Essential classic anime!!!
"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.

Timeless Classic
This movie was and continues to be my favorite movie of all time. I like all types of movies and its kinda odd that my favorite happens to be a japanese animation film. From beginning to end, the professional GOLGO 13 is an action plot twist full of surprises. Masterfully done with impressive english voice talents and an upbeat soundtrack, the movie is sure to keep adult audiences entertained (If you don't mind brief depictions of graphic sex.) My only gripe is its unavailability on DVD and VHS copies are hard to come by these days. If you happen to stumble upon this movie, by all means buy it. I cannot recommend this movie enough.

An Underrated Classic
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.

Not very good
Plot is OK. I live in San Francisco but still I don't mind the animation quality nor reality of location (San francisco as well as Italy etc). But I hate its excessive Sex (and rape too) and Violence. All pointless. There are so many better animations out there. Why bother? Do not waste your time and money.

One of the first anime films...
This is an anime classic, with lots of action and an interesting storyline. It had some very good graphics for its time! The film focuses on a killer named Duke Togo, code named Golgo 13, who one of the trained proffesionals that works as a hitman. It has at least 10 F-bombs, and that's okay. The violence is brutal, and there is nudity. The animation was [bad], though... But it must have been amazing to see 20 years ago. Anyway, it was a great action/thriller.