Based on the graphic novel by. Road to Perdition is like a Greek tragedy, dealing out remorseless fates for all the characters. Some tragedies, like Hamlet, are exhilarating, because we have little idea how quirks of character will bring about the final doom. But the impact of Greek tragedy seems muted to me, because it's preordained.
arÂ·duÂ·ous. adj. 1. Demanding great effort or labor; difficult: the arduous work of preparing a Dictionary of the English Language (Thomas Macaulay). 2. Testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous: a long, arduous, and exhausting war. 3. Hard to traverse, climb, or surmount. [From Latin.
noun. 1  A task or venture undertaken: Climbing the mountain was a dangerous undertaking. 2  The action of beginning a task or venture: the undertaking of the expedition. 3  A guaranty, pledge, or promise: gave an undertaking that he would not disclose trade secrets. 4  The profession or duties of a funeral director.