Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10770 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-05-12
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 111 minutes

Synopsis
Eastern and Western cultures and philosophies intersect in this comic drama from acclaimed director Jim Jarmusch. Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a silent modern-day warrior who lives on a rooftop shack. He spends his days breeding pigeons and playing chess in the park with his best friend, Raymond (Isaach de Bankole), a French-speaking ice-cream man. At night he goes to work as a hit man, performing his tasks stealthily and invisibly, abiding by the codes established by HAGAKURE: THE BOOK OF THE SAMURAI, an 18th-century text. One night, while on his latest hit, Ghost Dog encounters a mob boss's beautiful daughter, Louise (Tricia Vessey). Although Ghost Dog leaves her unharmed, her father nonetheless orders Ghost Dog's execution, to the dismay of Louie (John Tormey), his loyal retainer. As the mobsters struggle to locate the mysteriously untraceable Ghost Dog, he must find a way to protect himself while remaining loyal to Louie and the ancient codes that define him as an individual. Jarmusch successfully tackles a variety of genres with GHOST DOG, including mob movies and spiritual samurai films. Fusing all of this with the RZA's thumping, atmospheric score, GHOST DOG remains another entertaining addition to Jarmusch's impressive filmography.

Customer Reviews

Poetic Violence for Connoiseurs
This is my number one film of all time. The poetry of dignified violence is expressed in the subtle and transforming landscape of the reality of old school gangster philosophy, prejudice and disregard for life. Forest Whittaker gives a storming performance and the discreet Wu Tang presence simply amplifies this films status as totally and utterly COOL. Very Buddhist in vibe but don't let that put you off. With no sex scenes and only relevent swearing this film is everything all films should be. Well shot, well directed, equisitely acted throughout, (watch out for the ice cream man and the little girl) and creatively thought through. A must.

Overlooked and neglected
I saw this film about 6 years ago and I am still surprised how many people haven't even heard of it. Whitaker is an ultra cool asassin who strictly adheres to the honour code of the samurai. The film is shot in a dream like manner and the sound track, by Wu-Tang member The Rza, perfectly captures the culture clash of eastern values meets western inner-city street life. Definitely one to own.

Simply a good film
Ghost Dog is a simple but effective piece of film making. It follows 'Ghost Dog' (Forest Whitaker), a ninja style assassin through his ordeal with the mafia after a hit gone wrong. This film is not action packed but is filled with subtle humour and entertaining characters. Definately glad I bought this on DVD.