Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977)

Based on a best-selling Japanese manga, Sonny Chiba is Golgo 13, a master assassin whose calling card is a single shot between the eyes. Matching his marksmanship with his deadly martial arts skill, Golgo is hired to take out a wealthy business man in Hong Kong who is actually running a drug ring. But time is running out as other players are out to get the kill and Hong Kong police are closing in on Golgo and his target.

Despite extensive location shoots and plenty of action this B-rated, James Bond-like film starring Asian cult hero Sonny Chiba pales next to The Street Fighter (1974), his most infamous film character.

As usual, Chiba snarls and frowns his way through the film in his characteristically stiff but brutally charismatic performance as the mysterious hit man, Golgo 13. Unfortunately, all the other actors perform horridly, diminishing any credibility Chiba’s character might have had. The film plays like a comic book come to life with goofy dialogue (at least in the English dubbing), two-dimensional characters and over-the-top violence. But any attempt to capitalize on this as a cult hit is lost as the overall effect just makes the film laughable for the wrong reasons.

Although much of the filming takes place in Hong Kong with a number of recognizable players, the fight choreography is handled poorly including dreaded roundhouse punches (usually associated with American film) swinging wide. Chiba, who isn’t known for his graceful fighting style doesn’t get to put his skills on display much and its a good thing since no one looks particularly flattering here.

With an interesting plot wasted on bad acting, worse choreography, and a lack of vision, Golgo 13 has little to offer. Diehard fans of Chiba or ’70’s exploitation film might find something of interest here but others are advised to stand clear of this cooked turkey.