Director: Osamu Dezaki. Japan . 1h 31m
I’ve never really been swept off my feet by Bond movies, although I did get sweaty palms over some of the wonderful toys and gadgets. But the actual bond character changed with every incarnation and while everyone brought their own twist I couldn’t really find him all that believable. In contrast we have Rambo (stay with me here) Rambo is the toughest man alive (no question about it) a tough hombre who little kids wanted to be when they were all growed up, but then I discovered Riki-O (1991) a amazing invincible tough guy who makes Rambo look like a pussy. In the same vein Golgo 13 makes Bond looks equally pussified. He’s an assassin who is always one step ahead of the game, women falling over themselves willing to die just for one night with him, no shot if ever off and he’s like teflon in hand to hand combat. There really isn’t anyone better than Golgo 13.
With that mighty introduction, what else is left to say? You now have the opportunity to see the toughest man alive do bossanova things.. Get going.
The film opens on a bright sunny day, onboard a cruise ship a young man is presenting his father with flowers in a prestigious ceremony when Golgo 13 blows this brains out in front of his stunned family. Golgo barely has a moment to toss away his cigarette and clear the scene, he’s onto this his next mission, he’s seeking Dr Z, a very private individual who’s not been seen for years, so in order to get closer to this brilliant genius he bangs his daughter.
The viewer becomes aware of secret rendezvous in cemeteries and the stalking, torture and murder of his closest confident and informant, we get a sinking feeling along with Golgo that there is someone after him, someone hell bent on revenge, incredibly wealthy and terribly powerful, had Golgo finally met his match.
It’s an incredibly sly thriller, with a plot that keeps twisting and shocks at every turn. Golgo is brilliant modern Samurai with a brilliant mind and impeccable taste in cars and guns.
The film is one of the older films within the Anime genre and it’s not as dynamic as Akira (1988) but the movements are pretty smooth but it relies on a lot of stills and light effects but the bonus is the retro computer generated helicopter scenes which while laughable by today’s standards are pretty impressive for a 1983 film.. Kinda.. I think .. Let’s not talk about this again.If the motion and sparkling effect seems familiar the director Osamu Dezaki is also responsible for Space Adventure Cobra (1982) which almost became technicolour with all the retro shiny robots and psychedelic space effects.
With a driving force based on pure hatred it’s baffling to see the depths that Golgo’s new foe will go to in order to destroy the man. But our anti hero has killed so many people it’s hard to know which stray end is biting his balls.. Can Golgo solve the mystery in time. There are some questionable actions mostly sexist and exploitative that occur, he offers up his son’s widow as payment to a very unusual henchman known as Snake, and kidnaps his grand daughter to train her to be the cutest assassin ever. but this is the edge that the movie often takes, everyone is totally ruthless.
Obviously I’m a total fangirl for Golgo along with his mechanic who works for dick but alas I have no skills with cars so I have to make do with re watching this classic fast paced manga for my kicks. Although there is a live action version of the film which I am yet to see at the time of writing this but I have high hopes!
Rating: 8/10
R: Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977), Riki O (1991), Space Adventure Cobra (1982)
Vs: Golgo 13 Vs Bond!?
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