The relationship of fathers and sons have been the most complicated one since the birth of mankind. Every father wants his son to have a successful life while every son wants to live up to his father's expectations. Do these wishes ever come true? Really, it depends on the individuals. But as we continue to see in our lives and those of our friends and families that most fathers and sons are distant away from each other not because they choose to but for the reason that they are reluctant to put out their feelings on the table. That's what Sam Mendes latest film Road to Perdition is all about.

DreamWorks' 2002 Oscar worthy film Road to Perdition is about Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son Mike Sullivan Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) who come to know more about each other after a murder scene as seen in the trailers. Sam Mendes who brought us the dark and satirical American Beauty directs this exquisite story with the help of a simple yet strong screenplay.

It took Road to Perdition almost a year to reach the big screen after it wrapped production in Chicago in Spring of 2001. Originally scheduled for November 2001, the studio decided to push this family drama to 2002 since they already had a Oscar potential film for that year, A Beautiful Mind.

Based on Max Allan Collins graphic novel Road to Perdition is the story of fathers and sons that highlights their relationships and the Irish Mob World around them. Although, a simple story, but told with a style that is unbearable at times yet tempting. Just like American Beauty, everything about this film is perfect. The performances are extraordinary, the direction is at his best and the cinematography is terrifying and sophisticated.

This film becomes Tom Hanks' third DreamWorks film followed by Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away. This Life Time Achievement Award winner has the ability to surprise his audience in every film he has starred in since Philadelphia back in early 90s.

From his first appearance in his bedroom as he puts away his clothes and gun until the finale, we see him as Michael Sullivan not Tom Hanks. Like many great stars and his previous roles, his acting is so consistent that no matter how hard you try not to be convinced that this is an actor in a film, you just won't able to. He is so committed to his character that you will begin to feel that we are watching the actor Michael Sullivan playing Tom Hanks. His silent performance during the meeting with Mr.Rooney in a dark and rainy night is worth the ticket price. Look for another Oscar Nomination for Tom Hanks but don't count on seeing him victorious.

The legendary Paul Newman delivers an Oscar Winning performance as Mr.Rooney who leads the Irish Mob in the depression era in Chicago. This incredible actor still has the right ingredients of giving his fans what they like to see, i.e. a honest and fruitful delivery of whatever character he is playing. Although, he shines with glory in every scene, my personal favorite is when he sits with his men and son at a meeting table as seen in the trailers. Just watch his facial expressions in that scene. They are just out of this world. Mark my words on him winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor this year. The Academy will finally give this man what he deserves so much more than the other stars.

The Oscar Nominated Jude Law plays Maguire, a disturbed psychopathic character who does more than killing and taking photographs. I won't tell you what but let's just say this, it is not less than a Serial Killer's work. Law who should have been nominated for his Mecha performance in Steven Spielberg's A.I. last year will probably be overlooked this year too. Why? Not because you can't have two nominations in the same category from the same film but just because the Academy will end up making someone else happy. The most memorable moment by this young fellow is during his conversation with Michael Sullivan where he says "to be paid to do what you love, ain't that the dream". God, I love his voice and accent.

Like American Beauty, Sam Mendes utilizes the power of narrator, this time done by Michael Sullivan Jr. played by newcomer Tyler Hoechlin. I didn't love his acting nor hated it but at certain times during the movie felt that someone else should have played better. I am not saying that he didn't lit the screen with his innocence and fear but just wasn't able to do it completely. Nevertheless, expect this young star to do some wonders down the road.

The one aspect that people will talk about this movie over and over again is the brilliant cinematography that is filled with dark and shadowed images. Conrad Hall has created montage of cinematic images full of life, personality and character. The rainy nights are by far the best scenes in the film.

My personal favorite scene falls towards the finale where Hall somehow manages to balance out two scenes at once flawlessly. We see a character through a glass window standing inside a room watching the action happening outside. You are able to see the outside world in reflection overlapping the character behind the window vividly. This type of shot has been done before many times but not of this beauty and power. Go get the Oscar Mr. Conrad.

It is difficult and challenging for a young director to direct the second feature that will be as good as his/her last work, if not better. Sam Mendes probably thought about this everyday at shooting and if I was to meet him one day, I will simply "Sir, you have created a masterpiece that doesn't beat American Beauty but is no less". After Spielberg, Soderbergh and Shyamalan, Mendes is one of my favorite directors in Hollywood. Like the rest of them, he has this talent of giving of audience what they want. Watch for another Oscar nomination for this British born director.

On a scale of 1-10, Road to Perdition falls on solid 9.5 as it manages to capture the essence of father and son relationships in the real world. It is not The Godfather (no mafia movie can beat that masterpiece) but it is the only movie that has come close to it. Storytelling at its best.