100 movies: Road to Perdition

comments 16
100 movies of 2012

Every year I set myself a target, usually of about 100, of films to watch. These are new films. Not new, new films. But films that are new to me. Any time I’ve seen a new one, I post a bit of a brain dump of my thoughts on the film here. Enjoy!

Road to PerditionRoad to Perdition (05/03/12)

Bonds of loyalty are put to the test when a hitman’s son witnesses what his father does for a living.

What an utterly beautiful film. I was just a little bit floored when the film ended. I adored everything from just how beautiful it was shot to the stunning score from Thomas Newman. Tom Hanks’ performance was beautifully understated. I am pretty sure he’s up there in my favourite actors of all time list.

I was honestly amazed by how stunning the film looked. The colour palette and the cinematography was just perfect. Really makes me look forward to Sam Mendes’ Skyfall even more. Very excited to see what he does with Bond.

Back to this film. It is a gangster film. But it’s not. That’s just the backdrop for the real story. The relationships between fathers and sons. Though saying that, the final shoot out scene in the rain was absolutely stunning. And don’t get me started on the final, final scene. I honestly wasn’t expecting that to happen as Sullivan was looking out of the window. I did wonder where Jude Law’s character had gone. Just figured, he’d skulked off.

I’d quite happily watch this film again. If I can say that just moments after I’ve seen the film, that’s the sign of a good film in my eyes.
Rating: 5/5

Read on to see all the films watched this year…

17 Films so far this year

  1. The Tourist 1/5 (02/01/12)
  2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 5/5 (03/01/12)
  3. World’s Greatest Dad 2/5 (14/01/12)
  4. Haywire 3/5 (19/01/12)
  5. Dead Snow 3/5 (20/01/12)
  6. The Artist 5/5 (21/01/12)
  7. Priest 2/5 (05/02/12)
  8. The Muppets 5/5 (15/02/12)
  9. Faster 4/5 (19/02/12)
  10. Chronicle 4/5 (22/02/12)
  11. Safe House 4/5 (24/02/12)
  12. Reservoir Dogs 4/5 (25/02/12)
  13. This Means War 4/5 (02/03/12)
  14. The Royal Tenenbaums 3/5 (03/03/12)
  15. Reign of Fire 3/5 (04/03/12)
  16. Dear John 2/5 (04/03/12)
  17. Road to Perdition 5/5 (05/03/12)

16 Comments

  1. If you could give this a 6 or 7 out of 5 I’m sure it would deserve it. Such a well crafted, intense and beautiful film. But above all the praise I love how one of the first things you start off with was the music. Thomas Newman’s score elevates this movie waaaay beyond all the already great stuff in it making it a win any day of the week.

    • Whole heartedly agree with your sentiments on Thomas Newman’s score. It makes those moments in the film that are good, perfect. Without such a beautiful score the film wouldn’t be as poignant as it is.

  2. I enjoyed Road to Perdition too! Definitely not one of my favorite films, but a strong performance from Hanks and a good story altogether. Funny that you call Tom Hanks one of your favorite actors – I just posted about my favorite actors, and he’s definitely on the list ๐Ÿ™‚

    • It’s a very strong film. It’s kinda beautifully understated and yet, made a fair bit of an impact.

      Ahh! I’ll go have a read ๐Ÿ˜€

  3. I’ll fess up.

    I havent seen it.

    I know, I know. Tom Hanks, Sam Mendes, its based on a graphic novel, I know….

    Maybe I should huh? 5/5? I’ll make a note. ๐Ÿ˜€

    • Don’t forget Paul Newman and our favourite Bond, Daniel Craig ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Go see it, hopefully you’ll be rewarded!

  4. I LOVE this movie!! It’s just brilliant all around and you’re right, the cinematography is stunning, especially the moody rain scenes.

    In fact, my friend suggested Conrad Hall to be the cinematographer of my fantasy movie as it’s a noir set in the 60s, and my inspiration was indeed Road to Perdition ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Those rainy scenes were gorgeous! Not to pun on anything, but the rain didn’t drown the scenes out. They felt wonderfully moody.

      Great choice to use Road to Perdition as your inspiration! Currently, can’t think of a better looking noir-esque film.

  5. I really liked this movie myself and feel it’s terribly underrated. I do feel however that it is somewhat poorly paced here and there. Loved Jude Law as the cold-blooded hitman and Tom Hanks is always such a likable actor to watch. Glad you loved it Jaina ๐Ÿ˜€

    • It did feel a little slow to get going, though I think I forgave the film quickly and easily simply because it was so satisfying when it ended.

  6. I haven’t seen this since it was released, but I remember really liking it as well. I definitely need to check it out again now that I am more familiar with Paul Newman. It would be great to revisit one of his last roles.

  7. Glad you loved this. I really really enjoyed this film. it’s the 1st of a trilogy of books. the sequels haven’t been made to film yet, but there has always been talk of such a venture. Road to Purgatory and Road to Paradise are the continuations but I doubt they will be made.

    Great review!

    • Didn’t know there were some sequel graphic novels. Am very tempted to check them all out. Cheers, T!

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