| Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai |
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| questions or comments? email [email protected] |
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| Rating: Good Distributor: Artisan Pictures Rating: R Genre: Drama Running Time: 116 minutes Release Date: March 3rd, 2000 (limited) Director: Jim Jarmusch Cast: Forest Whitaker, John Tormey, Henry Silva, Isaac de Bankole, and Tricia Vessey. |
| Critique: One could easily argue that Ghost Dog is a very pretentious movie that attempts to solve all gang and mafia related problems with wise revelations and samurai related prophecies. This may be true, but it finds a way to work through some fabulous direction by Jim Jarmusch. In fact, the direction may well be the best of the year so far. The acting isn't groundbreaking, but it gets the job done. Forest Whitaker will effect you with his calm, moody stares and quick actions. Jarmusch, who also wrote the screenplay for the film, probably knew the film seemed a bit pretentious. For this reason he seasoned it with a plethora of dark humor. For instance, our mafia family all are avid followers of cartoons, in fact they almost always have a mini TV on. Also, after awkward situations Jarmusch pulls a fadeout, leaving the viewer with a pensive smile on his/her face. There are some extraordinarily unique supporting characters like the little girl who befriends Ghost Dog, along with his best friend the ice cream man. The ice cream man was an very talented and affecting actor, and almost stole the film with his hilarious preachings. You will be surprised constantly by the amazing plot that twists and turns, boasting dramatic and comedic flair. The final scene, or shoot out is especially shocking and relatively powerful. Altogether this movie is a true mixed bag of culture, pop inuendo, samurai culture, and mafia dealings all in one. If this seems risky that's because it is. It does have a certain mesmerizing quality that will keep pushing you on a road that isn't terribly easy to watch, but not terribly diffficult either. It has the right amount of humor, action, and wisdom. One bad quality about this film though is in dealing with a mixed bad Jarmusch stole screen writings ideas from a variety of other directors and movies. You'll find some of the bird scenes especially familiar (think Marlon Brando 1954), along with the mafia faces (think Marlon Brando 1972). Still, it's a very good picture. review by supernothingman, questions or comments? contact me at [email protected], thank you |
| Plot: Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a unique hired hitman who lives on top of a roof with birds, follows the way of the samurai and reads many books. His best freind is an ice cream man who only speaks French, and although Ghost Dog himself doesn't speak French they still get along very well and respect one another. Ghost Dog tries to teach him not to be violent, and befriends a young girl who reads his books. However, his "retainer" as Ghost Dog calls him is a mafia hit man who although is basically a good man is called upon to kill Ghost Dog because he murdered one of the mafia family. Although he was asked to do this the mafia family decided that they don't want there own blood being killed. They attempt to hunt him down and kill him, but Ghost Dog will have none of that, and as his final act of duty he will defend himself and his retainer. |
| pictures above from www.ghostdog.co.uk |
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