Ghost Dog is a hitman for the mob who follows the ways of the Samurai, including being faithful to your master, whom he met many years prior when his life was in danger.

He lives a simple life; his only friend is an ice cream vendor who only speaks French, which Ghost Dog does not. His dwelling is a run down shack on a rooftop where he lives with his pigeons, of which they are many (you'll probably notice a bird theme throughout). He reads his books related to the Samurai, and there are many passages from them relayed through the film.

Unlike most hit men, Ghost Dog only wants to be paid once a year, on the first day of Autumn. He also communicates with his master (mob member Louie) only via pigeon.

Things start to go wrong for Ghost Dog and the mob when a hit on one of their own doesn't turn out quite as expected. The mob want his arse, but Ghost Dog has made himself invisible, as one would expect of a Samurai.

This is a great film which has been skilfully made. The mob are all old cronies with not a member under 50 amongst their ranks, which provides some good chuckles at times. Weaved into the story is a thoughtfulness I wouldn't usually expect in an action film about a hitman. The Director gives the viewer time to think about what they've just seen; never zooming straight out from one shot in a hurry to get to the next action shot, which I appreciated, and as such, I 'got' it all on the first watch, it all made perfect sense to me. However, there were enough plot twists to keep me happy too.

Now, Roger Ebert seems to think Ghost Dog is crazy. Because he lives in a shack on a rooftop? Because he barely has a life in the traditional sense that we're all accustomed to? Well, who knows. I didn't see any particular signs of craziness from him, rather I saw a well balanced man who does not want for much and survives on presumably a meagre amount of money as he only works for one man and seems content, albeit perhaps a little sad?

I smiled a lot when watching this. There's enough emotion, action, funnies and, when necessary non-action moments to make it an overall jolly good (although not a shooting a minute) film. His relationships are entertaining, it is well acted by Forest Whitaker and the supporting cast do a good enough job so as to not be distracting or irritating.

Oh, and if you like rap/hip hop, it has a pretty sweet soundtrack too.

An 8.75/10 from me. I'll definitely return to this film from time to time.

(found on /r/underratedmovies)