Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Jarmusch’s Best Film

Title

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

Directed by

Jim Jarmusch

Writing credits

Jim Jarmusch

Selected Cast

Forest Whitaker .... Ghost Dog
John Tormey .... Louie
Cliff Gorman .... Sonny Valerio
Frank Minucci .... Big Angie
Richard Portnow .... Handsome Frank
Tricia Vessey .... Louise Vargo
Henry Silva .... Ray Vargo
Victor Argo .... Vinny
Damon Whitaker .... Young Ghost Dog
Vince Viverito .... Johnny Morini
Yan Ming Shi .... Kung-Fu Master
Vinny Vella .... Sammy the Snake (as Vinnie Vella)

Review

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is the story of a mob hit man who lives his life by the code of the samurai (Hagakure).

This film (Jarmusch’s best) has gotten mixed reviews because the film has the image of being a funky ghetto martial arts movie. Fortunately, the ghetto martial arts aspect makes up only about 10% of the film. This is not a hip-hop movie. It is not a martial arts movie. Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is about dignity, respect, and finding purpose in life.

Forest Whitaker gives one of his best performances in portraying Ghost Dog, a hitman who lives on his own terms for his own honor. With that said, the film is highly character-driven. The audience spends the entire film learning to understand Ghost Dog and why he makes such unusual choices for his life.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is tender, charming, sad, funny, and inspiring. The score is incredible, and the screenplay is even better.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is a great example of why independent films are important.

Rating (1-10)

9

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