A enforcer for a gangster in the liquor business finds the tables turned on him and goes on the run with his son in "Road to Perdition," a 2002 film directed by Sam Mendes.
Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, a quiet, remote father of two who works for a crooked liquor dealer, John Rooney (Paul Newman) who took him in and treats him as his son. His two boys aren't clear about what he does, and one night, when he goes out on a job, his older son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) hides in the car and follows his dad and Connor Rooney (Daniel Craig) as they go to "talk" to someone. As the young boy watches, Connor loses his temper and starts shooting up the place, and Michael joins in. Connor sees Michael Jr. when he exits. Michael Sr. of course promises that his boy won't say anything. On his next job, Connor gives him a note for the man Michael is to see, who is in heavy debt to John Rooney. Michael is forced to kill the man when he sees that the man is about to kill him. On looking at the note Connor asked him to deliver, it says, "Kill Sullivan and all debts are paid." Several hours later, Michael's life is devastated, and he and his older son are on the run, Michael determined to destroy Connor.
I saw this film without being aware of anyone liking or disliking it or of it being overlooked by the Oscars - I only had heard of it and actually rented it because I am a huge fan of Paul Newman's. Let me say that I was astounded by the brilliance of this film in every aspect. It possibly captured the time period of the early '30s better than any film I've ever seen, right down to the Doeskin tissues I used to see piled up in my grandparents' basement. The cinematography is staggering.
The gangster story in "Road to Perdition" actually wraps around a more important one, that of the bonding of father and son, which is beautifully told. Hanks is magnificent as a closed off man who gets to know his boy during their life on the run, and vice versa. "He dotes on you," a woman on a farm tells Michael. The two Michaels are alike, but Senior never wants Junior to follow in his footsteps. Paul Newman is, as usual, terrific as John Rooney, a tough gangster who goes to Communion but knows "none of us will ever see heaven." He was around 77 at the time of the filming and as handsome and dynamic as ever. Daniel Craig does a phenomenal job as the vicious Connor.
Amid so many brilliant performances, Jude Law plays one of the most disturbing, frightening characters in film history, Harlen Maguire, a hit man who makes money not only by killing, but by photographing the dead victims and selling the photos, which adorn his wall. He's absolutely nauseating, and Law doesn't miss a beat. The always wonderful Stanley Tucci is Frank Nitti, and Jennifer Jason Leigh has a small role as Michael's wife. As Michael Jr., Tyler Hoechlin perfectly embodies all the emotions necessary for the role: the fear, anger, love, and loyalty. He and Hanks have the film's biggest roles, and they carry it, making it look easy.
This is a suspenseful, poignant, sad and violent masterpiece. One of the comments warns against comparing it to The Godfather - I hope nobody did this. It stands on its own, and one has nothing to do with the other. A great artistic achievement by Sam Mendes who worked with a beautifully realized script and top cast. Now that I've seen it, I can't believe it was so overlooked at the Oscars, but when I think of all the Oscars Newman has been cheated out of, I guess I'm not only surprised, but I've about had it with the Oscars.
I almost gave "Road to Perdition" a 9 instead of a 10 only because I'm not big on lots of blood. If you are, too, I suggest you watch it anyway. You won't be sorry. A powerful experience.
Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, a quiet, remote father of two who works for a crooked liquor dealer, John Rooney (Paul Newman) who took him in and treats him as his son. His two boys aren't clear about what he does, and one night, when he goes out on a job, his older son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) hides in the car and follows his dad and Connor Rooney (Daniel Craig) as they go to "talk" to someone. As the young boy watches, Connor loses his temper and starts shooting up the place, and Michael joins in. Connor sees Michael Jr. when he exits. Michael Sr. of course promises that his boy won't say anything. On his next job, Connor gives him a note for the man Michael is to see, who is in heavy debt to John Rooney. Michael is forced to kill the man when he sees that the man is about to kill him. On looking at the note Connor asked him to deliver, it says, "Kill Sullivan and all debts are paid." Several hours later, Michael's life is devastated, and he and his older son are on the run, Michael determined to destroy Connor.
I saw this film without being aware of anyone liking or disliking it or of it being overlooked by the Oscars - I only had heard of it and actually rented it because I am a huge fan of Paul Newman's. Let me say that I was astounded by the brilliance of this film in every aspect. It possibly captured the time period of the early '30s better than any film I've ever seen, right down to the Doeskin tissues I used to see piled up in my grandparents' basement. The cinematography is staggering.
The gangster story in "Road to Perdition" actually wraps around a more important one, that of the bonding of father and son, which is beautifully told. Hanks is magnificent as a closed off man who gets to know his boy during their life on the run, and vice versa. "He dotes on you," a woman on a farm tells Michael. The two Michaels are alike, but Senior never wants Junior to follow in his footsteps. Paul Newman is, as usual, terrific as John Rooney, a tough gangster who goes to Communion but knows "none of us will ever see heaven." He was around 77 at the time of the filming and as handsome and dynamic as ever. Daniel Craig does a phenomenal job as the vicious Connor.
Amid so many brilliant performances, Jude Law plays one of the most disturbing, frightening characters in film history, Harlen Maguire, a hit man who makes money not only by killing, but by photographing the dead victims and selling the photos, which adorn his wall. He's absolutely nauseating, and Law doesn't miss a beat. The always wonderful Stanley Tucci is Frank Nitti, and Jennifer Jason Leigh has a small role as Michael's wife. As Michael Jr., Tyler Hoechlin perfectly embodies all the emotions necessary for the role: the fear, anger, love, and loyalty. He and Hanks have the film's biggest roles, and they carry it, making it look easy.
This is a suspenseful, poignant, sad and violent masterpiece. One of the comments warns against comparing it to The Godfather - I hope nobody did this. It stands on its own, and one has nothing to do with the other. A great artistic achievement by Sam Mendes who worked with a beautifully realized script and top cast. Now that I've seen it, I can't believe it was so overlooked at the Oscars, but when I think of all the Oscars Newman has been cheated out of, I guess I'm not only surprised, but I've about had it with the Oscars.
I almost gave "Road to Perdition" a 9 instead of a 10 only because I'm not big on lots of blood. If you are, too, I suggest you watch it anyway. You won't be sorry. A powerful experience.