On G List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Ghost Dog: The Way
of the Samurai (1999)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
3/18, 6/20
3/18:
Finally, Jim Jarmusch directs something that's more than halfway decent.
This time, it's called Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai which is one of the most innovative movies I've seen in a
long time because it combines hip-hop, black ghetto, the mafia, indie cinema, animals, and the samurai code of conduct.
Incredible.
Forest Whitaker is perfect for the role, knowing he's a cool badass guy. Nobody would've done better than him.
Forest Whitaker has always been a very underrated actor, finally winning an Oscar in 2007, and it's a perfect material
for him to be involved with.
Sure, there are many similarities between the film and Le Samouraï and between
Ghost Dog and Jef Costello with a couple of ripped-off elements from
On the Waterfront. However, I like Jim Jarmusch's
picture much more than Jean-Pierre Melville's by having more substance, a better storyline, and more interesting incidentals.
All in all, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is worth watching because it's quirky and has great acting and a unique plot.
6/20:
Seeing Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai again, it's still a unique picture with the most complete directorial effort
by Jim Jarmusch.
I love the hip-hop urban cross between Le Samouraï and
The Limey while taking advantage of the different codes
that people live and die by. The editing is mind-blowing, hence the uniqueness. Of course, not everything makes total sense,
but somehow, it's sensible in a mystic way.
Tailor-made for the role, Forest Whitaker is perfect; it's probably the best performance of
his career. If I have to pick one great Forest Whitaker film, it's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai by a mile,
even over Bird. The cast is excellent with plenty of standouts such as John Tormey, Isaach de
Bankolé, and Camille Winbush. The guy in army fatigues who walked past Ghost Dog at the end is RZA of the band
Wu-Tang Clan whose music is fitting for the film.
All in all, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is one of the all-time great cult pictures.