I always knew about Golgo 13s longstanding existence that predated the likes of IO Interactives Hitman video games. It was also news to me that Golgo 13 even outshines the insane lengths of One Piece. For as old as Golgo 13 might be it feels like modern HBO in its presentation to the point that it does come across as very tryhard. Its a gritty sleazy and violent spectacle. Of course many more adult anime films of the time were all going for distinctly sexual and violent endeavors and Golgo 13 is no different. The first half of this film runs on all cylinders before taking a clear drop in quality with the animation but the action does pick up in the latter half. Theres a bunch of good scenes tied together with very questionable ones that had me wondering what their purpose was. Theres not much of a story besides Golgo 13 being the most hedonistic S.O.B to ever live. Really the only plot thread that weaves the story together is that Golgo is avoiding assassins who are actively trying to kill him. Its just a shame that it tries so hard to be the next mostedgiest knife in the shed with its gratuitous overuse of sex and violence instead of establishing an overarching narrative which is why I think the episodic structure of the Golgo 13 2008 series would fare much better in the enjoyment department. To be fair there are far worse anime candidates like Goblin Slayer 2018 that focus more on depravity than any kind of enjoyably edgy luster as seen in Golgo at least for me. Golgo 13 manages to stand on its own as a bold fashion statement and whats left is an entertainingly dark ride through an 80s anime. It should be given a watch solely for its entertainment value while not expecting anything more than that. What Golgo 13 does it does well as its a rare breed of anime not often seen today. The movie has a kind of whitecollar bravado akin to James Bond giving it enough staying power for me to recommend it. Golgo 13: The Professional has given me an excuse to check out the 2008 series regardless of my awkward enjoyment for the film. I just dont think there is any anime let alone TV shows that can give me the same type of kill satisfaction that the Hitman games do. Well except for Golgo. Lets just call it a job well done.