Tools for this page
Print

The Road to Perdition

(2002, Rated R, Drama, Starring Tom Hanks, Jude Law, Paul Newman)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Powerful, beautiful film; ok for mature teens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 16 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    All major characters are white
  • Violence:

    A lot of peril and violence, including organized crime killings and death of innocent family members A lot of Peril
  • Sex:

    Sexual references and situations, prostitutes
  • Language:

    Strong language
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking and smoking
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Road to Perdition

Parents need to know that this movie has predictably coarse language from the 1930s gangsters, as well as some bloody murder scenes, always by gunfire. A woman and small child are killed off screen, and the main characters are often in peril.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Mr. Sullivan was so bent on killing the murderer of his family, and even what makes criminals likeable in movies.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Road to Perdition?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Powerful,Beautiful, Best Movie Ever

    I loved this movie it was so incredible I can watch it over and over and over again it is one of those movies that will dazzle. Bueatiful music and fantastic acting as well as directing.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good movie.

    A great masterpiece with a message. Contains several bloody murders and may be disturbing for youngsters. Teenagers above the age of 16 may enjoy this movie.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Violent--very--but excellent acting and plot...

    This movie was --obviously-- very violent, but it had a great father-son relationship toward the end of the movie and I enjoyed it. Very--oh-- interestingly coolish....yeh...

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    beautifuly photographed

    I'm just going to say that the cinamotogrophy alone is worth the price of admission (rental now).

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    The desperate heart of early industrial America

    A fine movie, with a neat theme of a father having to hide his true profession from his son, who nonetheless glimpses the truth one harrowing night. Good film noir mood. Excellent acting. Nice material to ponder on children's perceptions of their parent's work.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Shiver

    Shiver

    Does for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy