‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’ arrives on 4K UHD this week, and this 90s indie gem has never looked better. Arguably director Jim Jarmusch’s most accessible film, ‘Ghost Dog’ is yet another gem from 1999 (contemporary cinema’s greatest year) that defies genre conventions and offers a mesmerising exploration of honour and loyalty in a modern criminal world.
Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a contract killer who adheres to the ancient samurai code of honour, as detailed in the 17th century text ‘Hagakure’ by Yamamoto Tsunetomo. He sees himself as a modern-day warrior, serving as a loyal retainer to a mobster named Louie, played by John Tormey. Ghost Dog’s life takes a dramatic turn when a hit he carries out goes awry, and he becomes a target himself.
The film’s quiet and contemplative tone, punctuated by bursts of violence and absurd humour showcases Jarmusch at his best, and expertly conveys the clash between ancient principles and the modern mob underworld. Ghost Dog’s unshakable adherence to his code makes for a fascinating character study, and the film’s unconventional narrative will keep you gripped from first scene to the last.
Whitaker imbues his enigmatic hitman with warrior-like stoicism, and a vulnerability which is incongruous with his hulking physicality. His portrayal of a modern-day samurai is beautifully layered, and he navigates the character’s complex moral code with finesse. His friendship with a local ice-cream seller who only speaks French has that signature Jarmusch deadpan humour to it, but by the end, Whitaker’s performance transforms it into something deeply moving.
If the whole thing sounds a bit poetic and philosophical, rest assured it is also brilliantly entertaining. Ghost Dog’s counter-offensive against the crew trying to kill him is an absolute blast. The film is also extremely funny, no more so than in the scene where the mob moss Varga (Henry Silva) finds out that Louie knows almost nothing about the button man he employs, and that they only communicate by carrier pigeon.
‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’ is a quintessential product of 90s cinema, embodying the era’s spirit of independence, diversity, and experimentation. It’s unconventional, it’s stylish as hell, and boasts a killer soundtrack by the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. A genuine cult classic, and fully deserving of this excellent UHD restoration.
There’s nothing particularly remarkable about the special features, which can be found on the Blu-ray disc of this release. ‘Ghost Dog: The Odyssey’ is an archival behind the scenes programme from 2000. There are five minutes of deleted scenes, and two trailers. The first is the original theatrical trailer, and the second is for the new StudioCanal restoration.
Cast: Forest Whitaker, John Tormey, Cliff Gorman, Henry Silva, Isaach De Bankolé Director: Jim Jarmusch Writer: Jim Jarmusch Released By: StudioCanal UK Certificate: 15 Duration: 116 mins Release Date: 23rd October 2023
