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.
(Source: GKIDS, edited)
Lupin III: The First – The Unstoppable Phantom Thief Strikes Again!
Allow me to transport you on this wild ride titled “Lupin III: The First”, an action-packed series reminiscent of an animated Indiana Jones adventure. The story pivots around the charismatic and renowned master thief, Arsène Lupin III, who is the grandson of Maurice Leblanc’s gentleman thief, Arsène Lupin. This time, he sets out on a globe-trotting quest to unlock the secrets of the Bresson Diary – a treasure that even top-notch thieves couldn’t steal and which might reveal ties to his own storied heritage.
But true to his nature, Lupin III doesn’t tackle this mission alone. Instead, he works alongside his faithful partners: the sharpshooter Daisuke Jigen, the samurai Goemon Ishikawa, and the femme fatale Fujiko Mine. There’s also a young archaeologist named Laetitia who has her own secrets. These characters together craft a story that is part heist, part treasure hunt, and part save-the-world adventure.
Animation, Art, and Soundtrack
We’ve seen Lupin III in its 2D animated glory, but “The First” takes it to a surprising and welcome new frontier with 3D animation. Each character is beautifully rendered, maintaining the charm and expressiveness of their classic designs, while the backgrounds and objects are steeped in impressive detail. The animators truly outdid themselves, creating a visually captivating experience.
The score of “Lupin III: The First” deserves a standing ovation! From start to finish, the music will transport you directly into the adventurous world of Lupin III. The iconic Lupin III theme is fully utilized, creating a nostalgic and thrilling ambiance throughout the storyline.
Characters and Storyline
The characters in “Lupin III: The First” remain true to their timeless appeal, with Lupin III in the center, still suave, brilliantly cunning, and irresistibly mischievous. Daisuke, Goemon, and Fujiko create the perfect ensemble, each with their personality, strengths, and hidden depths that contribute to the story’s development.
The plot is fast-paced, perfectly combining comedy, adventure with exciting and suspenseful moments, which will undoubtedly have your pulse racing. The riddles surrounding the Bresson Diary, the comedic antics, and the sprinkle of emotional moments traverse wonderfully to produce an overall epic storyline keeping the essence of Lupin III intact.
Final Verdict
From a long-standing Lupin III fan to new viewers who are still discovering this treasure, “Lupin III: The First” is a must-watch. It manages to preserve the original charm while serving up a bold new look, robust animation, and an enthralling storyline. Whether you consider renting, buying, or streaming, this addition to the Lupin III franchise is worth every penny. It’s an absolute treat for any anime fan looking for a perfect mix of adventure, nostalgia, and a dash of humor!
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