What was your favorite shot in this film? Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great night!

Paul Newman's performance as John Rooney is amazing. He was nominated for an Oscar. It was also his final live action film before passing away in 2008.

I feel like this film doesn't get the attention it deserves. Its absolutely phenomenal from almost all angles. Cinematography, sound, casting and acting, story, script etc etc. It's among my favourite Tom Hanks and Jude Law performances, Paul Newman was perfectly cast and even the kid gives a strong performance. Easily my favourite Sam Mendes film. Brilliant.

THIS ONE ISN'T MENTIONED ENOUGH. BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES. BRILLIANT FILM.

Conrad L. Hall's cinematography in this movie is a class of art, especially that scene in the rain when Sullivan kills Rooney. Very underrated film.

This movie is based on a DC comic by Max Allan Collins that is a Westernized retelling of the manga "Lone Wolf and Cub" by Kazuo Koike, which was adapted into a series of six movies from 1972-74 starring Tomisaburo Wakayama and Tomikawa Akihiro. The first two movies were edited together into the US release "Shogun Assassin," the movie BB wants to watch with Beatrix before bedtime in "Kill Bill v2"

Great film. This was the final film ever for cinematographer Conrad L. Hall. Hall sadly passed away in January 2003 (just months after this film's release) but ended up winning a posthumous Oscar for Best Cinematography for this film just 2 months after his death.

This film is great, all around. One of my favorite things that shows the details they went to to make the film is the costumes. They made the samples and weren't happy and realized the problem was todays fabric is different than fabric used to be, so the clothes don't look right. They found a mill that could produce fabric the way it was produced in the 1920's, and used that to make the costumes. That attention to detail really draws you further in to the film.

One of the most fascinating things about this film is how Mendes and the cinematographer give an allegorical meaning to the tone of the story. Being narrated in flashback by the son, the only survivor of the story, the film becomes a ghost story. Visually it seems as if the environment were a limbo: - Jude Law's pale makeup as if he was a corpse (his character also photographs dead people). - The body of Tom Hanks at the end, when he looks at his son on the beach through the window, he looks translucent, ghostly. - Daniel Craig, after killing the family, is unable to see the eldest son through the glass of the front door, as if the bodies were in different realities. - The ethereal manner of filming the death of Paul Newman, and the silhouettes Hanks sees in the windows, seem like souls judging and condemning Hanks' character for killing his "father."

This film doesn't get enough love, it's pure art and I feel, they don't make movies like this anymore.

I am so thrilled that you reacted to this beautifully shot film. It is such a great story, but the way it’s shot is just stunning.

i remember being stunned by this movie the first time i saw it. its one of those ones that you can't look away from.

This film slays me every time I see it. The theme of "who will be able to make it to heaven" and the implication that Mike Sr's final act is to save his son from having to kill is beautifully set up and paid out. But as much as I've loved this film, I've never realized that the angle of the shots is from Mike Jr's viewpoint. Obviously the cinematography is wonderful, and it makes me wonder about the hidden benefits of adapting a graphic novel that has essentially storyboarded an entire film with deep attention to the art in every shot. Thanks for featuring it and for bringing so much insight into the reaction.

"On the road to damnation, we find enlightenment" that's a quote if I've ever heard one. Love it

I believe this was Conrad Hall's last film as a cinematographer (he also did American Beauty for Sam Mendes). He posthumously won the Oscar for Road to Perdition.

Such an unknown masterpiece. Beautiful cinematography, great story, stacked cast. (Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig before he became famous, Jude Law, Stanley Tucci) Notice how throughout the movie, Michael Sullivan get physically closer. Initially the boy is always watching his father from a distance with a barrier between them. (doorway, car seat, etc.) As the movie goes on, the barrier is removed, and angles aren't quite as low, culminating in the hug at the elderly couple's house going over paperwork, and finally holding his father as he dies, at a higher level than his father..

Possibly the most underrated and underappreciated movie of all time.

Seriously underrated film. Probably one of my favorite Tom Hanks performances

One of the best scenes in movie history in my opinion in that shootout scenes with Hank’s character and Paul Newman in his men. So many underlying meaning in that scene. For example, this was Paul Newman’s last movie he ever did. Him saying “I’m glad it’s you” is like Paul saying I’m glad it’s you who is coming of age and the next big movie star. Hanks being emotional during that scene too because he looked up to Paul in the movie and probably as a movie star. Add in the fact they purposely had the scene with no gun shot sounds at first but at the very end when Newman’s character was gunned down. Lastly, the soundtrack and music playing in the scene and between the dialogue…Just a perfect scene with so many meanings. Chef’s kiss 💯🔥👏

At the heart of Road to Perdition is a lovely ode to all fathers, perhaps even "bad" ones too. It embodies the feeling when you know someone's got your back unconditionally and would quite literally die for you so that you can not only live but in a way that preserves the innocence, your honour as a person.

One of my favourite movie soundtracks of all time ❤️

A criminally underrated film!!! It's brilliantly shot and acted and one of the best mob movies :)

The camera really speaks volumes in this movie. Very challenging film but very rewarding too. Awesome reaction and loved your observation about the low angles. I 100% agree with it.

This film has the best cinematography ever. It mesmerises me every time.

Excellent choice, this film is beautiful, I don't understand why it is so underrated

Hanks character coming out of the dark in the rain with that tommy gun blazing…WOW!!!one of the best ever!

This was the film that got me interested in film all the way back in 2002. Going to the cinema, I wasn't expecting anything but spending time with my friends. And the movie was just spectacular. Before that, I had enjoyed the likes of Star Wars and Jurassic Park, but this one hit me so hard it gave my life a new direction. Years later, I'm still on that road of watching and making films. Here's hoping it's one that doesn't lead to perdition.

i love this movie, was really hyped for it back in the day knowing it was the same guy that did American Beauty, and it did not disappoint. Prob the first time I ever heard of both Jude Law and Daniel Craig, and they were both killer in this

James, I've always appreciated your commentary on the films you react to. Of course, I don't always agree but I like that you think things through. On this film, I think you are spot on. I can't think of a film that has better cinematography. Lighting, composition color and contrast are perfect throughout. I don't think there's a shot in this movie that you couldn't enlarge, frame and put it on your wall and not have a work of art. - As for favorite scene, I think the short depth of field focusing on Paul Newman's face as Tom Hanks approaches from behind after machine gunning his henchman may be my favorite. Newman's face told it all. The rain dripping from the dripping from the brim of his hat was perfect. And it was great to see Tom Hanks in a roll so far different than anything else he's ever done. - I've always thought this was great film; I can't find a weakness in it anywhere. Writing, acting, music all are nearly as good as the film work.

This was one of my favourite films when I was in high school, but haven't seen it in ages. Simply gorgeous. I hope your Patreons have some more Mallick on the docket for you, like A Hidden Life, or Tree of Life

The score for this movie though... Thomas Newman is so in touch with the soul.

2002 was the year of Tom Hanks being a badass (this and Catch Me If You Can). I'm glad he was trying to step out of his comfort with being an everyman. Im definitely going to give this a rewatch because I wasn't into it fully when I watched it. It's also interesting to see that the son would eventually be Superman on Superman and Lois.

Notice how Sullivan's entrance to a room always seems to be from the darkness and how his son always has some sort of light shining on him? A play on innocence maybe? It would make sense with the beginning shot on the beach being so bright. And his dad shooting the last guy, this preserving that innocence.

Great movie. The scene where Paul Newman's character is killed in the rain is my all time favorite scene of any film. It is an absolutely chilling and somehow beautiful scene. Also i think Newman should have one all the awards for this role. Legend

Some of the best cinematography paired with score EVER. Can't wait for this to come to 4k someday hopefully

What a great movie, when I first saw this around 2003, it had me on edge a lot, Mr hanks performance is very different from earlier roles. Good choice, thank James.

Sam Mendes films are a feast for the eyes. Visually he's amongst the best ever. Road to Perdition an unbelievably beautiful looking film.

A terribly tragic story absolutely beautifully shot and realised. A great movie all in all.

Totally underrated and overlooked film. But worthy of great praise.

Love this film, especially Paul Newman. He was a beautiful younger man, a beautiful middle-aged man, and a beautiful old timer. I feel that his skills only improved with age. What he was able to give that scene in the church basement was phenomenal, and Hanks certainly held his own. My favorite Paul Newman performance is in The Verdict. I hope you watch it someday.

Not a Patreon but I did suggest it after Tom Hanks viewing of The green mile. It has to be my favorite movie because of the camera work, the story, the lighting, the Cast. It's darn near a perfect movie that no one ever talks about.

One of my all time favorite films! This has such a beautiful theme and bonding between father and son.

Ooooooh Man. First of All, Greetings from Cairo, Egypt. You have such a great deep sight into this industry which is rare in this kind of movie reaction's Channels. Also First, Huge, Massive, Tremendous Respect for your choice of this Underrated Tom Hanks Movie. This was the first ever Tom Hanks movie that i watch completely alone without my friends and it was such a movie. This was by far one of the best underrated movies stars by Tom Hanks. I even write this comment without even start watching your your video here, because i know that it will be fantastic reaction. Just like other reactions i watched for you. (Unfortunately Patreon is closed in Egypt) Thank you for this video, Hope you watch the Aviator stars Leonardo DiCaprio.

this film to me is a masterpiece and is probably my all time favorite film of all time. The story, music, and cinematography is just perfect.

One of the absolute best DC graphic novel movies.

Love this film, haven’t seen it in a bit but was glad to watch the highlights w ya James! Great vid as always my guy.

Tom Hanks said this is one of his best films, but nobody ever talks about it.

I just edited this film, so underrated. Perfect time to upload this, was great returning to such a hidden gem. Daniel Craigs performance was excellent too.

This is probably my all-time favorite movie. For the life of me, I don't know how the cinematography and score didn't win Academy awards that year. The rain scene is easily one of the best scenes ever filmed, IMO.

It was a small role. But Stanley Tucci was real glue in this film. An over-boss understanding and balancing the needs for justice and the needs of the organization.

I’ve watched this movie many times, and this is the first time I noticed the cruel parallelism of Connor’s death. He shot Michael’s wife and son in the bathroom, and he died in a bathroom. The same indignity he visited upon Michael’s family circled back to him.

One of my absolute favorites!

Shout out to the composer, Thomas Newman. Many of his themes are hauntingly beautiful.. From this, to the Shawshank Redemption, and American Beauty. Gorgeous melodies.

This is one of the best Mob genre films I've ever seen and yeah that end scene in the beach house got the same reaction from me as well. Dammit! As you said, there is so much working together here, the camerawork, the soundtrack, the script, the actors and direction, and all of it works so well together. The things that don't need to be said & the things we don't need to be shown, these are presented by the camerawork in a way that, I feel, makes a greater impact than if those things were said or shown. If it is used well, the camera can communicate in a way that elevates what can be a simple story to something truly special. Thanks again for another great reaction and your commentary!

This movie kills me at the end every time; I said something very similar to my father right before he died. This movie is one of the most hidden gems out there.

Not sure I've ever mentioned this before, but I really love this channel's outro music. It's a vibe.

One of my favourite films of all time! It's a great movie. Tom Hanks and Jude Law killed it! I know this probably will most likely never happen because it's a foreign limited series but man how much I would pay for you to watch it, it's called: Brigada but in English: Law of Lawless, it's about four friends who organize a criminal group and they epic journey through the criminal life, very good show with a very tragic storytelling but it's worth it! Only 15 episodes but from the first episode you just get hooked and just can't stop watching. Also, Peaky Blinders definitely were inspired by Brigada (which came out first).

One thing I loved about this is the fact that while its common to see Tom Hanks play the protagonist, its rare to see him playing a violent man.

Beautiful movie in every way. Sadly not only was this the last movie Paul Newman played in, the cinematographer Conrad L. Hall passed away a year later.

I love the music score on this film, one of the best ever in my opinion.

Thomas Newman has done an incredible number of extraordinary scores. Finding Nemo, Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile, Six Feet Under (TV series) to name a few.

James, I must commend you for the choices you make. I do know some are poll and Patreon picks. But this one, YES! Probably my favorite period gangster film. The scene were Newman says " I'm glad it's you " has soooo much weight to it. Sorry that he is no longer with us. GREAT FILM! Thanks again James.

Simply because it's coming from your perspective, I will watch this again. You're the best

Posting before watching. I love this movie, and I’m excited for the reaction. And analysis. This movie is gorgeous.

Nice to see you reacting to this amazing film 👌

Ur reactions are great. Entertaining and I get to learn at the same time

Underrated film. It’s a true master class in cinematography and show don’t tell.

Outside of the last line, what I will always remember is the gang surrounding Paul Newman, in the rain, in silence, and seeing those muzzle flashes coming and not being able to do a damn thing about it.

One of my Favorite and underrated Tom Hanks performances.... Same Mendes is an incredible director...

Hennessey St. at Warner Bros was used a ton in this and that's where the final shootout in the rain was. When I was a tour guide there I'd stop in that spot and let people know this was where Paul Newman stood for his last onscreen role...and not one of those uncultured swine ever appreciated it! Lol

The fact that Dylan Baker can play a prissy uptight accountant in this movie an Owen the disgusting chewing tobacco hick in Plans Trains and automobile makes him one of the most underrated character actors in Hollywood.

super underrated movie and has always been one of my faves

Sam Mendes definitely directs films in a very visual way, with cinematography taking center stage. This movie, along with 1917, American Beauty, Jarhead, and the two Bond films he directed (Skyfall & Spectre) are all among my favorites. I would have to say the first three mentioned always make my best of the best list for cinematography and storytelling in general.

My favorite movie! Conrad Hall’s last movie before he died, and he won a posthumous Oscar for his cinematography for Road to Perdition. Not to mention coming off his brilliant cinematography in American Beauty, by the same director, Sam Mendez. Who he all know now for Skyfall and other Daniel Craig Bond movies….hey and we have a Daniel Craig connection!

This is a great movie that no one talks about, this was my introduction to Daniel Craig and it showed a darker side to Tom Hanks that I haven’t seen before or since.

Love this movie.. Can't wait to see your reaction

That camera technique is called a reverse dolly zoom. Used most famously by Spielberg in 'Jaws' when he's on the beach witnessing the shark attack...

Really great cast. Paul Newman and Tom Hanks square off in the snow and rain. Plus Daniel Craig and Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh and Stanley Tucci. The visual and cultural imagery reminds me of "Miller's Crossing", the Cohen Brothers 1990 neo-noir gangster film. If you're interested in composition and cinematography in the snow, check out Marketa Lazarová, a 1967 Czechoslovak epic period drama about the daughter of a feudal lord caught up in the clashing amelioration of Christianity and Paganism in 13th century Bohemia, directed by František Vlácil and starring Magda Vášáryová and Michal Kožuch. (Czech/German)

Crazy that this is based on a graphic novel! And I love the soundtrack!!!

I didn't want to watch this movie when it came out, but my brother talked me into it... I'm glad he did. Thanks for the reaction!

This is such an underrated masterpiece of a movie. Glad you got to experience it. It’s not up there with Apollo 13 or Forrest Gump when thinking of Hanks’ brilliant movies, but it should be seen in the same class as say Castaway.

I love this movie one of Hank's best

A movie with some really surprising camera tricks in editing is "Draft Day".

I remember when I was 12 me and my dad had a mafia movie marathon and this was one of my favourites and 13 years later it still is. Glad you enjoyed it and maybe a few more gangster/mafia movies.

Love this film. I had no idea it existed until someone bought the dvd for me one Christmas/birthday/whatever it was.

was a boy actor Tyler Hoechlin, became an adult handsome and played the popular TV series "Werewolf" (2011 - 2017). I hope you liked it. very interesting 😉😉😉

Thomas Newmans score is so beautiful. The movie is a masterpiece

Never thought about the camera heights reflecting the perspective of the characters. Thanks for that education

Oh man, you are picking some quality films. One of the best reaction channels for sure. The scene and architecture driving into Chicago is amazing. Again, watching this with my dad and its all about father son connections, was one of my memories of this film even though I have seen it multiple times. And I remember him being jump scared and just saying "Awwww shit!". Someone who rarely swears and also the fact he was so emotionally invested in these characters and yet he wasnt a big movie guy, just shows the power of film and storytelling. My only curiosity....Tom Hanks still seems like a weird choice for me....but I cant think of who else would go well in that role. Maybe John C Reilly? Viggo Mortensen (sp)?

The fact that this is also a movie based on comic books is wild.

The camera effect shot you're trying to name is Dolly In, Pull Back, but this reaction was posted a year ago by now, and you probably already remembered the name.

I loved how little dialog the movie had. Kept it very close to it being adapted from a comic in that way, especially the original work

Extremely beautiful. It was widely overlooked because they tried to sell it as a gangster flick and no one liked Tough Hanks. Also, holy cow, Mance Raider??? He always getting clipped over power.

This is a classic, remember watching it with my mom when it came out and we really enjoyed it.

one of the greatest and underrated comic book movie ever made..

Another hometown favorite of mine, this one I don't watch that often, and I'm glad I don't. It's a treat to watch.

I just appreciate the fact that I'm not the only one who knows Tyler Hoechlin as 'Teen Wolf guy'. You should also watch him in the Joseph Mazzello-directed movie Undrafted.

My mom still has this one on VHS 🤣 Haven’t seen it since I was a kid.

Road To Perdition was a difficult title to translate into other languages, so in most foreign countries, this was released under the title He Was My Father.

Hey James, I'd like to add two recommendations to your 'cinematics' month from recent re-watches, unless you've already polled and picked out your choices. First would be Malick's 'Tree Of Life' and 2nd would be Tarkovsky's 'Mirror', that's all thanks man and keep up the good work.