"The Road to Perdition" is not a true story, but it is inspired by real events and historical elements. The film, directed by Sam Mendes and released in 2002, is based on a graphic novel by Max Allan Collins. It follows Michael Sullivan, a hitman for the Irish mob during the Great Depression, and his son as they navigate betrayal and revenge. While the specific characters and plot are fictional, the film captures the era's themes of crime and morality, reflecting the struggles of the time.

In "Road to Perdition," the wife and younger son of Michael Sullivan, played by Tom Hanks, are killed as a consequence of a violent power struggle within the criminal organization he works for. The hit is ordered by John Rooney’s associates to silence Sullivan after he seeks revenge for the murder of his older son and to eliminate any loose ends that might threaten the organization. This tragic event serves as a catalyst for Sullivan's quest for revenge and redemption throughout the film.

Tom Hanks regarded "Road to Perdition" as a significant film in his career, appreciating its exploration of father-son relationships and themes of morality and redemption. He found the character of Michael Sullivan, a hitman navigating his complex life while protecting his son, to be deeply compelling. Hanks felt that the film's somber tone and emotional depth set it apart from typical crime dramas, making it a poignant narrative about love, loss, and the consequences of one's choices.

"The Road to Perdition" was primarily filmed in various locations in Illinois, particularly in the Chicago area. Key filming locations included the towns of Oak Park, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs. The film also made use of several historic sites and buildings to capture the early 1930s setting, contributing to its atmospheric portrayal of the era. The use of these locations helped to authentically depict the story's themes of family and redemption against a backdrop of crime and moral ambiguity.