A Film directed by Takashi Yamazaki

Japan’s track record when it comes to utilizing computer generated animation has been spotty at best. A lot of productions historically have run at abysmal frame rates that result in weird jerky animation that looks 30 years out of date (Berserk and Fist of the Blue Sky come to mind immediately). This is supposedly as a stylistic choice, something designed to replicate cel-drawn animation, but many aren’t buying that excuse or want them to move past it. It has only been recently that the industry has started to shift to a more-fluid western-styled presentation, and I feel that 2019’s Lupin III – The First is the new high benchmark for Japanese CGI anime.

In many ways, the film reminds me a lot of 2011’s The Adventures of Tintin, an action / adventure epic from Steven Moffat, Steven Spielberg, and Peter Jackson, and to me this is very high praise! Released in 2019, this film directed by Takashi Yamazaki captures the spirit and charm of the classic Lupin III series created by Monkey Punch, offering a fresh take on the iconic characters and their adventures for a whole new generation of fans.

“The iconic “gentleman thief” Lupin Iii returns in an action-packed, continent-spanning adventure, as Lupin III and his colorful underworld companions race to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary, before it falls into the hands of a dark cabal that will stop at nothing to resurrect the Third Reich. The gang undertakes trap-filled tombs, aerial escapades and daring prison escapes with the trademark wit and visual finesse that have made LUPIN THE 3RD one of the most storied animation franchises in the world, in a thrilling new caper that is sure to delight fans old and new.”

The film’s plot revolves around the legendary gentleman thief, Arsène Lupin III, and his motley crew consisting of Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XII, Fujiko Mine, and their lovable “frenemy”, Interpol’s Inspector Zenigata. As you can imagine, Zenigata is forced to work along-side Lupin yet again! In this installment, Lupin sets his sights on a mysterious diary known as the “Bresson Diary,” which leads to an exhilarating treasure hunt spanning the globe. Along the way, the film introduces a new character, Laetitia, who plays a significant role in the story, bringing her own depth and intrigue to the narrative. In many ways, this film feels a lot like an Indiana Jones movie, perhaps due to the fact that the major plot revolves around Nazi’s trying to resurrect The Third Reich via an ancient artifact said to hold immense power.

For longtime fans of the series, this film fits in very well with the tone and vibe of perhaps the most famous iteration of the franchise – Lupin III Part II. This was the late 70’s TV series that most western fans know of, being dubbed and dropped onto Adult Swim in the 2000’s. Featuring Lupin wearing a red jacket (which is a whole thing in the Lupin Franchise), the major characters acting more as a team, and world-spanning adventures, this will be right at home for most fans of the show. I would even go as far to say that this obviously takes heavily from the way Hayao Miyazaki often interpreted the show, bob-haired female protagonist, airplanes and all are not a far cry from Castle of Cagliostro!

As I briefly mentioned before, one of the standout features of Lupin III: The First is its stunning animation. The transition to 3D CGI might have been a cause for concern among die-hard fans of the traditionally hand-drawn Lupin III series, but the film’s visual style manages to capture the essence of the characters and their world very well. The attention to detail in character design, action sequences, and the various exotic locations visited by Lupin and his crew is very ambitious for a production like this – especially one from Japan. Perhaps some of the best uses of this new medium were the action scenes, for example a wild car chase towards the beginning of the film or the airplane-based finale. When it was all said and done, I couldn’t help but sit back and cross my fingers that this film gets a sequel.

It seems that venturing into 3D CGI was a longtime dream of series creator Monkey Punch, as expressed in this interview with film producer Takeshi Ito:

“This work was completed over a long period of time, supported by the words of Monkey Punch Sensei: ‘3DCG Lupin is my dream.’ To express “Lupin” that everyone knows in 3DCG was a very happy and exciting job. Especially with regard to unique movements and facial expressions, I think that the production team’s high technical ability and deep love for Lupin have made it attractive compared to overseas masterpieces. It would be great if not only fans but also people who have not touched the work so far can feel that “I like Lupin more” after watching the movie. I sincerely hope that this work “THE FIRST” will serve as a bridge to bring more Japanese stories to the world.”

— Producer Takeshi Ito (Marza Animation Planet)

The film’s pacing is also well-executed, combining humor, suspense, and a touch of sentimentality (fitting well into the part 2 mold). The character dynamics are as entertaining as ever, with Lupin’s wit and charm, Jigen’s stoic marksmanship, Goemon’s unwavering loyalty, and Fujiko’s enigmatic allure all on full display. Inspector Zenigata’s relentless pursuit of Lupin provides a steady source of comic relief made that much better when he is forced to aid the world’s most notorious thief yet again (although we all know he secretly wants to join Lupin’s gang!).

Yuji Ohno, the esteemed jazz musician that has provided music for this franchise for literal decades is back yet again for this film. A variation on the iconic Lupin III theme and various other musical cues are used effectively to enhance the movie’s atmosphere and keep fans engaged. It honestly wouldn’t be a Lupin III production without his direct involvement or some kind of allusion to his past work, so seeing him here was really cool.

Lupin III: The First manages to balance its respect for the venerable source material with a fresh approach, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. It pays homage to the franchise’s history while also showcasing its ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Lupin III: The First is a must-watch for fans of the Lupin III series and a highly enjoyable adventure for anyone seeking an action-packed, witty, and visually stunning animated film. It is for this very reason that it is also one of the best entry points for fans wanting to wade into a franchise that can seem intimidating at first glance. The film’s ability to capture the essence of the classic Lupin III universe while embracing modern animation techniques is a testament to the lasting appeal of this iconic franchise.

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