Jim Jarmusch's film marries up the ancient, honourable traditions of the Samurai with the less honourable traditions of mid-ranking Mafiosi through the enigmatic Ghost Dog. His life having been saved by mobster Louie, Ghost Dog is now beholden and becomes their hit-man, reachable only by carrier pigeon, but deadly efficient. But when a hit goes wrong thanks to Louie, Ghost Dog is the target and now is the time for the Samurai lore to come to the fore to ensure his survival. Part thriller, part meditation on the human condition, the film is also garnished by a wonderful collection of character actors who have spent their lives playing mobsters including Cliff Gorman, Henri Silva and Gene Ruffini.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is a Film programme that first aired in 1999 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
