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Summary: In Jersey City, an African American hit man follows "Hagakure: The Way of the Samurai." He lives alone, in simplicity with homing pigeons for company, calling himself Ghost Dog. His master, who saved his life eight years ago, is part of the local mob. When the boss' daughter witnesses one of Ghost Dog's hits, he becomes expendable. The first victims are his birds, and in response, Ghost Dog goes right at his attackers but does not want to harm his master or the young woman... (imdb)
An underrated classic. Well-paced and original story that focuses on the philosophy behind martial arts, and not just fight scenes to the exclusion of everything else.
Typically original (though sometimes pretentious) Jarmusch mix of mysticism, action, and even comedy, anchored by Whitaker's quiet, intense performance. Very bloody at times.
Me and him, we're from different ancient tribes. Now we're both almost extinct. Sometimes you gotta stick with the ancient ways, the old school ways. I know you understand me. LOUIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEYYY. I liked it ^_^. Forest Whitaker is the premier black actor. And the soundtrack by the RZA is awesome.
Jarmusch gives Ghost Dog a number of "cool" quirks, like training messenger pigeons and having a best friend who only speaks French. Despite its hip veneer and calculated badassery, it still manages to be a fairly entertaining movie. Ghost Dog is a likable character, and his various situations can be interesting. And RZA's score is pretty good. I just can't help but think it would be much better in the hands of someone who didn't take it so damn seriously.
A brilliant soundtrack; a wonderful, if slightly bizarre, variety of themes (samurai, hip-hop, mafia, hitman...); a variety of moods (at times sombre, funny, exciting...); great characters (samurai hitman, mobsters, ice cream seller...); an interesting story; and a slow pace which allows you to relax, take in all the details, and enjoy the music.
There's an interesting theme here to explore but it seems like the film has a bit too much fun with the kitsch of this genre. The tone alternates between being a camp mafia film to a pseudo-spiritual Samurai quoting Forest Whitaker. The film doesn't fall apart from it all but it really abuses its own quirkiness. There's some inspired homage scenes and a nice soundtrack but all in all it's pretty average. It exists as a nice piece of indie stylized fluff but nothing more.