Lupin III The First- How to Craft the Perfect CGI Anime Revival

I have been wanting to address this film for nearly two years; and now, that time is finally upon me. Let's open up Lupin III The First, and see how to craft the perfect CGI anime revival.

From left- Daisuke Jigen, Arsene Lupin III, Goemon Ishikawa.

The story is a retelling of Lupin III going on his first major caper, where Lupin and his associates Jigen and Goemon are after an artifact known as the "Diary of Bresson;" whose contents can lead the reader to great fortune. Also in the mix are the dogged Inspector Zenigata, the lovely Fujiko Mine and a policewoman named Laetitia, all seeking the diary for themselves. Also in the mix is a weapon known as the "Eclipse," with all parties involved seeking the treasure. Even the title itself is one that has multiple meanings. I will not say why, but if you watch the movie (which is streaming both its dubbed and subtitled on Hulu as I type this); you'll know what I'm talking about.

This film is an absolute delight, and easily the gold standard for how to adapt a beloved anime in CGI form. While many adaptations have been dogged by budget and artistic limitations (the 2016 Berserk being the most infamous example), this film managed to bypass those barriers and surpass expectations to become what myself and others consider to be easily the best CG anime adaptation to date. 

Though obviously not having the same budget as the likes of Pixar; it's a film that makes its source material work with the new dimension rather than against it. It's the little details that make it work- Jigen rarely showing his eyes from under his hat, Fujiko being equal parts romantic as she is deceitful; even something as simple as Lupin pulling up his boxers after a scuffle with museum security has the DNA of Ghibli running through each frame. 

Using the action and the story drawing parallels to the urban legends about Argentina; this movie also makes a great unofficial Indiana Jones adventure, especially as another new film is seeing release next year.

Overall, "Lupin III The First" represents the apex of CGI anime adaptations; and is one I can easily recommend. I had given lots of thought to the topic of my 650th post; and this is ultimately what I settled on. You should see my other candidates in the near future. For now, I have some unfinished business to "chronicle" in more ways than one. That's all for now, take care.