An African-American Mafia hit man who models himself after the samurai of old finds himself targeted for death by the mob.

A hitman who lives by the code of the samurai, works for the mafia and finds himself in their crosshairs when his recent job doesn't go according to plan. Now he must find a way to defend himself and his honor while retaining the code he lives by.—Scott Jarreau

In the spirit of the samurai, imbued with the ancient wisdom of the Hagakure, stealthy and taciturn Ghost Dog, a masterful contract killer who is at the top of his game, has pledged his loyalty to Louie, a middle-ranking mobster who had once saved his life. However, after an unforeseen complication during a mission, the local mafia boss, Vargo, and his associate, Sonny Valerio, decide that Ghost Dog has become a liability to the crime syndicate and order his execution. Now, as the dead bodies start piling up, the hunted hitman must make the most crucial decision of his career. Will he stay faithful to his master and the way of the samurai to the bitter end?—Nick Riganas

Ghost Dog (Whitaker) lives alone - except for his friendly homing pigeons - on a rooftop in New York, a self made, modern Samurai warrior who has attached himself to a master in the form of a middle ranking gangster (Tormey) who once saved his life in an alley brawl. Ghost Dog lives strictly by the Samurai code, even when his life is in danger, such as when Mr Vargo (Silva) demands Ghost Dog's execution with the help of Ghost Dog's own master.

In Jersey City, an African American hit man follows "Hagakure: The Way of the Samurai." He lives alone, in simplicity with homing pigeons for company, calling himself Ghost Dog. His master, who saved his life eight years ago, is part of the local mob. When the boss' daughter witnesses one of Ghost Dog's hits, he becomes expendable. The first victims are his birds, and in response, Ghost Dog goes right at his attackers but does not want to harm his master or the young woman. On occasion, he talks with his best friend, a French-speaking Haitian who sells ice cream in the park, and with a child with whom he discusses books. Can he stay true to his code? And if he does, what is his fate?—<[email protected]>