Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai15

Directed by Jim Jarmusch | USA | 1999 | 1h 56m | Starring Forest Whitaker, Henry Silva, John Tormey, Cliff Gorman, Frank Minucci

In 1990s New York, a self-taught hitman lives by a strict code of honour drawn from ancient Japanese traditions. But when a job goes wrong, he finds himself betrayed by his employers and hunted by the mafia. Starring Forest Whitaker in one of his most iconic roles, Jim Jarmusch’s postmodern riff on the hitman thriller blends gangster cinema with martial arts mythology, and features a brilliant original score from Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA (who also has a cameo).

Classic Season: Samurai Summer

Reviews

‘At once a tribute to traditional notions of honour, loyalty, friendship and professionalism, and a stylish, ironic pastiche inspired by the likes of Melville and Suzuki, it’s very funny, insightful, and highly original.’
★★★★
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

‘A downbeat, stylish and strange film’
★★★★
Simon Braund, Empire Magazine

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai between August 15, 2025 and August 16, 2025.

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What else is on?

Today (Tuesday 26th May)
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17:45

Wild Foxes 15
£6 for Members + short film
1h 34m | French w/ English subtitles
At an elite sports academy, young boxer Camille survives a near-fatal accident thanks to teammate Matteo, but mysterious pain threatens his recovery and future. Valéry Carnoy’s Cannes-winning coming-of-age debut explores masculinity and vulnerability within the competitive world of boxing.

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20:00

Us 15
1h 56m
A family’s holiday turns terrifying when mysterious doppelgängers appear at their home. As chaos spreads nationwide, hidden truths emerge about identity, privilege, and repression in Jordan Peele's sharp psychological horror. Screening plus an introduction by Dr Christy Wensley.

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Tomorrow (Wednesday 27th May)
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15:30

The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m
The Thompson children discover a magical tree leading to fantastical lands. Facing quirky inhabitants and wondrous adventures, they reconnect and grow closer. Enid Blyton’s beloved classic comes to life in this enchanting adaptation starring Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, and Claire Foy.

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18:00

The Barnabáš Kos Case 12A
1h 32m | Slovak w/ English subtitles
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
A timid triangle player is unexpectedly promoted to Musical Director, but soon becomes corrupted by power. Peter Solan’s darkly comic satire exposes absurd hierarchies, sharply skewering state bureaucracy and the fragile egos behind positions of authority.

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20:15

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

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Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!

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