road to perdition is a 2002 american crime drama movie directed by sam mendes. the screenplay was adapted by david self from the graphic novel of the same name written by max allan collins and illustrated by richard piers rayner. it stars tom hanks, paul newman, jude law, and daniel craig. the story takes place in 1931, during the great depression, following a mob enforcer and his son as they seek vengeance against a mobster who murdered the rest of their family.