Ghost Dog – The Way of the Samurai (1999)

[Tsujigiri]

Ghost Dog – The Way of the Samurai (1999)

This plot driven film used the character of Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) to play out the story of how a modern interpretation of an ancient text (In this case the Hagakure) can be very misled.

Under the impression that his life was saved by a mysterious benefactor, the young Ghost Dog already apparently steeped in the lore of Bushido trains hard in order to become a suitable retainer to this benefactor, whom he regards as a feudal Daimyo.
We are introduced to Ghost Dog as he performs an assassination for his adopted modern day Daimyo, and yet spares the life of a young woman who he did not expect to encounter on the scene.

An interesting visual cue to the storyline is when GD picks up the book Rashomon dropped by the young woman.
The story then follows GD and his Daimyo through the politics of the mafia as the family tries to rid itself of GD, who of course resists assuming that the assassins sent to him are acting against his ‘Lord’.
The twist in the tale comes when, upon Ghost Dogs demise at the hand of his assumed ‘lord’ we discover that this man is nowhere near the head of the mafia family.
Again the book Rashomon appears as an obvious allusion to the overall story arc.

I enjoyed this film on a number of levels. The casting is very good from my point of view Forest Whittaker is excellent as the modern day samurai who becomes trapped in a philosophy that has no real place within his world. The other characters are very archetypal and support the story excellently.

The film is enjoyable simply from an entertainment point of view and throughout the film, specifically at scene changes excerpts from the Hagakure are displayed and read in Whittakers deep, husky voice.

From the point of view of a martial arts aficionado there is very little actual combat involved, this film leans more toward a specific message, that I have mentioned above.
This message is further alluded to at one specific point in the film where Ghost Dog is watching an old oriental gentleman about to be mugged, it is unclear whether GD intends to intervene, but not all is as it appears when the old gentleman drops his shopping and executes an impressive kick to his assailant before continuing upon his path.

To conclude, I enjoyed this film as a clear warning not to assume that our adopted philosophies match our modern lives.

[Michael]

Good point, there. We can hope, of course. This movie sounds interesting.

[a|one]

I remember seeing this in a video store and being intrigued by the fact that Forest Whitaker was staring, but turned off by the name. I was afraid it would be some teeny bopper hip hop samurai BS. It sounds very interesting however, and will probably rent/download it in the near future.

[George Potter]

Ghost Dog is an excellent film. Sly, sardonic, and touching in a subtle way. It's a film that rewards repeated viewings.

I agree with your take Tsujigiri, but I feel the need to stress that the film is, fundamentally, about the importance of communication -- and the ways that communication can be accomplished through difficulty (take the friendship between Dog and his French speaking friend); fall apart despite the best of intentions (as in the misplaced loyalty of Dog for his benefactor, and the benefactor for the concept of 'the family'); and happen on the most basic and sublime level (the near instant rapport of Dog and the young girl).

An aspect that adds credence to your view is the way the Mafia is portrayed. It's not coincidental that they are shown as mostly elderly men. Just like Ghost Dog, they are remnants -- the keepers of a faith that the modern world has passed by.

In closing, the film shows that both traditions have been passed to younger hands, but we are left to wonder if those traditions will continue to exist.

A film to savor. Thanks for reminding me of it and giving me this chance to ramble a bit.

[Tsujigiri]

My pleasure.
I have a special interest in the film as I am generally considered to be a keeper of similar ancient traditions that have no obvious place in the modern world.

Concepts such as loyalty, honour and dedication seem to just be words now.

It saddens me more than I can put into words.

Honrai Mu Ichibutsu.