Watch Lupin III: The First

Lupin III: The First, released in 2019, is a Japanese animated adventure film that follows the adventures of the charming and mischievous thief, Arsène Lupin III. This movie is the first Lupin III film to be rendered in 3D computer graphics. The story is set in the 1960s in the fictional country of Gallia, where Lupin III learns about a mysterious diary written by the creator of the Bresson Diary, a powerful artifact that could lead to a legendary treasure hidden during World War II. The young and brilliant archaeologist, Leticia, also seeks the diary, and she is determined to get her hands on it before Lupin.

Lupin's quest for the diary takes him on a journey that sees him reunited with old friends and pitted against dangerous foes, including the notorious MI6 agent, Lambert. Along the way, Lupin also crosses paths with his nemesis, Inspector Zenigata, who is hot on his trail.

The film is a visual treat that embraces the classic Lupin III style with a fresh twist. The 3D animation is smooth and blends seamlessly with the traditional hand-drawn style. The character designs retain their iconic looks, but the upgrade in quality brings them to life in a new way. The action sequences are thrilling, and the film boasts a sense of fun and humor that's true to the franchise.

The voice acting in the Japanese language version is top-notch. Kan'ichi Kurita once again brings his signature style to the role of Lupin III, adding a playful flair and charm to the character. Kiyoshi Kobayashi delivers a memorable performance as Jigen, Lupin's straight-laced partner in crime. Daisuke Namikawa is great as Goemon, the stoic samurai who provides the muscle for the team.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its attention to detail. The team behind the movie clearly have a deep love and respect for the Lupin III franchise, and it shows in the small touches. The film references past adventures, incorporates classic Lupin III gadgets and gags, and even features a nod to Lupin III creator Monkey Punch.

The movie's score is composed by Yuji Ohno, who has been providing music for the Lupin III franchise since its inception. The music is energetic and playful, with jazzy undertones that fit perfectly with the film's tone.

Overall, Lupin III: The First is a fantastic addition to the Lupin III canon. It manages to capture the spirit of the franchise while introducing new audiences to the world of Lupin III. The film is a thrill ride from start to finish, filled with action, humor, and heart. Fans of the franchise will find a lot to love here, and newcomers will be hooked by Lupin's undeniable charisma.

Lupin III: The First is a 2020 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 63.