Ghost Dog

Mixing ancient Eastern philosophy with hip-hop street smarts and a Scorsese gangland atmosphere, fiercely independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch paints a strangely serene portrait of a surgical, stealthy and enigmatic hit man (Forest Whitaker) double-crossed by the mob in this understated and penetrating urban fable. Director and star conspire to lend a mesmerizing calm to this intelligent story of a violent but internally peaceful life, juxtaposing oil-and-water elements (the deeply reflective samurai mentality, ghetto life, mafia honor, oddly light comedy and a hardcore rap score by the RZA) that leave imagery and axioms tripping around in your head for days after seeing the film. Highly recommended. (R. Blackwelder)