Review of Road to Perdition (2002) by Alex R — 10 Feb 2011

Road To Perdition is a different type of gangster film. Starring Tom Hanks and directed by American Beauty director Sam Mendes, Road To Perdition follows a mob Hit man played by Tom Hanks who's son witnesses one of his hits, he is placed at a crossroads.

Choosing between his family or his employers. When one of Sullivans (Hanks) colleagues murders his family, the decision has clearly been made. I thoroughly enjoyed this film because it's a drastic departure from previous gangster films, which is a breath of fresh air.

Tom Hanks delivers a terrific performance, and director Sam Mendes has an eye on the period pieces which really come through on film. The film has a good emphasis on storytelling with a few bits here and there of action.

The film is slowly paced to let the story unfold. A terrific film that will appeal to fans of old school gangster films, Road To Perdition is a film that takes a different approach to the gangster genre and in doing so, it's a step above the usual.

A work of originality with phenomenal acting and directing, Road To Perdition is one of the best gangster films of recent memory. A different change of pace that works well because the actors involved give splendid performances and Mendes has crafted his best film since American Beauty.

I would definitely put Road To Perdition on my list of favorite gangster films. What we have here is a film that successfully breaks new ground in the gangster genre and it does it very well.