I've always been a big Jarmusch fan, and consequently Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai ranks among my favorite movies. I was browsing Criterions catalog the other day, and I noticed Le Samourai, which judging by the synopsis, Ghost Dog seems to have drawn very heavily from. I was just hoping some people could provide their opinions on Le Samourai, and if you would recommend it based on someone really enjoying Ghost Dog (and French cinema as well I suppose, Bob le Flambeur (also by Melville) is also a favorite of mine).

I highly recommend it. It's a fun movie but not nearly like the synopsis Criterion gives it. It's hard to explain.

If you have an affinity for Noir or French cinema, I'll give another solid recommendation. It's a great film, with a fascinating performance by Delon, although, I don't know if I'd use the term fun.

I still have not seen Le Samourai (yes pathetic I am aware) but I do know Jim Jarmusch is a fan of Melville since he has pointed it out. Jarmusch voted for Bob le Flambeur (which I have seen) in his Top 10 Films list for Sight and Sound. Putting these factors together he is probably influenced by Melville in some capacity for Ghost Dog. Just to discuss your point a little bit.

I haven't seen Ghost Dog, but Le Samourai reminded me alot of The Killer. I'm pretty sure that movie was inspired by Le Samourai.

Woo gets into heavy detail about that in the Criterion booklet.

But yeah, you can see a lot of Melville in Ghost Dog....Even a little bit of Branded to Kill!

Ghost Dog

Well Jarmusch blatantly stole the scene in which Ghost Dog kills the gangster through the piping. Nevertheless, it's a great scene.

I enjoyed Le Samourai immensely. I definitely think you should check it out.

Just re-watched this for the first time in 13 years. Excellent from head to toe. Cliff Gorman and Forrest Whittaker are incredible. The RZA soundtrack is hypnotic. Robby Mueller shoots the hell out this film. Jarmusch hits all the right notes. I need to go on a JJ bender.

4/5

Anybody want to chime in on this underrated gangster/samuraii genre gem?

Le Samourai IMO is one of the greatest films ever made. Of all the Melville films I have seen it is my favorite. It has influenced many films, from John Woo's The Killer to Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive.
I also highly recommend Ghost Dog. Mad props to all those involved especially Whitaker, Jarmusch & The RZA (Wu-Tang killa beez, we on a swarm).

I remember laughing my ass off when I first saw the trailer for Ghost Dog, because it looked silly as hell. A friend of my mine was in France and emailed saying that he had just seen a film called "Ghost Dog" (version originale) and that I should watch it asap. It was gone from theaters since it opened in limited release, but I ended up blind buying it on DVD and fell in love with the film. Hell, I even bought a nice hardcover of the Hagakure because of it. The Blu-ray should be phenomenal and here's hoping Criterion score the licensing for it.

Le Samourai is a gem of a movie. It's clean and elegant. I don't think I've seen another movie like it. If you're going to steal ideas, steal from the best.

I like Ghost Dog and The Killer too, but they aren't in the same class.

Le Samourai is an excellent film, definitely check it out. I'm also a fan of Seijun Suzuki's Branded to Kill, which also served as inspiration. A butterfly landing on a rifle barrel causing a botched hit was first seen in this film.