Road To Perdition

2002
Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig, Paul Newman, Tyler Hoechlin, Stanley Tucci

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful films i have seen. In fact, this film has my favourite scene out of any film in it. It is both visually and musically stunning.

It tells the tale of the Sullivan family who live under the care of elderly mafia boss, John Rooney (the excellent Paul Newman). The father, Mike (Tom Hanks) has managed to keep the fact he is a mafia hitman hidden from his two young sons. Rooney took him in as a son when he was a young boy and has given his family a home in return for Mike's service to the mafia.  However, Michael Junior decides he wants to find out what his dad does for a living and follows him on a hit one night. Michael witnesses a brutal murder at the hands of Rooney's corrupt son Connor (Daniel Craig) but under the protection of his father, promises not to say anything. Connor thinks the child will talk and in a horrific scene, shoots Michael's mother and his little brother, Peter, dead. Thinking it was Michael he has killed, Connor is beaten by his father, but John can't bring himself to allow his own son to be killed so places him in hiding and under his protection. Mike returns home to find his wife and child dead and to save his remaining son, they go on the run. The intention is to go to an aunt's house in Perdition but following them is the sadistic and twisted photographer/assasin, Harlen Maguire. (Jude Law)

I won't say anymore but even if you don't like the storyline, then please, watch this film for the cinematography. It is just beautiful, and there is a scene in the rain, with Paul Newman (the favourite scene I was talking about) that is breathtaking and never fails to make me emotional.

The performances are amazing and while usually i am not THE biggest fan of Tom Hanks, he is perfect for this role. Paul Newman is utterly fantastic as the father caught in the middle, where does his loyalty lie? This was Newman's last film where he was on screen before he died and that always remains poignant throughout. Like Gary Oldman, Paul Newman does not have to say anything but you know exactly what he is thinking, by his eyes.  Daniel Craig in what I believe to be his best role. He plays the jealous spoiled brat perfectly but always remains sinister......Jude Law in what i believe to be one of his best roles. He has very sinister eyes and when used in this film, he becomes so creepy it makes your skin crawl. 

10/10 It is a must see and Thomas Newman is a musical genius.