GOLGO 13 (1983)
I’m somewhat surprised that Golgo 13 hasn’t seen much love from the anime community, especially not on these forums. Although old anime movies or series don’t see much love from the community on websites, it doesn’t matter how good they are. They have to be either Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies or NEWLY RELEASED.
Golgo 13 was released at the tail end of May 1983. During its colossal run, the manga saw a ton of success both in Japan and overseas. It garnered over 200 million different formats. The series was later adapted into two separate live-action movies, one in 1973 and the other in 1977, both of which were received with mixed reviews. In 1983, they finally released Golgo 13: The Professional, and it was as fun to watch as it was innovative at the time of its release.
The film follows the adventures of Duke Tougou, a silent assassin known only as Golgo 13. After assassinating Robert Dawson, the only son of oil tycoon Leonard Dawson. Golgo 13 might have been successful in the assassination, but he is met with Leonard Dawson’s hardcore fury as he throws everything in his armada at Golgo 13. Add the Army, FBI, CIA, other assassins, mass murderers, and a considerable lack of humanity to the mix. Shake it up with the 80s aesthetic of blood-pumping action and slow framed animation. Golgo 13 is a recipe for uniqueness, and it serves precisely like that.
The pacing and story are exceptionally well made, with hints of humor, action, and other aspects coming in at appropriate times. This is reminiscent of high-quality action films such as Mad Max and Die Hard. The movie took inspiration from films, but in turn, it has inspired filmmakers to create great action, most notably Luc Besson's "Leon The Professional” and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill.” The video game Hitman is also a love letter to Golgo 13 in a way. The film’s pacing and whole structure started on a bitter note, which then turns on full throttle towards a breakneck speed that progresses much more later on.
Unlike most anime in the 80s, Golgo 13 was explicitly made with a mature audience in mind. Golgo is shown as an empty shell of a character who kills all the enemies he can and sleeps with all of the women he can. In the words of Michael Jackson, he’s a smooth criminal. However, Golgo seemingly never evolved out of being a James Bond rip-off throughout the film’s entirety, and his character remained static and without any depth.
Thankfully, Golgo isn’t the only main focus of the film. Leonard Dawson is the other driving force behind the film and has more depth than Golgo 13. His character’s quest for vengeance as he slowly deteriorates his mental state into insanity is a development to behold. It makes for an incredibly engaging villain and hero dynamic that builds up to one of the most awesome climaxes in dumb-action anime.
Golgo 13 remains undeveloped through the film, though; maybe that was the point that he is unchangeable; always the quiet assassin? While all of the destruction that his actions caused is blamed on Dawson’s vengeance. This surprisingly poses a profound morality-based question for the viewer, which is always cool to see.
Golgo 13: The Professional was released in 1983, and for a film that is more than 35 years old, the level of creativity in the animation and innovation is relentless here. The sheer number of creative ways they use the lighting is ASTONISHING. CGI and the Postcard Technique are technology and techniques that are VERY common in the anime industry now, but they were first pioneered right here in Golgo 13: The Professional.
Given the film’s age, though, the artistic quality would usually be considered subpar compared to our current content. However, that is not the case with Golgo 13: The Professional, as the movie features some of the most well-drawn character designs and worlds that we’ve seen yet. It’s no wonder the film is considered such an absolute classic. With art like this, why wouldn’t it be?
As all action movies had in the 80s, the soundtrack here is a mix of pop, rock, and jazz. However, sometimes it has some strange quasi-classical songs thrown in to catch people off guard. However, the number of different music styles the film features can feel VERY cluttered at times, not to mention the sound-editing is not the greatest here. The music can make or break a film, and here it doesn’t help in any case.
So, the question is, will Golgo 13: The Professional be something that you would enjoy? Well, if you’re like me and had a copy of the film in your younger days, then yes. The way the CGI Helicopter looked back when CGI wasn’t common in anime was a sensational innovation in the 80s. You might also like this if you’re a fan of the manga, or the recent adaptations of Golgo 13, though if you’re not a fan, then you should steer clear, perhaps.
However, the most appropriate recommendation goes towards the action junkies. Even with the flaws, Golgo 13: The Professional makes for an exciting and highly entertaining film that is ever so slightly brought down by its poor music production, sound design, and Golgo’s underdeveloped character.
