Monday, February 3, 2020

Movie Review | Lupin III: The First

02.03.2020 – If you haven’t heard of Lupin the Third chances are you haven’t watched the full spectrum of iconic Japanese anime series. But if you just want to see a modern take of a cult classic character this latest iteration of Lupin might be in your wheelhouse for those looking for a different take of the beloved franchise.

Lupin III: The First is the latest instalment in the film franchise, which is actually a standalone adventure of Lupin and his friends including Detective Zenegata. Back in the early 2000s old episodes of Lupin the Third anime series were syndicated in the Philippines, which were dubbed in Filipino (Tagalog) and became a huge hit. Though the series is no longer being broadcast the character and its series has been popular.

With the latest film it takes all the classic elements of what the franchise is all about and reintroduced in this generation with a CG animated feature film, that redefines the character and giving you a fresh look on his next adventure that also ties up to his grandfather Arsène Lupin.


WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! If you haven’t seen Toy Story 4 you know the drill, but then again you’ll just ignore it anyway so carry on…

This new animated feature film seems to fly under the radar to those who haven’t heard or have seen the TV series originally adapted from Japanese manga going back to the late 1960s. This new film will surely give you enough information to get to know Lupin and his friends without the need to go back to the classics or back issue volumes of the Manga that was created by the late Monkey Punch.

The premise gives you an idea when Arsène Lupin III teams up with a woman named Laetitia steals the Bresson Diary, a treasure that even the first generation Arsène Lupin could not steal.



There’s nothing can stop Arsène Lupin III from making a heist as the masterful thief that he is, but this time his adventures will lead him to the connection of the plot device in his next adventure. Visually this new take of the Lupin franchise is impressive that it was nominated for Animation of the Year at the Japan Academy Awards. The narrative is as usual the typical Lupin the Third shenanigans, but this time there’s something that has to do with heritage.

Though it doesn’t reveal much of how extensive the connection of his grandfather to the Bresson Diary, but good enough laughs how things come together in terms of plot as well as timing for how smart Lupin is as a thief. There’s no priceless artefact that can be kept for him. Of course, with Goumon, Jigen, and Fujiko in tow there’s enough room for impressive action sequences, gags, and the signature humour that made Lupin the Third a timeless classic reintroduced in this generation as a CG animated feature film that sometimes you mistake the texture for its realism.



Overall Lupin III: The First is quite the rollercoaster ride for a film that doesn’t get much attention and for those who have been into anime but hasn’t thread into seeing a modern take on a classic this one is impressive enough for you to get hooked with an action packed adventure at the same time make you lose yourself with the comedy that defined the franchise and its iconic character.

Lupin III: The First is now playing since 29 January 2020 in limited cinemas in the Philippines from Toho Limited producers of Godzilla, which is distributed in the country by Pioneer Films.

Listing for the Rest of the World HERE!

RATED: A+

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