I knew of Lupin III through its run in Manga Mania and the stunning Ghibli film Castle of Cagliostro but I did not have that much experience of the character. Whilst looking down the retro anime and manga rabbit-hole, I came across this and remembered an old review of it I’d once read that praised it. With some time available, I thought I’d give it a go.

This film starts at breakneck speed as Goemon is about to get married to Murasaki of the Suminawa Clan in a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. However, when his bride-to-be is kidnapped within the first five minutes of the film, it's up to Lupin and the gang to get Goemon's betrothed back whilst also protecting her clan’s treasure. The crew quickly rescue Murasaki and then it's a race against time as the Fuma Clan close in the treasure. What follows is a Goonies/ Indiana Jones-type adventure with puzzles, traps and labyrinths.
The tenacious Inspector Zenigata joins proceeding, coming out of retirement as a monk to once again try to apprehend the gentleman thief. Things reach a spectacular head in a cavern under the mountain where the hidden treasure trove is kept.

The first thing to say is that, even though the film is nearly 40 years old it has aged extremely well. The opening animation is stunning with the Japanese temple and scenery beautifully realised in a detailed painterly style. The period costumes and style are wonderfully evocative of a side of Japan we don't often get to see in many modern manga and anime.

There is also one of the best car chase sequences ever animated as Lupin and Zenigata battle it out through a local town. The chaos that ensues is hilarious, like some right out of the old Herbie films or The Italian Job (the good old one, not the travesty of the Mark Wahlberg one).

The strength of Monkey Punch's manga work was his characterisation of this lovably roguish group and this portrayal of the group in this anime film is all pretty spot on from what I know. Lupin is his usual charming self but it is Goemon, usually the stoic swordsman, who gets a chance to share his gentler side as we see how he met and grew the love of his life through flashbacks to his youth. Murasaki is a likeable addition in this story, she is rescued early on and shows her mettle during the rest of the film. She is plucky, fiesty and a strong woman who knows how to tease her straight-laced beloved.

The music is jazzy and jaunty, effortlessly stylish and cool without trying to be. The end credit sax jazz is sooo smooth and groovy!

Overall, I really enjoyed this film; it's an enjoyable romp and at just over 73 minutes, doesn't overstay it's welcome.

LINK: Lost Manga and Anime

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK: Battle Angel Alita: And So It Ends

LINK: Fire Tripper: Cult Manga Review

LINK: Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK: Manga Exhibition at the British Museum

LINK: The Transportive Nature of Objects (And the Power of Mini Consoles)

LINK: My One True Gaming Constant in Life- Nintendo

LINK: The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review