Customer Reviews

Golgo 13: The Professional

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am not an anime junkie but I think that this was one of the movies that really got me into animation alongside the original vampire hunter d and Akira. This movie is extremely violent and brutal, yet it is not mindless violence like fist of the northstar. It all works with the plot nicely. At times you may not feel as if you are even watching a cartoon, but a live action movie by how good the story is. This movie is a million times better than Golgo 13: Queen Bee. That movie just plain sucked and does not deserve to be this movie's sequel. But if you liked queen bee you would definately dig this one because the main character is so cool.

This film may seem outdated by today's standards but you have to appreciate the hard work that was put into it. It was also one of the first animated films to use computer animation coupled with traditional cel animation found towards the end sequence. It has a bit to be desired there but was groundbreaking for the time. So, if you like animation with a good plot, or are a student studying film or animation, I highly recommend this movie.

I already reviewed the movie for the VHS release, so I won't repeat too much of what I said here. If you haven't seen the movie and you are into animation, I suggest you look into it. It's a fine piece of cinema, with every shot meticulously planned and a storyline that makes sense of the killing and nudity, something missing in many films of the same genre. It should be noted that my score for this is a result of the DVD release, not the movie itself.

I have waited a long time for "The Professional: Golgo 13" to be released on DVD. When I heard Urban Vision (who I assumed was dead from their lack of updates at their website) was finally releasing it on DVD November 1st, I couldn't wait. Come the date I ran to Best Buy and bought it, bringing it home and Christianing it on my computer's DVD drive. Ultimate feeling? Bittersweet.

To put things in perspective, let's review the special features for the horrible sequel that Urban Vision released on DVD long ago. The sequel, "Queen Bee: Golgo 13," (which I have also already reviewed) comes with an audio commentary by the film's Japanese director and executive producer. This DVD came with a short (barely three minutes) interview with the producer, and while he mentions one or two interesting things (such as this was the first Japanese animated film to use computer graphics) it was really a waste. A large section is him saying what an "otaku" is. Uh...Urban Vision? I think a large majority of the people watching this DVD already know what an otaku is. Any way, you're telling me Osamu Dezaki could take time commentating on the lackluster sequel but couldn't be found to discuss the box-office hit that made the sequel possible? Imagine Steven Spielburg doing a commentary for "Jurassic Park II" but not the first one, and you'll understand how I feel.

The special features of this DVD can be reviewed individual as thus:
--5.1 Digitally Remastered Japanese and English Audio (which means the old Japanese track will sound like a really well recorded old Japanese track and the English audio will sound like it was recorded in a tunnel)
--Interview with producer Mata Yamamoto (already discussed)
--Art Gallery - let me take a moment to rant on this. DVD releasers, stop it with this "art gallery" rubbish. An "Art Gallery" on a DVD are nothing but screenshots from the film. Whoop dee doo. This is a step down from DVD releases boasting "chapter selections." (which is like if VHS tapes boasted "VCR playability") Do not tell people the DVD has an art gallery unless said gallery consists of character model sheets, original storyboards, and concept art. Otherwise, don't bother.
--Trailers (the Urban Vision trailers you've already seen a dozen times already)

There are two things I am happy with regarding this DVD:
1) Urban Vision put back in the original opening with CG skeletons that was taken out in the original American release. I do commend them for doing that.
2) The movie is in widescreen format - and, to be fair, it looks cleaner in video than the original VHS release. I commend them for their job on that as well.

I now own this copy because I'm always upgrading my movie collection to DVD. I'm happy with the movie itself, but as a DVD release I was really disappointed. Urban Vision could have - and should have - done better.

I don't really have much to say about the film that you couldn't read elsewhere. It's an animated classic by uber director Osamu Dezaki. The art is gorgeous,incredibly detailed and looks like the comic in motion. The jazzy soundtrack is also superb. It's essentially a must own for any animation fan.

Thats the movie, the DVD itself is rather dissapointing. For one, it features next to no extras outside of a short 3 minute tidbit interview with the producer. Next, while the picture is in widescreen, it's non-anamorphic which really ruins things for anyone with a HDTV. There's a problem in the audio area as well. For the Japanese audio track, the wrong music is played for the opening and closing credit sequences, while both English audio tracks play the correct music. Urban Vision also saw fit to alter the logo sequence, inserting a terribly out of place new logo graphic. I guess they felt people buying a Japanese animation DVD would have a problem with a Japanese title logo..?

Of course outside of importing the Japanese region 2 DVD, this is the best option for owning the movie at this point. So unless your content with your rotting Streamline vhs tape, I suggest you pick this up.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, about this movie that I didn't like. This movie is unparalled in many aspects from plot to script and to action. If I had to liken the main character of this movie to anything else then I would have to say he's a mix between James Bond and Leon (from The Professional with Natalie Portman) but even that is a discredit to him. This movie is full of twists and turns and constantly hits you with unexpected developments. There will be characters in it that you love, that you hate, and some that you just feel sorry for. You may even shed a tear or two for the villian. Expect to enjoy every minute of this movie from start to finish and expect the suspense and action to hold up 'till the last second. The movie starts off with action and ends with a surprising plot twist that'll make you want to watch it all over again with your new found knowledge. DO NOT EQUATE THIS MOVIE TO ANYTHING YOU'VE SEEN IN QUEEN BEE. Queen Bee doesn't even begin to compare to this movie and it's very existence does this movie a great dishonor. Do not use that as a basis for deciding whether or not you'll want to watch this one. If you don't give this movie 5 stars, then I don't know what you're looking for.

Well I too have not seen this dvd but I do have the VHS ed. This is one of the greatest anime films you will ever see, it encompasses all that anime was striving for in the beginning. Action, artistic and iconic characters, plus the best animation we had ever seen. The effect of Golgo is that similar far reaching effect that Star Wars and Indiana Jones had on their respective genres. While the Professional does have some dated colorization, it stands up well against anything that is out right now. Action, sex, intelligence, irony, that's what everyone wants in a good "action movie." You'll get plenty of it here. By now you know of the plot, Billioniare inheirtee is killed by Duke in the presence of his father. That's only the surface plot, far more is involved in making this a great movie. One of the things I like best about Golgo is that he never changes from this OG film to Queen BEE (which I disagree with everyone whom finds that anime distasteful, it was good not great(3 and half stars.)) But having said all of these things I have to give it 4 stars because of the length. While usually I enjoy long animes, this one should have been broken up into 2 parts. 90 min is a long while to wait to climax when you have figured out what's happenining. Very rarely can I sit and watch the whole thing, not because it's not interesting, but like someone else mentioned it does 'drag' in parts. This however does not take away from the film's appeal. The best anime film out there is NINJA SCROLL hands down, everything timed and done perfectly. I would put THE PROFESSIONAL at maybe number 2 or 3 on the all time list.

Well known Oil industrialist Leonard Dawson has recently celebrated his 60th birthday on a ship and his son Robert has been shot mysteriously. It seems the hitman who killed him is known as Golgo 13 who is a very mysterious and cunning assassin as he's a professional who is a bigtime ladies man and snappy dresser, Dawson is so furious over his son's death that he decides to hire some assassins on his own and even send out the FBI after Golgo 13 as our man must fight for his own life.

Exciting, sexy and violent Japanese animated action thriller is the best movie about the popular Manga character around. This one is definitely not a kid's animated movie due to graphic bloody violence, sex and language galore and the animation is very stunning for it's time including some early use of CGI before today's computer graphics. The storyline is very nice and does have some powerful moments like the climax with a superb music score, this is one of the most underrated anime movies ever.

This DVD contains both the English dubbed and Japanese Language with English Subtitles versions with extras like interview, still gallery, trailer and trailers to other Urban Vision Entertainment releases.

Also recommended: "Fist of the North Star", "Leon", "Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend", "Wicked City", "Vampire Hunter D 1 & 2", "Ghost in The Shell 1 & 2", "Nausicca: Valley of the Wind", "Akira", "Perfect Blue", "Spriggan", "Metropolis", "The Departed", "Goodfellas" and "Casino".

For its time, this is a CLASSIC.
Even for these days, in my humble opinion, this is still an entertaining movie.

Made in 1983, Golgo 13 is an animated film based off the popular Japanese comic book character of the same name. The original comic debuted in a Japanese magazine in 1969. This should clear up misconceptions and assumptions when some "uninformed" people say that this animated film is some type of rip off of "Leon: The Professional", "The Bourne Identity", "The Punisher" etc..... Golgo 13 clearly was created in 1969 so this proves that the film is not any type of rip off. It started in 1969 and has sold over 200 million copies over its time. There's even been two live action movies made and one Nintendo video game based off this popular character.

Now on to the review: The movie itself is not the greatest action film ever made nor is it the greatest animated film. Don't go into this movie expecting "The Lion King" or "Princess Mononoke." However, the movie has some good action sequences, detailed artwork, and a decent plot. In my opinion this is simply a movie that aims to entertain. Its focus is NOT to make the viewer try and "think." An example of movies requiring the viewer to think too much would be films like "Ghost in the Shell" or "Akira", or even "Perfect Blue." This however seeks to entertain and bring Duke Togo's character to life in animated format.

Even though the film is not rated, the movie is absolutely for mature audiences. It definitely would get an R-rating if it was submitted to the MPAA. There is violence and sex and therefore, if either of those components offends you then you might want to look elsewhere for entertainment. Over all, I found this timeless classic to be entertaining for both fans of the original comic book series as well as still entertain those who are new to this character.

Golgo 13 is a timeless mature anime classic that pulls NO punches. Very stylish artwork and the main character makes James Bond like like a straight-up PUNK!
If you like classic anime this is a MUST HAVE.
Legendary.

CEO of Dawson Enterprises Leonard Dawson, hires a legion of mercenaries, cut-throats, and military personnel to eradicate the hitman responsible for his son's assasination. The targeted hitman is none other than the legendary sharpshooter Golgo 13, who travels under the alias of Duke Togo and carries the reputation of the man who never misses. Although feared by some and despised by many, the women who are privilaged to know intimately of him, understand him to be quite a charmer and gentlemen (a useful characteristic to potentially extract any, if not all of the useful information they may infact possess.) The name Golgo 13 itself harbors a biblical connotation. Golgotha for instance, is the hill upon which the philosopher and carpenter Jesus Christ was crucified. The 13 on the other hand, despite it's popular myth of being a number symbolizing bad luck, is representated as the number of the man who was responsible, for having placed a crown of thorns upon the head of the individual whom millions perceive to have been the corporeal manifestation of God... ... ... But enough info relating to the plot of the film, or of it's starring character, instead let us move on to various reasons as to why I decided to give this film a rating of what It got. These various reasons include:

1.) Plot: The plot of the film in my opinion rivals almost any delivered in other prominent live-action movies. If for those of whom who have seen this film do not agree with me, I simply ask them to view the last ten minutes of it and tell me where else they have seen such splendid utilization of irony and in some elements, tragedy.

2.)Character Development: Aside from Golgo 13 and a few other of his aiding and abetting compatriots (i.e. Clockmaker) the other characters presented were quite intriguing and above-par of other supporting characters of other films. Charactes like Leonard Dawson, his Daughter-in-law, the various "bad guys" he dispatches to elimate Golgo 13 (i.e. Gold & Silver and Snake) were all very engrossing to watch. On the other hand, I was somewhat disappointed at the seeming lack of three dimensional development on Golgo 13's part in the film. Yes, I understand that he is supposed to be an amoral assasin who only works for the highest bidder, yes, I also seemed to have understood how Golgo 13's "amoralness" may have been used as a sort of literary device to "draw out" the various emotions and feelings expressed by Leonard Dawson and his daughter-in-law, and yes, I understand that Golgo 13 was originally intended to be a man with no convictions (or personality for that matter... that was a joke by the way, so you laugh at it if you want to, or just give it the finger for having meandered from the point of this critical analysis like everyone else has, but don't think that'll hurt my feelings any... Sniff) what so ever by it's original creator (Takao Saito) and the film's director and writer (Osamu Dezaki & Hideyoshi Nagasaka.) No, instead why I complain of Golgo 13's lack of character development is that it is my understanding that in the comic book series, (of which I know little about) pieces of Golgo 13's unknown past have and continues to be revealed to the legions of Male-Japanese readers after a published life span of over 25 years. However, these pieces of his past are in no way shape or form revealed to the movie viewer in any of his three films (the other two being Queen Bee and live-acted Assignment Kowloon.) Instead Golgo 13 continues to be a character with an unknown name, nationality, and past.

3.)Direction: Let me start off by saying that as far as a film's direction, cinematography, editing techniques, coloring, etc. are concerned, I am by no means an expert on these fields, given that I have a tendency to single-mindedly focus on a film,book, or song's content (i.e. underlying story, theme, or message) rather than the context in how it is presented. At any rate I'll give it a shot. I felt the the direction and animation was breathtaking for it's time, and in some extent still is. A particularly favorite scene of mine is when Golgo 13 fires a bullet from the window of a hotel, directed at the ex-S.S. war criminal turned business tycoon Don Hughes (formerly known as Albert Muehler during his S.S. days in Nazi Germany 'keep in mind this film was made in 1983' what is interesting about this scene, is that once Golgo 13 fires the bullet, we are treated to a first person bullet POV (Point Of View) shot as it propels itself from the barrel of Golgo 13's gun, shoots it's way (pardon the pun) through the air, penetrates itself through Don's condominium window, and slam dunks itself right between the Aryan bastard's eyes (Golgo 13's trademark killing by the way, a shot between the eyes.) Aside from that particular scene, the Computer Enhanced sequences are cool (if somewhat dated by today's standards,) as is the fact that the entire film is animated (I absolutely love it when animation is given the sophiscated treatment it so rightly deserves.)

Overall, if you by now haven't switched to something else and are still reading this review... awake, I would highly recommend this film to anyone who pursues any obscure title of any media, which has received little, if any spotlight recognition, or for anyone who generally likes for their films to mix action packed entertainment, with a thought provoking script (I also notice that Terminators 1 & 2 fall under that catagory, as well as Matrix, the ORIGINAL Star Wars Trilogy, and The Professional starring a very young Natalie Portman 'not to be confused with the film that I am reviewing which harbors the same name.')

Hyuckkk! Good bye now!

I won't get into the review of the actual Anime as it's classic and there are tons of reviews for that.

Not the best DVD. This is *not* 16:9 wide screen, yep it's actually 4:3 Letterbox (the old fake wide screen) so you see them big ole borders on your HD-TV. Stupid!

Wasn't remixed in 5.1 Surround, yep that's right it's a stereo mix enhanced w/ a bunch of cheap phasers and EQs. The fake 5.1 isn't even good! Lucky the original 2.0 ST track is on there.

Extras: Some 5 minute boring interview and crappy art gallery, nothing you haven't seen before.