Movie-a-Day Challenge: Road to Perdition

Road to perdition movie posterRoad to Perdition

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 247! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi friends!

So, I finally got around to watching “Road to Perdition” last night—yeah, that 2002 gem directed by Sam Mendes. This flick has been on my watchlist for ages, and boy, did it live up to the hype. I’m like, why did I wait so long?

The movie is this gorgeously dark, atmospheric trip into the 1930s gangster world, and it stars Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan. Now, Hanks is typically your go-to nice guy, right? Well, not here! He’s a hitman for the Irish mob, but like, a super conflicted one with a lot of depth. His boss, played by none other than Paul Newman (in one of his last roles, can you believe it?), kind of treats him like a son. The dynamic there? Absolutely electric.

So Michael and his son live in a small town and have this seemingly normal life (except for the hitman bit), but it’s all about to crumble because, well, it’s a gangster movie, and gangsters are prone to doing gangster things. You know?

The real kicker starts when Michael’s own son, played by this kid Tyler Hoechlin (seriously good, by the way), accidentally witnesses what his dad does for a living and their lives take a dark turn. It’s a total “oops” moment and this sets off a chain of events that sends Michael and Junior on the run. That’s where the title “Road to Perdition” really comes into play. Perdition, by the way, kind of means hell, and let’s just say the road there is anything but smooth.

One thing that really struck me about “Road to Perdition” was its stunning visuals. The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall is simply breathtaking, with its muted colors, moody, shadow-lit faces, and rain-soaked landscapes creating a melancholic and haunting atmosphere and are just, you know, wow. . The film’s attention to detail, from the period costumes to the vintage cars, adds another layer of authenticity to the story.

Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance as the conflicted hitman, showcasing a side we don’t usually see from him. His portrayal of a father trying to protect his son while battling his inner demons was nothing short of phenomenal.

And Jude Law — well, he plays this super creepy eccentric hitman/photographer who’s tracking Hanks and his son. The guy is just unnervingly good at being bad. Law’s performance is both chilling and captivating, and he adds a layer of complexity to the film’s dark atmosphere. Every scene with him made me shudder a bit—definitely not the Jude Law you’re used to. The supporting cast, including Daniel Craig as Rooney’s hotheaded son, also deliver solid performances, making every character feel authentic and memorable.

But what really sets “Road to Perdition” apart is its exploration of complex themes. The film delves into the nature of fatherhood, loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of violence. It doesn’t shy away from the darkness of the human soul, and it forces us to confront the moral complexities of its characters.

So, what’s my take? Honestly, it’s more than just a gangster movie. It’s a story about fatherhood, choices, and, like, the consequences that come hammering down on you. Tom Hanks totally nails the role of a tough guy with a heart, all gruff and gritty but with those moments where his softer side peeks through. You end up rooting for him, despite the, you know, less-than-ideal career path.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s not just a visual treat with its epic set pieces and period costumes. You’ll be thinking about it for days, trust me.

Peace out!

Roger

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