Forum - View topicLupin the Third: The Complete Guide to Films, TV Specials and OVAs
|
Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next Note: this is the discussion thread for this article |
| Author | Message | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Rhys2753
 Posts: 94 |
|
||
Naturally the ones previously released by Funimation need rescuing, and since those include movies 4 and 5 that means getting Gold of Babylon(Movie 3) as well to bridge the gap. |
|||
|
|||
Angel M Cazares
 Posts: 5424 Location: Iscandar |
|
||
|
The first part of this feature inspired me to finish the first TV series, which I ended up enjoying. I have watched some episodes from the second TV series, but I am not feeling it.
But I am curious about the movies, specials and OVA's. I already have Discotek's Cagliostro BD and would probably buy Jigen's Gravestone. This feature has given me a good idea of what other Lupin content is worth seeking out and possibly acquiring on home video. Thanks for writing this guide. |
|||
|
|||
RHorsman
 Posts: 151 Location: Loch Loman |
|
||
|
Cagliostro is also available in the US as part of the Disney Miyazaki BD boxset from last year. Lots more Cagliostro-specific extras on the Discotek release though.
|
|||
|
|||
thekingsdinner
 Posts: 1069 Location: Geertruidenberg, Netherlands |
|
||
|
I'm going to disagree with the majority of... almost every 'no' pick... well except Elusiveness of the Fog, that was borefest.
It may be because I seriously love Lupin so much I can enjoy almost every title in the franchise, but still, a 'no' for the Dezaki specials, Sweet Lost Night and the Conan tie-in's? I absolutely can't agree on that. I also really didn't like Fuma Conspiracy and Green VS Red, those were kinda boring. |
|||
|
|||
residentgrigo
 Posts: 2419 Location: Germany |
|
||
|
I agree with many of the assessments and gave a rated to all but one of Lupin´s animated adventures if anyone cares to browse thought my compete list so i won´t go on. I admit that i had to fast forward through nearly half and i still have to see the new one too. The 3 best specials:
VOYAGE TO DANGER - my first thanks to MTV Germany and still the best, ISLAND OF ASSASSINS - gritty PG-13 Lupin done right and CRISIS IN TOKYO - all ages Lupin done right. The good films/ OVAs: THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO - great but i get Monkey Punch´s lackluster reception due to the "first" PG approach, THE FUMA CONSPIRACY - a shame that Goemon´s story never continued, FAREWELL TO NOSTRADAMUS - a charming caper with a decent romance in at least my eyes, DEAD OR ALIVE - the most accurate adaptation till the "Koike verse" and JIGEN'S GRAVESTONE - the damseled Fujiko is ironically the weak point and the credits are a standout. The only TV shows i overall care about are THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE - her prostituting herself out to Zenigata (he is now a rapist crook  ) and the lackluster use of Goemon are the only misstep and IV - also in my top 5 last year due to a "fixed" Goemon, good use of sexual violence/occasional gore and a strong "Koike verse" feel.
I have no problems with Nelson´s lack of appreciation for R rated Lupin but i will point out that the actual Monkey Punch version was way darker. The mediocre original take was an ice blooded murder, rapist (yes he was) and ultimately a Japanese Fleming / Conner Bond (both problematic characters) on the other side of the law. That version thankfully didn´t last but i certainly prefer my Lupin gang to be R rated and stirred. Koike and the creatively related IV rescued the series from creative seppuku and long may they right! |
|||
|
|||
neocloud9
 Posts: 1178 Location: Atlanta, GA |
|
||
|
Big Lupin fan here, I've been really enjoying reading Reed's opinions on these. His commentaries have always made the Discotek releases a delight.
I always wondered what happened with the Gold of Babylon release. I recalled reading about it getting licensed back when Discotek first announced it, but I guess it's safe to assume those rights have lapsed? Sounds like they couldn't justify the expense with Pink Jacket's famously lukewarm reception... Still, I would've liked to have seen it, if only as a curiosity. Too bad they couldn't get it on Hulu, like Jigen's Gravestone, that might've been a more economical option for them. My favorite Lupin entries have always been the lighter '70s stuff (both series and films - Red Jacket being my very first exposure to the characters) and then the gritty reboot fare from the 2010s. Though, like Reed, I'm grateful Blue Jacket found a happy middle ground between the two. I couldn't handle all Lupin entries being as heavy as The Woman Called Fujiko Mine. Zenigata's my favorite character, and I much prefer him as a straitlaced detective foil than as some kind of corrupt Javert allegory. |
|||
|
|||
|
HeeroTX
Posts: 2046 Location: Austin, TX |
|
||
|
I think the Conan/Lupin items either need to be graded on a 'curve' or just removed entirely. The special IS pretty much a Conan flick (with LupinIII guest stars). Conan is clearly the main character and the main features revolve around him. That said, if one is familiar with both Lupin & Conan, I think it's worth watching the special if ONLY to see how they merge the two STYLES of Conan & Lupin. The Conan/Lupin movie is the better of the two and a stronger 'Lupin' candidate, but it's more of a true "combination" and simply isn't gonna work if you (for whatever reason) don't like Conan.
I haven't seen ALL the others, but I totally agree to a "no" on 'Twilight Gemini'. Plot AND Characterization are absolutely terrible to the point that various (core cast) characters don't seem to fit at ALL. Fuma Conspiracy is one of my favorites, if ONLY for the great car chase. |
|||
|
|||
|
GOTZFAUST
Posts: 35 |
|
||
Ah, yes...great Dub..I still have the voices in my head at times. |
|||
|
|||
CorneredAngel
 Posts: 854 Location: New York, NY |
|
||
|
It would be really useful if the article also listed which year each of these was first screened/aired!
|
|||
|
|||
|
Lupin the Third
Posts: 88 Location: Idaho |
|
||
They are all listed in order of release within each category, but I felt dates would be superfluous to degree of enjoyment. That said, here you go: TV Series: 1971 - 1972 Lupin the Third - 23 Episodes 1977 - 1980 Lupin the Third Part II - 155 Episodes 1983 - 1984 Lupin the Third Part III - 50 Episodes Produced in 1982 Lupin the Eighth [cancelled] 2012 Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - 13 Episodes 2015 - 2016 Lupin the Third Part IV - 26 Episodes (Only 24 broadcast in Japan) Video Releases/OAVs: 1987 Lupin the Third: Plot of the Fuma Clan (Released in USA as Rupan III: The Fuma Conspiracy) 1995 Lupin the Third: The Secret File 2002 Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal (also known as The Magician Lives) Theatrical Features: 1978 Lupin the Third (aka Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo, or Lupin the Third-The Movie: The Secret of Mamo) 1979 Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro 1985 Lupin the Third: Golden Legend of Babylon 1995 Lupin the Third: Die! Nostradamus (Released in USA as Farewell to Nostradamus) 1996 Lupin the Third: Dead or Alive 2013 Lupin vs. Det. Conan: The Movie 2014 Lupin the Third: Jigen's Gravestone TV Specials: 1989 Lupin the Third: Bye Bye Liberty - Close Call! (Released in UK as Goodbye Lady Liberty, US as Bye Bye Lady Liberty!) 1990 Lupin the Third: Riddle of the Hemingway Papers 1991 Lupin the Third: Steal Napoleon's Dictionary! 1992 Lupin the Third: From Russia With Love (Also known as Bank of Liberty) 1993 Lupin the Third: Orders to Assassinate Lupin (Released in USA as Voyage to Danger) 1994 Lupin the Third: Burn, Zantetsuken! (Released in USA as Dragon of Doom) 1995 Lupin the Third: Pursue Harimao's Treasure!! (Released in USA as The Pursuit of Harimao's Treasure) 1996 Lupin the Third: The Secret of Twilight Gemini (Also known as The Legend of Twilight Gemini) 1997 Lupin the Third: In Memory of the Walther P-38 (Also known as Island of Assassins) 1998 Lupin the Third: Memories of Blaze: Tokyo Crisis (Also known as Crisis in Tokyo) 1999 Lupin the Third: Da Capo of Love - Fujiko's Unlucky Days (Also known as The Columbus File) 2000 Lupin the Third: $1 Money Wars (Also known as Missed by a Dollar) 2001 Lupin the Third: Alcatraz Connection 2002 Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact 2003 Lupin the Third: Operation - Return the Treasures!! 2004 Lupin the Third: Stolen Lupin - A Copycat is a Midsummer's Butterfly 2005 Lupin the Third: Angels' Tactics - Fragments of Dreams Are the Scent of Murder 2006 Seven Days Rhapsody 2007 Elusiveness of the Fog 2008 Sweet Lost Night 2009 Lupin vs. Conan 2010 The Last Job 2011 Blood Seal: Eternal Mermaid 2012 Travels of Marco Polo: Another Page 2013 Princess of the Breeze 2016 Lupin the Third: Italian Game Live-Action Theatrical Features: 1974 Lupin the Third: Strange Psychokinetic Strategy 2014 Lupin the Third Last edited by Lupin the Third on Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:20 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|||
|
|||
|
Black Thunder 6
Posts: 128 |
|
||
|
Gotta commend anyone willing to trend through those godawful TV specials especially since as you put it the vast majority aren't worth watching unless you really want to see the deteriation in quality of the performances of Fujiko's, Goemon and Zenigata's VAs up until Last Job where they sound far too old for their characters and poor Zenigata's VA just didn't have the voice anymore. Great article, I personally think Gold of Babylon is underrated much like Red vs Green its direction may be off putting but I found the effort from director Seijun Suzuki to be much more engaging than most entries in the franchise, its definitely worth a look if you're into something "good weird". I have no real complaints about the TV special coverage since most all of them are boring and bad due to how safe and mundane they are, Episode Zero is a definite highlight and does the origin story for the gang better than Woman Called Fujiko.
They're not particularly good Conan entries either which is the problem in general with the collaboration since it feels like a big false advert in general and the different styles of the franchises aren't really given time to mesh since its essentially a Conan episode with Lupin and the gang as glorified cameos, so Lupin fans won't like it and there's nothing interesting for Conan fans so what's the point? Last edited by Black Thunder 6 on Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:34 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|||
|
|||
|
Black Thunder 6
Posts: 128 |
|
||
The manga being "darker" tends to get exaggerated by some, yes they're much more gritty than any of the animated entries but the tone is much like a Mad comic or something by Robert Crump, they’re incredibly juvenile and vulgar and I love them which is why it infuriated me when people kept saying Woman Called Fujiko was closer in style to it which couldn't be further from the truth since that show took itself way too seriously and was up its own ass in the meta narrative towards the end. I think that's the problem with a lot of the darker entries of the franchise is that they tend to be humorless and dull which doesn't work for Lupin but of course entries like Walther P38 (Island of Assassins) and Episode Zero can pull it off well too many just miss the mark. |
|||
|
|||
skogga
 Posts: 29 Location: TN |
|
||
|
Try to untie the knotted world of "Dirty Pair" next?
I'm not a connoisseur of Lupin or DP, but this is a great guide for what not to watch, at least at first! My first exposure to Lupin was on bootleg VHS from Japan, I couldn't even tell you which series it was except "Castle Cagliostro" was about when I started watching. |
|||
|
|||
penguintruth
 Posts: 8461 Location: Penguinopolis |
|
||
I disagree. I've read plenty of the manga, and while there is more gags than the Fujiko show, it is generally a deep dark tone, often very mean-spirited and cruel, and very cynical. Monkey Punch just injects it with some smarmy irreverence to keep it from being depressing. The Woman Called Fujiko Mine is very, very much in line with the manga, both in look and tone, and don't think that everyone who says it is never read the manga. Though the second manga series is a lot more like the TV shows became. The Fujiko TV series is more like a more focused, consistent vision of the original manga. So, what I'm getting from Reed, is that generally the TV specials are garbage. And, reflecting on it, he may have a point. But I disagree with some of his specific assessments. Hemingway Papers, while a chill special that sees Lupin hanging out more than he engages, is a particular favorite of mine because of the interesting conflict created that brings Lupin, Jigen, and Goemon at cross purposes. I enjoy a lot of the structure of the story, the interaction between characters, both subtle and exaggerated, and especially the voice work by Yasuo Yamada (there's a particular scene I love with Lupin "arriving" at the island most of the movie takes place on, jumping out of a tourist helicopter). Yeah, the ending makes it a bit of a shaggy dog story, but I love the tie-in to Hemingway and the karmic end of the villains so hungry for whatever the treasure is. Meanwhile, while the actual ongoing storyline about Rasputin is less than compelling, I felt like the heist the gang pulls off in From Siberia With Love is worth the price of admission, because you rarely see a TV episode-level solid heist in the TV specials or movies. There's too much focus on the "girl of the week" special snowflake new character that detracts from the gang, and in the Dezaki specials it's always more about the Lupin gang themselves than any movie-only character (though they're still there). This is why I like the new TV series, because while Rebecca becomes an essential element, she doesn't subtract anything from the chemistry of the central cast, like, say, the woman in Colombus Files. I also have to take you to task about Missed By A Dollar ($1 Money War), which is one of what I consider the "golden trio" of TV specials, including the two after it that you DID reccommend, and by the way, Alcatraz Connection does the "fake Lupin death" thing TWICE and it's still part of that trio. I really love the rivalry between Lupin and Cynthia, and how Lupin uses finances and his clever puzzle-solving to get the treasure. There's a brilliant scene at the end of the movie where he challenges Cynthia to a game of "see whose coin will overflow the glass of water" for the treasure in a hotel bar, on a whim. When she loses, she says, "You're a terrible man." Lupin replies, "I've always wanted to be called that." I rather enjoyed Blood Seal ~ Eternal Mermaid for its visual style and use of the mermaid flesh legend, though I'm not a huge fan of the use of the supernatural in Lupin in such a large dose. I actually think Island of Assassins is a tad overrated. Good, probably even one of the greats, but not nearly as good as the golden trio. The problem is that nothing comes of the Zenigata thread and the ending just kind of ignores the spider poison mark. It has a darker tone but doesn't really do anything with it, it's just more violent, and that's about it. There are a lot of great ideas and moments, but it's been done better in other entries. Green vs Red is one of those things that, while I enjoy the essential reasoning and feeling behind it, in exploring what the role of Lupin III actually means, while celebrating all he's been for so long in the franchise, the actual plot is a huge mess, and while the first half poses some interesting questions and mysteries, the second half of it is just clumsy and the ending is a disaster. The aesthetic style is excellent, but the actual execution makes you wonder why they bothered posing their questions to begin with if they were just going to hang their hats on clever metafiction. I want, nay, need more Lupin movies like Jigen's Gravestone in my life. Detailed, action-packed, gritty, dark, a little bizarre, a tad cynical, but exciting and unforgiving and with some great character chemistry. Somebody should have Koike continue Okada and Yamamoto's "Fujikoverse", occasionally re-teaming up with them for a new TV series now and then. It's works like these that have informed the new TV series. Haven't gotten to the new TV special (I'll do that after I'm done reviewing the new show). I wish they would have done an entire new production instead of using reused footage and just adding to it, but there's a lot of good will from the show, so I'll give them some slack this time. I just hope that future TV shows and specials will have the quality these latest entries have. The quality of Lupin has climbed in recent years, let's hope it doesn't slide down again. My favorites (movies, specials, OVAs): - Mystery/Secret of Mamo - Castle of Cagliostro - Plot of the Fuma Clan/Fuma Clan Conspiracy - Hemingway Papers - Dead or Alive - Island of Assassins (Memories of the Walther P-38) - Missed By A Dollar ($1 Money War) - Alcatraz Connection (why hasn't Discotek licensed this yet?!) - Episode 0: First Contact (my all-time favorite TV special) - Operation: Return the Treasure! - Stolen Lupin - Seven Days Rhapsody (it was at least better than most of the other Lupin specials around that time) - Blood Seal ~ Eternal Mermaid (despite its supernatural elements) - Jigen's Gravestone |
|||
|
|||
|
K'un Lun Kid
Posts: 14 |
|
||
|
The video game "Cliff Hanger" was my gateway into Lupin, so "Cagliostro" and "Mamo" are the holy of holies to me (even though they couldn't be more different from one another tonally). The specials sort of blur together for me, but I never came across one that I out and out hated. Even the Dezaki specials have their charms, where I'm concerned.
I do say that in and of itself, "Strange Psycho-Kinetic Energy" was an unexpected treat. If you go into it expecting something faithful to the source material, expect to be profoundly disappointed. But it has this very 60s Pink Panther-iness to it, so off-the-wall and wacky that it's worth at least a viewing if you like that sorta thing. |
|||
|
|||
 |
All times are GMT - 5 Hours |
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group