Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

About Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is a crime-action film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, and released in 1999. The movie features Forest Whitaker as the title character, who follows an ancient Japanese code while living in contemporary America. Ghost Dog is a professional hitman, known for his swift and stealthy samurai-style executions. The movie executes an interesting blend of modern crime and samurai ethics.

Making / Production

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai was made on a relatively tight budget. Jim Jarmusch shot the film mostly on location in Jersey City. Despite the budget constraints, the film managed to present an intriguing blend of American and Japanese cultural themes, strikingly infused in a crime-action drama.

Actors

• Forest Whitaker: Playing the titular character, Ghost Dog, Whitaker brilliantly adapts the brooding yet wise demeanor of a samurai warrior living in modern times. He impeccably balances the mystique and ruthlessness expected of his assassin character.
• John Tormey: Enacting the role of Louie, Ghost Dog's contractor and only contact into the world of the mafia, Tormey brings out the moral dilemma of his character with finesse.
• Henry Silva: Playing Ray Vargo, the mob boss, Silva pulls off an intimidating presence on screen and paints a vivid picture of the mafia hierarchy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The bird scenes in the film were shot entirely with real birds.
• Forest Whitaker did not actually kill anyone in the movie.
• Jim Jarmusch wrote the role of Ghost Dog with Forest Whitaker in mind.

Quotes

• "Life is a series of commas, not periods." - Ghost Dog
• "Matter of fact, as an interesting piece of trivia, he's the only one I ever brought here." - Louie

Music, Soundtrack

• "Samurai Theme Song" - GZA
• "Don't Test/Wu Stallion" - Suga Bang Bang
• "4 Sho Sho" - North Star featuring RZA