"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.
