Product Details

• Actors: Ken Takakura, Pouri Baneai, Mohsen Sohrabi, Jaleh Sam, Yadolla Shirandami
• Directors: Jun'ya Satô
• Writers: Takao Saitô
• Producers: Sunao Sakagami
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Urban Vision
• VHS Release Date: August 29, 2000
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004U5RO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #369,985 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little known, little appreciated., October 12, 2000

By 

Randy Robinson (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Golgo 13 - The Professional [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Golgo 13's one of those movie's that goes around appreciated by only a few. Most of my friends who've seen it either loved it or hated it, depending. I think a lot of the sex scenes turn people off to the film, as well as it's noir setting and odd style of story progression. Perhaps the film's an acquired taste -- I loved it after having seen it once, and even after several years since seeing it for the first time I love it still. Many of the dark elements of the film -- exposing humanity's more negative aspects with no mercy -- I think leaves an unsettling mood in the audience. But, heh, that's why I love the film. In fact, I liked this one better than "Queen Bee," Queenie being the one more people seem to like, I guess, because it has more of a "linear" feel to it than this one.

Anyways, SEE THIS MOVIE. It's artsy, even in the scenes where a head's being blown off ... .

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Underrated Classic, October 24, 2003

By 

TrezKu13 (Norfolk, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Golgo 13 - The Professional [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I consider "The Professional: Golgo 13" to be the "Usual Suspects" of anime. It has a developed characters, a fascinating storyline, good action, and a kick-in-the-butt surprise ending. I was blown away by this the first time I watched it, and watched it five times in one night because I was so impressed. The minute I saw a video copy of it at Suncoast I bought it without another thought.

The opening scene of the film shows Duke Torgo (aka Golgo 13) killing the son of a wealthy oil tycoon. Using his money and influence, the tycoon vows revenge. At first you may not care since his revenge seems justified, but as the movie continues you begin to see who the characters really are. Duke isn't a cold-hearted killer as we first thought, and Leonard Dawson, the oil tycoon, quickly stops being the kind of character you want to root for, especially after selling his daughter-in-law off to the perverted hitman Snake in return for services. "The Professional" gives you false first impressions and then reveals the characters slowly through the action and dialogue.

Some complain about the animation, but those people clearly aren't fair as it is more a sign of what time this film was made. For me, the character designs were well detailed and the animation didn't bug me so much because of the storyline and characters. The surprise ending is icing on the cake.

Now I am waiting for the day they release this on DVD. The minute I see it on DVD is the minute I buy it. Even if I have to overdraw from my bank account.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential classic anime!!!, January 3, 2005

By 

J.S. Clements (Ramona, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Golgo 13 - The Professional [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"The Professional: Golgo 13" is the best anime I have ever seen. This came out in 1983, which was between "Fist of the Northstar" and "Vampire Hunter D". The plot is so sophisticated that you will forget you are watching an animated feature. It is about a professional assassin codenamed "Golgo 13", who is trying to survive an onslaught of attacks from the CIA, FBI, and the Pentagon, not knowing who is behind them. He also has to go up against a repusive, biologically-engineered mutant called Snake. My favorite scene is when Golgo 13 and Snake go head-to-head in a glass elevator, each using his own distinct syle of fighting. Snake is the kind of killer that would simply tear you apart, wheras Golgo uses more precise martial arts to defend himself. Some people compare the character of Golgo 13 to James Bond. I disagree. Golgo is more like "The Jackal", played by Edward Fox. He is methodical, cold-blooded, and sociopathic, similar to Tom Cruise's character in "Collateral". However, you do tend to root for him, just like Edward Fox and Tom Cruise, because they are so professional at what they do, and all have a marginal sense of humanity. Golgo 13 is not invincible, contrary to poular belief. He bleeds, feels pain, and requires medical attention and recuperation before continuing on a job. Some people also complain about the sex in this film. If you have ever listened to the audio commentary by Osamu Dezaki during the movie "Queen Bee", you will understand that it reflecting the character's current feelings, and this is how he/she copes with them. Most of the people in the film have their lives destroyed, sans Golgo 13, who remains indifferent, since he is used to dealing with these situations. This is not a movie for kids, but makes a fantastic thriller/action film for adults. It taps into psychology, as well, showing how delicate the human condition realy is.