I couldn’t wait to see Lupin III: The First ever since I first saw its trailer. I had never been that much excited for a Lupin the Thirdmovie since the crossovers with Detective Conan. It was because it’s computer-animated this time around, and it actually looked spectacular.
Lupin III: The First sees Arsène Lupin III pursuing the Bresson Diary – a treasure that even his grandfather, the original gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, supposedly couldn’t steal. This enterprise brings him and his gang to collaborate with a young woman aspiring to be an archaeologist named Laetitia and to contend with a secret Nazi organization which believes that the diary holds information about the location of an ancient superweapon.
If you’ve enjoyed the anime series and films, you will likely enjoy this new movie, too. The five main characters – Arsène Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Inspector Koichi Zenigata – delight with their usual bits. The action, comedy, and old-fashioned sense of adventure are pretty strong as always. The plot, which has elements reminiscent of Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade, unfolds as you expect these Lupin the Thirdcapers unfold.
Yes, Lupin III: The First is basically just your standard Lupin the Third caper. But since its formula rarely fails in delivering something fun and stylish, being formulaic is to its advantage.
Besides, what really makes this film so appealing in the first place is – as what I mentioned – the animation. It’s the first time that this property has had a CGI production, and what’s been rendered is an absolute eye-candy. Apparently, this movie is directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who already has had experience with translating into 3D an originally 2D anime as he was the director of the excellent Stand by Me Doraemon.
In summary, Lupin III: The First is extremely entertaining in general. But it does nothing substantially special storytelling-wise (though one can argue that Lupin the Third’s storytelling is always special). However, the new animation style makes it an utter must-watch as it truly gives the anime fresh and breathtaking visual dynamics.
As a result, it’s a movie that old fans will be pleased with, and at the same time, can serve as a worthwhile introduction for the younger generation to this beloved property.
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