-hand man of crime boss John Rooney (Paul Newman), but when Sullivan's son accidentally...( read more  read more... ) witnesses one of his hits, he must choose between his crime family and his real one. The movie has a slow pace, largely because director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) seems to be in love with the gorgeous period locations. Hanks gives a deceptively battened-down performance at first, only opening up toward the very end of the film, making his character's personal transformation all the more convincing. Newman turns in a masterful piece of work, revealing Rooney's advancing age but at the same time, his terrifying power. Jude Law is also a standout, playing a hit man-photographer with chilling creepiness. This movie requires a little patience, but the beautiful cinematography and moving ending make it well worth the wait. --Ali Davis

Flixster Users

82% liked it

Critics

82% liked it

R, 1 hr. 59 min.

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Released: July 12, 2002

Invite friends to see

DVD Released: February 25, 2003

Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating

Top Flixster Reviews


  • April 26, 2009
    A great Tom Hanks movie where you really feel for the characters. The second-half is thrilling, but I was disappointed by the ending that just felt too contrived and predictable.
  • February 15, 2009
    Something different for Hanks, Newman and Craig. A not bad adaptation of the graphic novel.
  • January 18, 2009
    "Natural law. Sons are put on this earth to trouble their fathers."

    Fathers and sons. Sin and redemption. Crime and punishment. Hanks and Newman. The big issues - as well as the big stars - are huge in Road to Perdition. Greek tragedy huge. Godfather giganti... ...( read more )
  • January 3, 2009
    i think that this film is brilliant.there are many reasons why but these are some of them 1)the good acting by Tom and Tyler 2) brilliant machine gun scene that was a piece of brilliance 3) i thought that the ending was a good twist because i never expected that at the end all cr... ...( read more )
  • January 3, 2009
    Where's the love...this is one of 02's best movies...if not one of the best movies of the 00's...Sam Mendes is the shit.
  • July 3, 2009
    A slow and beautiful film, similar to that of American Beauty and mirrored in Revolutionary Road.

    This film was amazing. Slow but not boring. It is a slow but absourbing film and highly enjoyable.

    There are amazing performances from Hanks, Newman, Craig, Law and child actor... ...( read more )

Critic Reviews


View more Road to Pe... reviews at RottenTomatoes.com
July 12, 2002
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

It's a film at times so visually beautiful, thanks to master cinematographer Conrad L. Hall, that it takes your breath away. full review

July 12, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Directed by Sam Mendes, this movie might not be as flashy as his Oscar-winning American Beauty, but it's a smarter film, more mature and emotionally honest. full review

July 12, 2002
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Like all films that count for something, this stunner gets under your skin. full review

July 12, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

After I saw Road to Perdition, I knew I admired it, but I didn't know if I liked it. I am still not sure. It is cold and holds us outside. full review

July 12, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

For its textured visual detail, casting and snaking narrative, The Road to Perdition is a trip worth taking, though the recommendation comes with reservations. full review

July 11, 2002
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Neither a good Paul Newman nor a bad Tom Hanks can save this dreary art-house flick from the airless grip of American Beauty director Sam Mendes. full review

Comments


  • Chosen718
    November 5, 2007
    WOULD PEOPLE PLEASE STOP PUTTING MOVIES IN 'MORE LIKE THIS' JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE SAME STAR.
  • scottydo891
    September 4, 2007
    The Score is just ACE!!!!!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Video Requires Latest Version of Adobe Flash:

Get Adobe Flash player

Official Trailer

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Da Vinci Code
    The Da Vinci Code (34%)
  • Léon (The Professional)
    Léon (The Professional) (58%)
  • The Dark Knight
    The Dark Knight (60%)
  • The Sting
    The Sting (75%)

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


Most Popular Skin