Gorugo 13

Gorugo 13 is a 1973 action film produced jointly by Japan and Iran and directed by Junya Satō. Made by Toei together with the Iranian company Société Anonyme Cinématographique Iran, it became the first live-action screen adaptation of Takao Saitō's manga series of the same name. The story follows Golgo 13, a globe-trotting professional assassin who accepts contracts around the world, a role played by Japanese star Ken Takakura. Production took place almost entirely in what was then the Imperial State of Iran, and most of the supporting parts went to Persian performers, among them Pouri Banayi and Ahmad Qadakchian. Running about 104 minutes, the picture stands as a rare cross-cultural co-production for its time. It was followed in 1977 by Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon, in which Sonny Chiba took over the title role.