What does rap music, a samurai sword, a few birds, and the Italian mafia all have in common? They are all a part of Ghost Dog’s daily life. Who is Ghost Dog? Well, he is an African American assassin for the mafia who happens to practice the ancient traditions of the samurai. Talk about a cultural blend! When I first rented this from Blockbuster back when I was 13, the clerk had told me it was campy. I didn’t know what that really meant. Hell, I still have no idea. But whatever it is, if this Ghost Dog defines it, then sign me up as a fan of campy films. Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a humble man who vowed to work for Louie, a member of the mafia after he saved his life. Through a series of betrayals, Louie hires Ghost Dog to kill a ‘made’ member. Outraged, the bosses order a description of this assassin and laugh when he tells them that he’s a black man who lives on a roof that communicates solely through messages tied to the legs of a bird. They laugh when they hear this, as they should. The premise of this character is something so absurd but works in only the way that Jim Jarmusch could make it work. Now, the mafia has put out a hit on Ghost Dog and he must fend for his safety. Forest Whitaker’s character is actually quite impressive. He defies cultural stereotypes and has us cheering for him despite the fact that he kills people. With very little actual speaking, Ghost Dog invites us into his mind through a series of quotes from The Hagakure, a book that depicts how a samurai should live, as well as some kind-hearted interactions with a French-speaking Haitian ice cream vendor and a little girl. This is a story about morals and what it means to hold true to your word. Something we all can learn just a little bit more of.