Criterion Collection Releases for 2020: GHOST DOG: THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI (Spine No. 1057)

Рет қаралды 2,146

Күн бұрын

1999, directed by Jim Jarmusch
Spine No. 1057
For more information about the Criterion release film itself, please see the website here:
www.criterion.com/films/31032...
You can find the essay by Jonathan Rosenbaum here:
www.criterion.com/current/pos...
You can find the essay by Greg Tate here:
www.criterion.com/current/pos...
0:00 Introduction
1:11 Comments on the film
13:21 The Criterion release
14:12 Comments on the supplements
26:09 The booklets, the essay, etc.
29:06 Concluding remarks
Opening credits music:
Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/vendaface/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Closing credits music:
Divider by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/divider/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
*****
You can reach me at: dbeppu373@hotmail.com
I am also on Instragram at daisukebeppu4
And I can be reached via Facebook messenger.
****

Пікірлер: 65

@Eazy-E-40 3 жыл бұрын

Blind bought this release when it came out because of RZA, and I was not let down. I absolutely love this movie now.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!!! It is a classic soundtrack.

@TypoDiabetes 3 жыл бұрын

I once saw an analysis of this film that points out the pun between pigeon and pidgin (A pidgin or pidgin language, is a grammatically simplified means of communication that develops between two or more groups that do not have a language in common: typically, its vocabulary and grammar are limited and often drawn from several languages.) Not sure if intentional but it certainly can be connected regarding the themes of different cultures and 'ways'. Love this movie!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you so much for the excellent comment and observation. And yes, there is a way that your observation lends itself nicely to the theme of connections. Thank you so much and I hope you are well.

@kkim6957 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed watching this movie. It is the genre of action comedy. One of my favorite Jim Jarmusch flick besides "Deadman". I was very pleased when Criterion released it in bluray.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes! Me too. This is such a great addition to the Criterion Collection.

@Crunch_Buttsteak 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely in my top 100 films!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent choice my dear friend, and first!

@Crunch_Buttsteak 3 жыл бұрын

@@DaisukeBeppu lol I just noticed that!

@mike_ely 3 жыл бұрын

French Montana has a line on Rick Ross’ Stay Schemin’ ‘From the hoopty coupe to the Ghost dog Pigeons on the roof like Ghost Dog’ I just love that lyric and it always reminds me of this amazing film.

@RedRedMCmusic 3 жыл бұрын

I caught that line too when I heard it

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!!!

@fno2009 3 жыл бұрын

Great verse from Frenchie

@KMO325 3 жыл бұрын

This was one of the best Criterion releases in years for me. The way this film deals with loneliness and anxiety at the coming unknown of the 21st century is one of the big draws of it for me. Daisuke, how did you feel about the way that Ghost Dog used bushido and the Hakagure in this film? He doesn't give off the zealot-fundamentalist vibes of a Mishma, but he still seems to honor that way of life completely. One of the great meta-tensions of this film is the clash of genres as a samurai film is bleeding into a gangster film-only Ghost Dog seems aware of this contrast.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and that is an interesting way you describe it in the context of a comparison with Mishima. Yes, very interesting. Cheers and I hope you are well.

@KMO325 3 жыл бұрын

Daisuke Beppu How would you say this film is received in Japan?

@airloomprovidence 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best releases of 2020 as well as one of my favorite Jarmusch films for many years. The quick reference/link to Dead Man with Gary Farmer is one of the best moments. Cheers Daisuke! Loved your discussion of the film!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Yes!!!!! And thank you so much my friend. Cheers as always.

@pablomaximilianogomezaguir7659 3 жыл бұрын

After having watched this movie a tons of times, once I realised that the way Louie and Ghost Dog tell the story of their first encounter is totally different. We learned by Ghost Dog that Louie rescues him and saves his life, and because of this, GD becomes Louie's retainer... However when Louie tells the other gangsters how he met Ghost Dog he is showing killing the guy in self defence after the guy that was punching GD pulled a gun at Louie.... that makes you think about it as that point, that incident, creates the whole plot. That and many other hidden messages or clues are there to be found... This is one of my favourite movies, just like Oldboy (the original)

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Pablo Maximiliano Gomez Aguirre (LATAM) and thank you so much for this great comment and your enthusiasm for this film!!!!

@Sude1089 3 жыл бұрын

Bought this many years ago when I was on a big DVD collecting binge and upon first viewing, I didn't really care for it. Saw it again a few years ago and I do think a little bit better about the movie now. The blending of Samurai warrior ethos with a modern setting was the coolest element and I'm a Forest Whitaker fan, but I think this is the strangest Criterion release to me so far. Still, you were able to break down all of the elements that might make it "Criterion-worthy" and I enjoyed giving the film yet another look through your analytical, passionate words. Cheers, my friend! 🇯🇵🇺🇸🤓👓☕

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and yes, it is a kind of blend of many types and tones. I think it is also a film that is a great re-watch, as your comments suggests.

@u2popmofo 3 жыл бұрын

I finally watched my copy last night, loved it. Fantastic picture quality, super inky (almost HDR level) blacks, great realistic colors, great detail. No complaints on the sound. Have only had time to watch the RZA special feature in full, but I look forward to checking out the rest of the extras soon. Great movie, great Criterion disc, and a great review from Beppu-sensei!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the film! I hope you are well and please enjoy the supplements! Have a wonderful new year.

@latenightdoublefeaturepict2048 3 жыл бұрын

I adore this film - it may be my fave Jarmusch film - it’s violent and touching and sad and funny all at the same time. Brilliant!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Me too. I remember seeing the film in the theater when it was first released. What an amazing time that was.

@FastEddie86 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent release. More special for me because Jim answers my question first on the extras. I’ve ordered the instrumental soundtrack on CD from 36 chambers. I wasn’t aware that it was the definitive soundtrack of the film and it was only available in Japan. Can’t wait. First CD I’ve bought in years too.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh fantastic!!! And that is so cool about the Q&A!!!

@BirdArvid 3 жыл бұрын

Saw and enjoyed this on its initial theatre release. Jarmusch was one of a small group of directors who got me hooked on arthouse film; others were Almodovar, Kieslowski, Wenders and Lynch. And I hate to admit it because I've come to detest him, but Tarantino, as well.. Whittaker's stoicism and inner strength lend him great credibility in this film.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the comment. I too saw it in the theater and it was great.

@Jared_Wignall 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve never seen this film, but I saw the various features included on this release on Criterion’s website. The film sounds interesting too. If it’s ever on the Criterion Channel, I’ll probably give it a watch, as it hasn’t been on the channel at least to my knowledge. Thank you for talking about this release Daisuke, have a great day!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and yes, I think you would really enjoy it!

@roryalexanderm 3 жыл бұрын

Just watched this and glad to see you made a video on it! I really feel like there was potential for more ghost dog, whether that be a sequel or I could see the character translating well into comic books or an adult oriented animated series. Oh well 😅

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Rory M and wow, thank you so much for this. Yes, I think there is much potential to the world and much room for further exploration as you suggest.

@BuddyRider 3 жыл бұрын

I flip flop between this and Mystery Train being my fav Jarmusch, but they are both masterpieces in my eyes.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

A great selection. Mystery Train is also so iconic.

@Stealthborn 3 жыл бұрын

I've already talked about this film in the past but I will say this is one of my favorite Jim Jarmusch films. This package as a whole is pretty reasonable and such a unique film overall! I think the best part of this whole release isn't just the special features but the excerpts from Hakagure which is a nice addition even with the essay/booklet. A snazzy release and a release I was waiting for in addition to Dead Man when that came out (I saw both films in college on VHS back in the day and had fond memories of them).

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes!!! You are so correct my friend!

@timecapsule5604 3 жыл бұрын

Yes I purchased this when it came out along with Moonstruck and some others and I love this film its a fantastic different type of film unlike The Professional and unlike other samurai type films this is a Jim Jarmusch film and u know it by the characters it creates and the coolness of the film I just wish he didn't die at the end not like that anyway,I remember when I first saw how unhappy I was with the ending but not all films can end the way we would like them too

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, I agree. There is this sense of melancholy.

@1977Suspiria 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great film with a cool soundtrack. There's some hilarious moments involving the gangsters too. Will probably import this. Wish they'd bring it out in the UK though. I'll see what the March line-up is in a few days & if it's not on the slate then I'll import it.

@nuggetofnerdiness 3 жыл бұрын

You have a very relevant profile picture

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and yes I agree! Cheers and I wish you well during the holiday season.

@1977Suspiria 3 жыл бұрын

@@DaisukeBeppu Thanks, Daisuke. Merry Christmas to you & yours, mate. 🙂

@anthonycitizencain 3 жыл бұрын

A superb film, superb critique too...👍 Wonderful soundtrack, great writing, absolute masterpiece. Thanks for your thoughts and passion.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much and yes, such a superb film. You are very kind my friend, and warmest regards to you during this holiday season.

@anthonycitizencain 3 жыл бұрын

@@DaisukeBeppu a very Merry Christmas from England 🎄

@nickbirkhead7238 3 жыл бұрын

this is the kind of film criterion was established for, classic contemporary cinema needing a revamp! a great set from them to be sure.. and what a wonderful film.. uniquely has a literary structure. whitaker is one of those actors who tends to employ his whole body to portray his character a very physical and nuanced performance from him. I really liked and found surprising when jarmusch reminisces about his talk with seijun suzuki who said he disagreed with the way the character's death was presented in the final scenes..

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Well said! Yes, there is a kind of literature structure to this work, where it seems content to take its time with the development of character via character moments and interactions with others. You are so right about this.

@maxthefewell 3 жыл бұрын

What caught my eye about this film was the title actually haha.

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes it is a classic title!

@mg-ThisHandleIsSoStupid 3 жыл бұрын

For me, His best film for sure. I will be picking this one up. I do wish they would have done something a little better with the cover art. Oh well.

@mike_ely 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! The European DVD release had wonderful artwork with Forrest on the roof with the pigeons and the city skyline in the background. It really is beautiful and would’ve been perfect. The criterion artwork is sort of a zoomed in image of the original box art. It’s a great image of Forrest Whitaker but I feel like they could’ve done better.

@mike_ely 3 жыл бұрын

sexy monkey Wow! Nicely done sir!

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic my friend. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers and happy holidays!

@superantonio 3 жыл бұрын

very well done and such a great soundtrack! 1 also recommend the RZA's directorial debut, the man with iron fists (2012). i am also a fan of the stapled booklets:) just picked up david cronenberg's crash (criterion no. 1059) which regrettably, does not include a stapled booklet...

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this great comment!!!! And yes, noted about the Crash release and the insert (a fold-out poster type, right?).

@swipergangjohnwicks 3 жыл бұрын

💕💕💕 loved this movie 🍿🍿🍿

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes!

@Freddy-Da-Freeloadah 3 жыл бұрын

They say Ghost Dog a "remake" of Le Samurai... I have never figured out why. But I can't see A Fist Full Of Dollars as a remake of Yojimbo, even though Kurosawa won a lawsuit claiming this. So what do I know!! IMHO

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes, an excellent point you raise about the connections between this film and the Melville film.

@saorse5918 3 жыл бұрын

To me this film makes me think of passing of ages

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

That is a great way to describe it.

@Pinkie-Red-Studios 3 жыл бұрын

Help I’m in daisuke as criterion closet I told him I’m not a criterion box !!! 😩 ok no . Great review/collective criterion video .(or however you call it)

@DaisukeBeppu 3 жыл бұрын

Haha... thank you my friend.