Road to Perdition (2002) is a compelling crime drama that intricately weaves themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the search for redemption within the context of the American mob. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film showcases a rich narrative that explores the complex dynamics of father-son relationships against a backdrop of violence and moral ambiguity. With its stellar performances and a hauntingly beautiful score by Thomas Newman, Road to Perdition stands out as a poignant exploration of the consequences of choices made in a world defined by crime and betrayal.

Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Michael Sullivan Sr. (Tom Hanks), a hitman working for the Irish mob in Chicago. He is fiercely loyal to his boss, John Rooney (Paul Newman), who acts as a father figure to him. The film opens with a stark portrayal of Sullivan’s life as he navigates the treacherous waters of organized crime while trying to protect his family from the darker aspects of his profession. However, his world is shattered when his son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), witnesses a brutal murder, thrusting them into a perilous journey of survival.

At its core, Road to Perdition is a story about the bond between fathers and sons. As Sullivan attempts to shield Michael Jr. from the violent world he inhabits, the film deftly explores themes of paternal love, sacrifice, and the desire for a better life. The relationship between Sullivan and his son becomes the emotional backbone of the narrative, highlighting the internal conflict Sullivan faces as he grapples with his past and the violent legacy he wishes to leave behind.

The film is distinguished by its genre-blending approach, combining elements of crime drama with a coming-of-age story. Mendes expertly crafts a narrative that moves beyond mere gangster tropes, delving into the psychological and emotional depths of its characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to fully engage with Sullivan’s moral dilemmas and the weight of his decisions. As the story unfolds, the stakes escalate, culminating in a gripping climax that forces both Sullivan and Michael Jr. to confront the consequences of their actions.

Visually, Road to Perdition is breathtaking. Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall employs a muted color palette that evokes the somber tone of the era. The film’s cinematography captures the stark contrasts between the beauty of the American landscape and the darkness of Sullivan’s world, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative. Each frame is meticulously composed, contributing to the film’s overall atmosphere of tension and melancholy.

The performances in Road to Perdition are nothing short of extraordinary. Tom Hanks brings a nuanced portrayal of Michael Sullivan, balancing the character’s ruthless profession with his deep-seated desire to protect his family. Hanks captures Sullivan’s internal struggle, making him a sympathetic figure despite his violent actions. Paul Newman’s portrayal of John Rooney is equally compelling, embodying the complexities of loyalty and betrayal that define his character’s relationship with Sullivan.

The film also features standout performances from Jude Law as the sinister hitman Harlen Maguire, whose pursuit of Sullivan and his son adds an additional layer of tension. Law’s chilling portrayal serves as a reminder of the relentless nature of the criminal world, further complicating Sullivan’s quest for redemption.

In conclusion, Road to Perdition is a masterful exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for redemption set against the backdrop of organized crime. Through its rich storytelling, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals, the film transcends the typical gangster genre, delving into the emotional and moral complexities of its characters. Mendes’ direction, combined with a haunting score, creates a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the choices we make and their lasting impact on our lives and the lives of those we love. Road to Perdition remains a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of family and the pursuit of redemption in a world fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.