Special Review
This review was requested by Discord user BodaciousCNO. If you'd like to join the server, click the button below. Visit DiscordIn 1965, Kazuhiko Katō, under the pen name Monkey Punch, created Lupin the Third, a manga about a gentlemen thief. Inspired by the character Arsène Lupin created by Maurice Leblanc, the manga was published in 1967 in Weekly Manga Action. Upon its publication, the manga proved to be a massive hit and was adapted into numerous anime series and movies. The first animated feature was 1978’s The Mystery of Mamo, followed by 1979’s The Castle of Cagliostro from Hayao Miyazaki. Over the years, Monkey Punch wanted to see the character brought to life as a 3D animated character. Work began in early 2019 with Monkey Punch supervising, but he sadly passed away in April of that year. Many cast and crew who’ve worked on previous adaptations came back for this ambitious project. Lupin III: The First was released in Japan in December 2019 and the US in October 2020.
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Synopsis
Renowned archaeologist Professor Bresson (Marc Thompson) entrusts his diary to his family as it contains secrets the Nazis are after. Unfortunately, Bresson is killed and the family dies in a car crash, the only survivor being their infant daughter. Years later, the diary is displayed at a museum when infamous thief Arsène Lupin III (Tony Oliver) tries stealing it. Unfortunately, a young woman named Laetitia (Laurie Hymes) steals it, then femme fatale Fujiko (Michelle Ruff) steals it from her. Lupin’s arrested by Inspector Zenigata (Doug Erholtz) but is rescued by his cohorts Jigen (Richard Epcar) and Goemon (Lex Lang). Lupin catches up to Laetitia, who reveals that she’s working for her adoptive grandfather Lambert (David Brimmer). Lambert is working for Gerard (Paul Guyet) who’s looking for a weapon called The Eclipse to restore the Third Reich. It’s up to Lupin, Laetitia, and his crew to stop them from finding it.
Review
Lupin III: The First is a wonderful animated adventure that both fans and even non-fans will find enjoyable. While it’s difficult to convert something 2D to 3D, here it works thanks to the fluid and stylized animation used. All of the characters have very unique designs, fluid and exaggerated movements, and a wide range of facial expressions. Honestly, the animation is on par with anything Pixar or Disney Animation could create, though some things don’t translate well. For instance, the 3D animation gives many of the characters a weird, plastic-like sheen to them, which can be distracting. Also, some of the more cartoony facial expressions that worked in 2D don’t always translate well to 3D. The same thing goes for some of the movements, which can come off as stiff and unnatural at times. Still, it’s an impressive feat given the risks in translating a popular character to something new.
The story moves at a good pace, with the action-heavy scenes and more dramatic scenes being well-balanced. Admittedly, several exposition-heavy scenes drag the film down at times, but the action and humor keep things moving. Each of the characters is memorable in their own ways, either being loveable goofballs, intense villains, or cool archetypes. Admittedly, the main villain can come off as a bit bland and one-dimensional, but it works given the material. The voice acting fits the characters well, with many of the original English actors returning for this film. Each of the action sequences is over-the-top and fun to watch, in a way harkening back to old-school adventure serials. At roughly 90 minutes in length, the film never overstays its welcome and entertains throughout despite some parts that drag. Overall, Lupin III: The First is a solid animated adventure that even people unfamiliar with the manga will love.
Buy Lupin III: The First on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qb8c0s
