Ghost Dog: The way of the samurai

Ghost Dog
As samurai films go, I'm a lot more interested about the methodology of samurai and the ancient rules that apply. Of course, the fight scenes can be fantastic, limbs lopped off, blood spraying everywhere, even computer games like Bushido seem to focus on the grotesque rather than the respect and loyalty that is entrenched in the culture of samurai.

The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise develops the ideas of samurai through the entire film. Fights do take place and blood is spilled, but the ancient samurai codes are adhered to, in most instances. Japanese society is a fascinating topic, and one the main reasons I would like to travel there, is because of the history involved. Within, the Last Samurai, a large training sequence allows the viewer to become involved with the ideas of samurai and Cruise's character completely encompasses the methodology.

Ghost Dog cannot be labeled as a standard samurai film. The film is set in America, the lead samurai character is played by Forest Whittaker and the enemies involved are Italian gangsters. But, the film still manages to put through the ideas of respect and loyalty to a poignant conclusion. There are no sword fights, and no Japanese characters but its refreshing to see the same ideas transported into a different cultural environment.

The story is a simple one. Whittaker plays Ghost dog a hitman/assassin who is hired by an Italian mobster. Ghost dog heavily believes in the ways of the samurai after reading a book on the topic, and transfers the methodologies into his everyday way of live. As a youngster, Whittaker is attacked by a group of lads who are threatening to kill him. His life is spared by Louie (the mobster) and Ghost Dog then strikes deal to work for Louie as he feels he has a duty to him back. Ghost Dog respects Louie as a master. He is loyal to him in all ways, and therefore his entire life is dedicated to him.

Ghost dog's relationships with normal citizens are strange. He is known by the community and is also seen to be respected. But, his best friend is a French ice cream seller who speaks no English. This relationship spawns some of the films lighter moments, with the two friends unable to understand what either is saying.

The film moves fairly slowly as many characters are introduced, but twists and turns in various directions at the same time. Parts of the film are broken up by narratives from Whittaker on the ancient rules that Ghost dog follows. These cleverly match aspects of the film and can be related to everyday developments. It could be seen that these slow down the film too much, but if thought about and applied to the film then they can enhance areas of the film.

There are some clever touches in the film, with Whittaker placing his gun back into his holster in a similar way to placing a sword back in its holder. Although, he could just be seen as a hitman with little emotion, this clever touch brings the thought of Ghost dog being a samurai into the mind. Ghost dog's relationship with a small girl also shows that he does have trouble whilst socially interacting. But, when given the chance can be kind and caring.

Some may miss the point of this film and think that its missing something due to the lack of fights and traditional samurai, but if you look deeper into the underlying theme and then the films emotional climax, you may find if brilliant.