Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is a 1999 movie directed by Jim Jarmusch.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A hit man who lives by an ancient Samurai code finds himself targeted by the Mafia.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is an original, funny and spiritual take on identity and honor.
THE ACTORS
Forest Whitaker plays the title character, a loner who follows a Samurai code and raises pigeons. Whitaker blends a gentle stillness with the precise edge and violence of a killer. It’s a rare original character – Ghost Dog lives in a carefully cultivated ecosystem – one where his ancient philosophy governs his actions. When that system is disrupted, vengeance occurs. Whitaker gives a fascinating performance – his violent acts are internalized. There’s no fetishized style found in these actions – the character simply responds based on his code.
The supporting actors are an eclectic blend, featuring several veterans. Tough guy Henry Silva plays a corpse-like, cartoon-loving Mafia don. Cliff Gorman’s Sonny alternates between menacing and comic as he raps Flavor Flav lyrics. Isaach De Bankole is vibrant and animated as Raymond, Ghost Dog’s only friend. His exchanges with Whitaker are a highlight of the movie.
THE DIRECTOR
Jim Jarmusch navigates city streets – mostly at night – to give his movie a natural, gritty feel. Similarly, Ghost Dog’s rooftop and the mob guys’ hangout are authentic. A brilliant contrast is used as Ghost Dog follows the mobsters to a country house. Whitaker’s character absorbs the nature around him – he’s distracted by a bird landing on the barrel of his rifle. The simplicity of Jarmusch’s direction is refreshing – nothing seems forced as his actors are allowed to find their characters’ voices.
THE BEST – A Movie About Language
In a fitting tribute to New York City – and likely a meditation on loneliness – Jarmusch blends a variety of language and dialect to personify his characters. Ghost Dog is a man of few words, yet his “best friend” speaks a wealth of French. Neither can understand the other. The aging mobsters are steeped in old-timey dialects and derogatory language. Silva’s mob don appears vacant, while only his deaf counterpart appears to hear. Ghost Dog communicates with Louie through pigeons, with Raymond through chess and gives respect to the cemetery’s dead.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Branded to Kill Tribute
Jarmusch pays homage to Seijun Suzuki as Ghost Dog offs Sonny using some creative plumbing. In my view, the director picked one of the better scenes from a puzzling movie.
THE BEST Part 3 – RZA
The pounding soundtrack perfectly signals the movie’s location – the sound can only mean we’re traveling New York streets. There are few better ways to amplify a movie’s distinct setting.
THE BEST Part 4 – The Boat on the Roof
It doesn’t factor into the plot but there is a weird, beautiful, poetic intrigue when Ghost Dog and Raymond see a neighbor working on his boat.
THE WORST – The Girl
Females aren’t represented well in the movie – besides Camille Winbush’s Pearline. Tricia Vessey’s Louise Vargo plays a major role in the story’s arc, yet is only featured in a few scenes where she has little dialogue. It’s an odd role – she’s not exactly mysterious but we never learn anything about her.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.25/5
Jarmusch blends a variety of genres, language and characters to create a highly inventive and original story. Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai connects on deeper levels but on the surface is a very entertaining movie.
