Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Jim Jarmusch

Writer:

Jim Jarmusch (written by)

Release Date:

6 October 1999 (France)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

All assassins live beyond the law... only one follows the code

Plot:

An African American mafia hit man who models himself after the samurai of old finds himself targeted for death by the mob.

Plot Keywords:

African American | Samurai | Ice Cream | Mafia | Book

Awards:

5 nominations

Cast

Forest Whitaker	...	Ghost Dog
John Tormey	...	Louie
Cliff Gorman	...	Sonny Valerio
Dennis Liu	...	Chinese Restaurant Owner
Frank Minucci	...	Big Angie
Richard Portnow	...	Handsome Frank
Tricia Vessey	...	Louise Vargo
Henry Silva	...	Ray Vargo
Gene Ruffini	...	Old Consigliere
Frank Adonis	...	Valerio's Bodyguard
Victor Argo	...	Vinny
Damon Whitaker	...	Young Ghost Dog
Kenny Guay	...	Boy in Window
Vince Viverito	...	Johnny Morini
Gano Grills	...	Gangsta in Red

Also Known As:

Ghost Dog (Australia)
Ghost Dog - Der Weg des Samurai (Germany)
Ghost Dog, la voie du samouraï (France)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence and language.

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

France | Germany | USA | Japan

Language:

English | French

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:MA | Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Argentina:16 | Canada:14A | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Company:

Pandora Filmproduktion

Trivia:

Two of the rappers in the park (when the Ice Cream beat can be heard) are Timbo King and Dreddy Kruger. They are both rappers; members of the Wu-Tang Killa Beez. RZA, who scored the movie, is the 'leader' of both Wu-Tang Clan and Wu-Tang Killa Beez.

Goofs:

Continuity: The final shoot out is said to take place at "High Noon" and the clock in the background rings 12 times, but the shadows are far too long, indicating early morning or late evening.

Quotes:

Ghost Dog: If one were to say in a word what the condition of being a samurai is, its basis lies first in seriously devoting one's body and soul to his master.

Movie Connections:

References Star Wars (1977)

Soundtrack:

Dangerous Fun

The United States as seen through the eyes of an afro American samurai.

Jarmusch up to par with his best works. Always inspired and humorously aware of good sides and social contradictions in his country Jim shows us how a blend of races, creeds and traditions can come to a successful end. His irony on all aspects of interpersonal connections lightens the films spirit, without diminishing the spiritual impact of the samurai philosophy. Actors are at their best with a special mention for the mega-talented Whitaker who is once again a surprisingly versatile performer.