Road to Perdition (2002)

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: David Self
Studio: Dreamworks SKG
Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Tyler Hoschlin
Rated: R

About the film:
The son of a hit man witnesses a mob killing so the crime boss orders him killed. After the rest of his family is slaughtered, the hit man and his son take to the road to escape their would-be killers and wait for the opportunity to get their revenge.

Movie Quote:
“A man of honor always pays his debts… and keeps his word.”
John Rooney (Paul Newman) in Road to Perdition (2002)

Bible Quote:
“Above all, my brothers, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No” no, or you will be condemned.”
James 5:12 (NIV)

Commentary:
It is a fine sentiment that John Rooney expresses. It is too bad that we can’t believe him. It’s not that the truth he speaks is wrong, merely that the man speaking them can’t be trusted to live by them.

Words are not cheap… but they can be cheapened by those who use them without integrity. A man of honor and integrity will weigh his words before he speaks because he knows that he must bear the cost of speaking them.

Such men do exist. They may not make headlines or show up on the nightly news. They don’t make a show of telling the truth. They don’t even need to swear on a stack of Bibles. They simply say what they mean and mean what they say. Always.

When we meet such a man, regardless of his position or title, grant him the respect he deserves. His worth is inestimable. Better yet, vow to be that man – a man who is as good as his word.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What is honor and how do we recognize it when we see it?
2. Is there an honorable man among the characters in Road to Perdition? Who and why?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com