Review: Based on the long-running popular manga of the same name, Golgo 13 features none other than the athletic Sonny Chiba in the role of the amoral hitman. GOLGO 13: OPERATION KOWLOON is in fact the second live-action adaptation of the series, the first one being a Toei production as well, but from 1973.

If you’re not familiar with Golgo 13, think James Bond but with a much darker character with fewer morals. However, Golgo 13 never kills without knowing why his target deserves to die, and never kills innocent people. In fact, he will probably go out of his way to save the widow and the orphan, but then leave them without a word to their lonely destiny. As for what pushes mobsters to hire this enigmatic dark killer, it is simple: Golgo 13 never misses his target!

Chiba's personalization of the amoral hitman is simply perfect. Being a skilled martial artist, he pulls the right moves at the right times and lends credibility to the character. However, don’t expect incredible fighting sequences. While Japanese movies in the 70’s were still much more developed than those in America, they were far behind Hong Kong fight choreography. The fighting is not a dominant element in the movie either, as most of the action sequences consist of well elaborated shootings or cat and mouse pursuit within the city. One fighting scene, the one on the marina docks, is particularly bloody; a reminder of the STREET FIGHTER series with Sonny Chiba made a few years prior. Unfortunately, it is the only scene of its kind in the movie. Too bad, because there can never be too much guts ripping in a Chiba movie, and this movie would have especially benefited from it. On the other hand, it’s not exactly Golgo 13's style to go on a rampage, so I can see why the production team decided to go that way instead.

The story is kept to a minimum level of complexity, too. As the story develops, twists and revelations will unfold, but most of them are easy to guess. It is never boring, but let’s says that the high points of the film don’t lie within the script. However, it still does a good job of introducing you to the characters and you don’t need to be familiar with Golgo 13 to enjoy this film. Not much is said about his background, but Golgo 13 has always been a mystical character, and it's better to keep it that way.

Most of the movie was shot in Hong Kong (where everyone speaks Japanese!?), and it does an excellent job of using the location. There’s even a scene in which Chiba keeps his balance on top of a moving bus while avoiding the advertisement panels in the street, and then jumps on one to finally reach street level; a scene which has since then been done many times in Hong Kong action flicks.

Even if the movie has its flaws, they are easily overlooked. GOLGO 13 is a great and entertaining Chiba movie that should not be missed by his fans. It is also a great initiation to Chiba movies if you never had a chance to see his early work. Not too cheesy, great doses of action and Chiba on the front, GOLGO 13: OPERATION KOWLOON is a “one shot” sniper hit.