Road to Perdition

Road to Perdition

Year: 2002

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Mendes

AdventureDramaThrillerCrime

During the 1930s in the American Midwest, mob enforcer Mike Sullivan struggles with his loyalty to crime boss John Rooney. After a devastating betrayal by Connor Rooney, Mike’s family is targeted, leaving him with a burning need for vengeance. With his son killed and his wife seemingly lost, Mike embarks on a dangerous quest for retribution, accompanied by his teenage son Michael. As they journey, they uncover unsettling truths and confront the dark underbelly of their world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Road to Perdition (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Road to Perdition (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Great Depression

Set during the Great Depression, a time marked by economic hardship and social upheaval, the film showcases the desperation and moral dilemmas faced by individuals seeking survival. Organized crime flourished as people turned to illicit means to cope with poverty, influencing the characters' decisions and relationships. This historical backdrop amplifies the themes of betrayal, vengeance, and the quest for identity.

Location

Rock Island, Chicago, Perdition

The movie travels through various locations including Rock Island, where the Irish mob operates, and Chicago, a hub for organized crime during the Great Depression. Sullivan and his son eventually find refuge on a tranquil farm run by an elderly couple, contrasting the chaos of their former lives. The beach house in Perdition serves as a haunting backdrop for the emotional climax of the story.

🏙️ City 🔫 Crime 🌾 Farm

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Main Characters – Road to Perdition (2002)

Meet the key characters of Road to Perdition (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael Sullivan, Sr.

A devoted father and enforcer for the mob, Sullivan embodies the conflict between his criminal life and family loyalties. Raised under the wing of mob boss Rooney, his loyalty is tested as he seeks vengeance for the loss of his wife and son. Sullivan's arc represents the struggle to protect his remaining loved ones in a violent world.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 🔫 Crime 💔 Loss

Michael Sullivan, Jr.

Initially an innocent child, Michael Jr. is thrust into a world of violence and loss due to the actions of those around him. His journey is one of painful awakening as he grapples with the legacy of his father's choices. In the end, he embodies hope for redemption amidst the tragedy.

👶 Loss ⚖️ Justice 👨‍👦 Fatherhood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Major Themes – Road to Perdition (2002)

Explore the central themes of Road to Perdition (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The film profoundly explores the theme of loss, both physical and emotional. Michael Sullivan, Sr. faces the tragic loss of his wife and youngest son, which propels him into a quest for vengeance. This loss ultimately transforms Michael Jr., who must grapple with the remnants of his father's violent legacy.

⚖️ Justice

Justice serves as a central theme, portrayed through Sullivan's journey to avenge his family's murder. The moral ambiguity surrounding his quest raises questions about the true nature of justice in a corrupt world. Ultimately, Sullivan's actions prompt a reflection on whether vengeance can ever bring true closure.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood

The relationship between father and son is deeply examined throughout the film. Sullivan's efforts to protect and teach his son in the face of chaos highlight the complexities of parental love. Michael Jr.'s growth and eventual understanding of his father's dark path presents a poignant commentary on legacy and the choices we inherit.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Unlock the Full Story of Road to Perdition

Don't stop at just watching — explore Road to Perdition in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Road to Perdition is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Road to Perdition Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Road to Perdition, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Road to Perdition Summary

Road to Perdition Timeline

Track the full timeline of Road to Perdition with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Road to Perdition Timeline

More About Road to Perdition

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Road to Perdition: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Road to Perdition

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