Rating: Summary: Light, Interesting movie Review: Personally, I thought the movie was enjoyable.NOT AMAZING,NOR BAD. This movie somehow found a place inbetween.For some unexplained attraction, I AM going to buy Ghost Dog. Now, to the plot:Forest Whitaker plays a modern day, for hire, samarai. His only friend, a french ice cream man, only speaks french, who's constant miscommunication sets up some comic relief within the already strange movie. Whitaker is loyal to a mobster who saved his life when he was young(basically, thats where he becomes a killer). He does conracts for him, and the only way to contact him is through a carrier pigeon.Things start going wrong and the main boss wants Whitaker dead. Telling more would spoil the plot, sorry but that's all you get. One more note, take this movie lightly and dont expect a serious action movie. ; ) : P : b : D (in case anybody's slow, look at them sideways:)
Rating: Summary: Jim Jarmusch did it again Review: A Jim Jarmusch film is always a celebration, and this one is no exception. Probably his best ever, Jarmusch managed to combine a typical gangster film, comedy, and a touch of spiritual insights.Forrest Whitaker plays a modern day Samurai - a hit men for the Italian Mafia who follow the old codes of ancient Japans's samurais: Faithfull to his master - and willing to die for him not to show any disrespect, equipped with the latest technology aiding him in his "work" The Italian Mafia men, are portrayed as aging men lost in the modern world, attached to their old codes, who find refuge watching cartoons on TV. The film is accompanied with great rap music getting you in the mood, and quotes from the samurai book are woven between scenes. Not too action packed - though corps are stacked by the dozen, this film can appeal to both action seekers as well as alternative film gurus.
Rating: Summary: A Dying Breed Review: this film is about two old-school codes for which modern society has not allowed a space. One being the Code of the Samurai, the other the code of the Cosa Nostra (the italian mob). Adherants to these codes are a dying breed and Ghost Dog illustrates this with wit, humor and elegance. The film also pays heavy attention to the culture of hip hop that seems to embrace and keep alive the dying ethics of the two codes. Jim Jarmusch's writing and direction of this film is poinient and funny. The acting is great in its humor and subtlety. One of the best elements of the film is the music. Produced by Wu Tang Clan elder, The RZA, the music flows in and out of the film carrying scene to the next scene on waves of dopeness. you cant help but bob your head. this is a great film for anyone who apreciates the works of Jarmusch... and for all those who love hip hop..
Rating: Summary: The Poetry of War Review: Even having seen Le Samurai (a French film that Jarmusch borrowed from, or payed homage to, as they call it), Ghost Dog still seems a wholly original work of art. To fully enjoy Ghost Dog one must understand that it is not an action movie or a comedy, or even a mix of the two, it is an existential drama that happens to have a certain amount of violence and humor in it. The violence is inventive and the humor is HILARIOUS. Whitaker's performance is perfect. Ghost Dog doesn't seem insane, as many people have said, just completely out of touch with contemporary society. Whitaker makes him a compassionate, sympathetic charater who is also tough. Jim Jarmusch is one of the best directors currently working. I hesitate to call Ghost Dog his best movie because all of his movies are excellent. Only he could hae made an existential hit man movie that is this funny, contemplative, and entertaining.
Rating: Summary: A classic tale of honor in a world that seemingly has none. Review: I just returned for viewing this film. As a teacher of martial arts I have to say it captured the essence of ancient warrior spirit in a very modern context. Ghost Dog is a wonderful film regardless of the viewer's familiarity with the martial philosophy of the samurai. It is well crafted and well acted. It gives one a lot to think and talk about afterwards. The director's work seems invisable at times,as the movie flows so well. There are a few minutes I found inappropriate in terms of comic relief that I personally would have omitted, but I guess they serve as a foil to contrapose the Ghost Dog character with his Mafia counter parts. I highly recommend the film. Forrest Whittaker does a very fine job. The only thing I chuckled at was the scene where he was practicing with the samurai sword (a shurisaya)and had it positioned in an uncommon manner in his belt. Generally the cutting edge of the curved blade is worn up not down in the belt. Still I enjoyed the film.
Rating: Summary: One of the greatest Films ever Review: When I went to see this movie, I was already a fan of JimJarmusch's. Down by Law was my favorite by then. But that spot wassoon to be taken over by Ghost Dog. I give this film the highestrating because it is perfect in all aspects. Aesthetically, Jarmusch imposes his style, and mixes it with a great story, Rza's awesome soundtrack, ancient japanese culture, and a good dose of humor. I had never been a true fan of rap, but this film has changed this (...). Forest Whitaker's portrayal of a modern-day samurai also deserves the highest praise, he executes his role perfectly. This film is one of those masterpieces which don't get enough praise at their release, but I am sure that some day, Ghost Dog's group of admirers will grow. I can only give one piece of advice: see this film at any and all costs!
Rating: Summary: not bad Review: ive never been a fan of the director. but this movie wasnt bad. it reminded me of pulp fiction in some ways. lots of retard ganster characters having retard conversations. then every one gets shot. this movie is fairly amusing, but i would have preferred a real WU movie.
Rating: Summary: Cool, funny, haunting Review: GHOST DOG has Jim Jarmusch follwing the path he started with the spectacular DEAD MAN, starring Johnny Depp. Like that film, it's much darker and more violent than his previous films. It also has the most elaborate visuals of any Jarmush work. Before DEAD MAN, his camera usually offered static, though strikingly composed, long takes. Now he's playing with superimpositions, time-lapse dissolves, stobing effects, slow motion, and his camera is moving more freely. But like all of his films, it has some hilarious absurdist humour and it offers a fresh take cultures clashing. Ghost Dog is an enchanting character. Though he is a profesional killer, a most unsympathetic position, his dedication to an ancient, long extint philosophy, and his application of it to modern day violence is fascinating. An ethical approach to a most unethical proffesion? Clearly he thinks so, but the movie doesn't necessarily agree. Pay close attention to a recurring flashback scene that explains Ghost Dog's devotion to Louie, and think RASHOMON. It's a subtle touch in an intruiging, funny, haunting film that will offer a lot to viewers who can handle lesiurely pacing.
Rating: Summary: SEEING THIS WOULD BE WISE Review: Anytime a new Jarmusch film comes around it's a time to celebrate for fans of real cinema and not prepackaged-market tested mainstream multiplex product! GHOST DOG finds a gret performance, again, from Forrest Whittacker. (He has come sooooo far rom his earlier efforts like BLOODSPORT where he was 4th banana to the then unknown Jean-Claude Van Damme) Only Jarmush could combine aging gangsters (the Rushmore-esque face of Henry Silva is priceless) ; Samauri code; homing pigeons (PASSENGER PIGEON! ); hip hop; and a French speaking ice cream vendor and put it all together in a wonderful, thought provoking mix. I kind of missed the usual Tom Waits music score, but that's me. Venture into something thoroughly original and see this film. Jarmusch is a treasure.
Rating: Summary: Do yourself a favor... Review: ...go and see "Ghost Dog". Jarmusch is a genius, and this is another beautifully quirky piece of cinematic art. It is not to be missed by one who truly enjoys film. End Transmission...
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