Review of Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai

Introduction

Forest Whitaker plays Ghost Dog, a man out of time and culture. Although born and raised in the ‘hood, he lives his life by the ancient code of the Samurai warrior.

He is rescued from almost certain death by a Mafia wiseguy, Louie, and becomes Louie’s retainer in the Samurai fashion. He becomes an honourable assassin and serves his master faithfully until Louie betrays him to his Mafia superiors.

With both his, and his master’s, life in jeopardy, Ghost Dog addresses the problem the only way he can. By following the Way of the Samurai.

Video

The film has very little dialogue and often relies on the imagery to carry the story. Scenes are beautifully composed and shot. Although mostly set in a down-at-heel urban area, the visuals are often imbued with a poetic beauty. The rooftop shots featuring Ghost Dog’s pigeons are lovely.

The 16:9 anamorphic transfer is good and faithful to the visuals but not quite perfect. Some grain is evident in the brighter scenes but this is a minor flaw.

Audio

As befits a DVD that includes the DD “Temple” trailer as an extra, the DD 5.1 soundtrack is superb. All speakers are used inventively and effectively. Atmospheric effects (including wind, rain and traffic) are well presented.

The music is by RZA and is bass-heavy. This is gives the LFE an excellent workout and, with poor mastering, could be overpowering. It’s not. The bass is tight and controlled.

Overall, excellent.

Features

The DVD is light on extras which is a shame. This film could have benefited from a commentary.

In any event, you get a short trailer, the Dolby Digital “Temple” trailer and some outtakes. Unusually, the outtakes are presented in DD 5.1 and are excellent. With some outtakes, you know exactly why they were cut. Not these, they could easily have been part of the finished film.

Conclusion

On the face of it, this is a Samurai, Gangsta, Wiseguys in the ‘Hood movie. However, appearances can be deceptive. This is anything but derivative.

It is one of the most innovative, unique movies of the year. The pace is sedate and at times almost spiritual, with some occasional frantic action. The tone is thoughtful and philosophical. It is also fun. Dialogue is sparse but superb. Ghost Dog says little. The script leaves most of the talking to the Mafia dons and wannabes and gently sends up the stereotyped wiseguy.

I rarely warm to Forest Whitaker but as Ghost Dog he is superb. He gives a restrained, stately performance, imparting a melancholy resignation (within the Samurai code, an honourable assassin already considers himself dead) to the role. The supporting players, especially John Tormey as Louie, are excellent.

The film is warm and witty and full of endearingly quirky characters (as befits a Jarmusch film) and rewards repeat viewing.

Highly recommended.