Hey Abner. I never saw Ghost Dog and don't know much about that kind of thing, what is the meaning of the line about a Samurai's head being cut off?
It has to do with absolute certainty. In the books of the ancients, it was said that a Samurai's commitment and dedication to his task/master would be so great that it would enable him to complete one last task (killing) even if his head was chopped off. The Samurai should plunge headfirst into action with hesitation or retreat. Abner
In the context of the movie "Ghost Dog". As a young man, Ghost Dog (black) was severly beaten by several white thugs. A mobster by the name of Louie happened to come by while having a smoke. Louie asked "Hey fellas, what's going on here?" Then, in a sudden display of kindness towards Ghost Dog, Louie pulls out his pistol and dispatches a bullet into the assailants heads, thereby "equalizing" the situation. Thereafter, Ghost Dog, a devout follower of "Hagakure", sees Louie as his retainer/master. So, in specifics to the movie, the above quoted line has to do with GD's determine in completing the tasks required of him. His ultimate goal is to protect his retainer in accordance to the ancient ways. In the end, GD commits his version of seppuku by allowing his retainer to kill him, and thereby allowing Louie to tell his bosses GD was "eliminated". There is my movie review for the day, Abner "The end is important in all things."
