Director: Sayo Yamamoto,
Starring: Kanichi Kurita, Sonny Strait, Miyuki Sawashiro, Michelle Ruff, Daisuke Namikawa, Mike McFarland, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Christopher R. Sabat,
Running Time: 325 minutes
Certificate: 15
Lupin The Third is one of anime and manga’s best loved characters. A master thief who gets caught up in a series of adventures, his tales mix very Japanese themes with a hint of Franco-Belgian comics such as Tin-Tin and Lucky Luke, only more adult orientated. In LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE, we are treated to adventures set in the early years of Lupin’s thievery, as well as detailing his relationship with later series regulars, femme fatale Fujiko Mine, samurai Goemon Ishikawa XIII, and former bodyguard Daisuke Jigan. Therefore, this is the perfect entry point for new fans as well as elaborating on details for old fans. It also happens to be one of the most impressive anime ever made.
The show has no real main character to speak of. The pacing and structure will be confusing to some as some episodes begin to follow different characters with minor reference to what has happened previously. Never fear though, as each plot strand and character back story is gradually interwoven. The first titular character Lupin The Third, loves to steal, but his arrogant ways lead him to announcing crimes before they take place. Fujiko Mine is a rutheless opportunist who is certainly the main focus of the story. She uses sex to get what she wants, but as she points out, it’s something she enjoys but carries less emotional baggage than it does for most people. She may be seen topless more times than is necessary, but it certainly creates a vulnerable and awkward world for her male rivals and enemies. There is never any doubt that she is the one in complete control.
It’s very reassuring when a show can grab you from the very outset. The opening titles a gorgeous example of the incredible art the show has in store. It comes across as a sketchbook gradually forcing itself to life in a birage of seemingly unconnected images that begin to make sense throughout the show’s run. The black and white palette emulates the manga comic style, but once the episodes begin, we are treated to a lavish array of colours. The animators forever retain the sketch style by representing shadows and darkness as a series of lines, rather than completely dark areas. The sets and character designs are designed with such attention to detail that it’s very easy to get completely lost in the visuals and forget to concentrate on dialogue. This series has the greatest animated tea-cup in history. Now that’s a claim not many can make.
Partnered with the visuals is a strong musical score in the jazz style. LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE effortlessly blends the music and style of classical French film noir, along with many Japanese elements. The frenetic trumpets elevate the action sequences and then calm themselves for the cooler dialogue fuelled moments set in smoky locales. In terms of plot, we have our antiheroes, a femme fatale who uses her sexuality to great effect, complex cover-up stories, and plenty of engaging mysteries. Film noir just isn’t enough though, and the series also demonstrates multiple confident action sequences. Chases and gunfights abound with each one giving a powerful shot of adrenaline.
Highly enjoyable in terms of comedy and action, as well as being brave enough to tackle certain darker themes in later episodes. LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE is one of the best anime home releases of the year, and in terms of the animation, it is one of the best of all time. With both Japanese and English vocal casts being exceptionally enjoyable to listen to, it’s a show that you’ll visit at least twice. Providing style, substance, and entertainment, it’s a triple threat that will immediately have you searching for more.
LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE is released on 16th September on DVD and Blu-ray via Manga Entertainment.
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