Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Writer: Jim Jarmusch
Stars: Forest Whitaker, Henry Silva, John Tormey
Reviewed By: Adam Griffith
Continuing my ever-expanding journey, in my Adam, late to the game series, I finally watched Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. Yes I know it came out 13 years ago, and no I do not know why I never saw it previously. Thankfully, I caught this streaming on Netflix and felt inspired to write-up a review.
Ghost Dog (Whitaker) is a hit man in New Jersey. He conducts hits for the for his mafia boss, in a freelance capacity. Ghost Dog is portrayed as a competent professional in these opening scenes. The shots, sort of called to mind the opening of the Michael Mann film Thief. Well that is if you added an amazing hip-hop sound track by RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.
This is a highly stylized film from writer/director Jarmusch. The samurai gun play alone will have you on the edge of your seat. While the pacing of the film is a bit slow, there are scenes of quick intense action, sprinkled throughout. In addition, just below the surface, there is a strong undercurrent of dark, dark humor in this character driven tale. Jarmusch also jams this film to the brim with philosophy, thoughts on the clashing of cultures, the role of honor in society, and many other things, that I am sure I missed on the first viewing.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the film is Ghost Dog’s embracing of “Hagakure” The Way of the Samurai, in his daily life and in his work. As Ghost Dog reads and quotes from the code, the viewer learns about both the code and its applications to modern-day living. The concept of men living by an ancient code, despite the modern world rushing around them, filled with unhonorable individuals, is fascinating to watch. In this way its easy to compare this film to some classic westerns.
Forrest Whitaker gives a very impressive performance as Ghost Dog. He manages to play an Anti-hero, that you can’t resist rooting for, despite his violent and illegal occupation. He accomplishes this with a subdued and subtle performance, as he interprets and practices the Hagakure. Whitaker is an example of perfect casting, and really nailed this role as a giant, hip-hop listening, pigeon loving, samurai code living, hit man warrior.
If you are a fan of movies, filled with a cast of quirky and unique characters, then you should watch this film. If you enjoy films with a philosophical message, that at the same time present the world, as a dark comedy, then you should watch this film. If you like classic westerns, samurai, or gangster movies you should watch this film. If you are a fan of arty indepedent films then you should watch this film.
As you can probably tell from my suggestions above, of people who would enjoy watching Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai, I really enjoyed this movie. It certainly left me with the film spinning around in my dome, and wanting to discuss the picture after watching it. I realize, I probably missed about half of what was going on in this film, and will certainly need to re watch it to catch things I may have missed. For instance what is going on with all the mafia guys watching cartoons? You could probably write-up a whole post on that subject alone. Ghost Dog: The way of the Samuari is that kind of movie, one of my favorite kinds, one that makes you think. I am giving Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai two and a half carrier pigeons.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Great movie, I own it on DVD. I’ll bring it for you next time I am there so you can check out some of the extras.
I could use some potato chips and beer if you are on the way over
Hey Adam, don’t feel so bad, I didn’t get to see this until last month. I also really enjoyed it. Ghost Dog is a crazy dude, but one hell of a badass. Killer soundtrack, too, and a fun cameo from RZA near the end. Good stuff.
Eric, I should just trust my instincts rather than letting films sit in my queue?purgatory for months at a time.
I have seen a couple of reviews of this film from other bloggers floating about and even though your eloquent words almost push me to go see it, there’s just something odd and even silly about a sword-wielding, Hagakure-reading, urban samurai interpreted by Forrest Whitaker. Not to mention the film’s title is absolutely terrible in my modest opinion.
It seems to me that Forrest Whitaker, from an outsider’s point of view, looks like a miscast even though I know Forrest is good in just about everything he gets involved in. I’m going to think about this one and whether I should see it or not. My queue of films to watch is already getting out of control as it is!
Niels if it makes you feel any better he use good old fashioned guns the majority of the time. The sword play is mostly just part of his daily training routine. Picture Whitaker as more of a gangster that practices the art of the samurai rather than the reverse of that.
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My cousin recommended me Ghost Dog. Possibly the coolest movie ever made, and very unique atmosphere I must say.
Good point about him being an anti-hero, and I agree it demands several viewings to notice all the details.
Good call by your cousin. My cousins mostly just ask to borrow money and not talk to me for months at a time.
Cool review!
Thanks Fernando
I’ve always quite fancied this but not got round to it yet. This review gives me yet another reason to make sure I catch it.
Take the plunge Pete, I am glad I did. My brother just brought me over some extended directors cut, so now I have to watch that lol
Nice, Adam! Nice. I love this film. I’m a big fan of Jarmusch. I realise he’s not to everyone’s taste but I, for one, love his sfyle. Heck, he’s a Tom Waits fan for a start. Anyone that admires Waits is cool as fuck, in my eyes. Nice review man.
Mark I must admit I am a Jarmusch novice, but after watching this, I am eager to check out some of his other work.
“Commercials are an unnatural use of my work, … It’s like having a cow’s udder sewn to the side of my face. Painful and humiliating.” Tom Waits
I’ve been familiar with Ghost Dog for some time now but have also been on the fence about whether to watch it or not. I like Forrest Whitaker, as he is a great actor, don’t get me wrong, but there was just something about this particular film that didn’t peak my interest enough to warrant an addition to my rental queue. The last thing I saw Whitaker in, I think, was The Experiment.
Nicole your gravatar is freaking me out a bit
It’s currently streaming for free on Netflix and certainly worth a watch. I liked the stylized, character driven way Jarmusch shot this as much as Whitaker’s performance.
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Good review. This is a great movie that doesn’t get enough attention. The more people that see it, the better. It was the first time I was ever really impressed with Forrest Whitaker’s acting (long before he played the scary-ass dictator in The Last King of Scotland).
thanks Chip, I must admit that I have not seent the King of Scotland… going to have to try and check that out. Whitatker looks like he would be terrible in this role, but he is so good, i think that turns some people off, when they first look a the dvd or cover art.