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Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

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From Time Out Film Guide

Jarmusch's engagingly offbeat variation on the hitman thriller finds Ghost Dog (Whitaker) under threat from the wiseguys who've been using his ultra efficient services after the boss's daughter witnesses one of his killings. On to this basic storyline, Jarmusch grafts an unlikely but coherent variety of moods, motifs, themes and gags: the Mob, though themselves memorably eccentric, simply can't cope with a black killer who communicates by carrier pigeon and lives by the ancient code of Japanese samurai. At once a tribute to traditional notions of honour, loyalty, friendship and professionalism, and a stylish, ironic pastiche inspired by the likes of Melville and Suzuki, it's very funny, insightful, and highly original, proving that Jarmusch has lost none of his wit, warmth or invention. Great camerawork (Robby Müller), score (RZA) and bird footage, too.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

prkid said...

Posted on Jan 20 2008 05:53 This movie affected me in ways that very few do. It is mysterious and funny while touching a deep rooted angst of life and how the "old" ways sometimes prove to be more insightful in that there was always time to ponder one's actions and their affect on people and the world. As a reflection of our modern society, which goes about frenetically trying to define itself, this movie slows you down and makes you think. We come from nothing and leave to nothing and in between, like one of the wuoted from the book we live from moment to moment and if we accept that we don't have to worry about the future because the future is alwys there. Brilliant movie!!

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