Director Takeshi Koike's newest cinematic offering, Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline, serves as the concluding chapter to his trilogy of feature films based on the iconic manga character. This visually spectacular anime production showcases breathtaking animation and dynamic action sequences, yet struggles with a narrative that feels underdeveloped and overly reliant on franchise lore.
A Legacy of Animation Excellence
Created by manga artist Kazuhiko Katō under the pseudonym Monkey Punch, the Lupin III character first appeared in 1967 and has since become a cultural phenomenon across multiple media formats. The devil-may-care master thief has transitioned from comic pages to animated series, live-action adaptations, and video games over several decades. Koike's visual approach represents a deliberate return to the original manga's aesthetic, characterized by bold graphic lines and a darker, more mature sensibility than some previous adaptations.
Visual Splendor Meets Narrative Limitations
The film's animation quality represents its strongest asset, with meticulously crafted character designs and thrilling combat sequences that demonstrate technical mastery. The antagonist Muom and his demonic minions are rendered with wonderfully grotesque detail, while the action set pieces maintain a relentless pace that will satisfy viewers seeking visual spectacle.
However, the plot structure reveals significant weaknesses. The narrative jumps rapidly from one battle sequence to another, providing minimal opportunity for the character interactions and witty banter that have traditionally defined the franchise. This approach results in a story that feels painfully thin, functioning more as a series of connected action vignettes than a cohesive narrative journey.
Character Treatment and Fan Service
Character development receives uneven treatment throughout the film. While Lupin remains his charismatic self, supported by his traditional crew including marksman Jigen and samurai Goemon, other characters receive less satisfying treatment. Fujiko Mine, typically portrayed as a capable and active participant in adventures, is relegated primarily to comic relief in this installment, often appearing in revealing outfits while the male characters handle most of the substantive action.
The film includes a ten-minute recap of previous Lupin escapades for newcomers, filled with madcap heists and violent confrontations that establish the franchise's tone. Yet the narrative connections to The Mystery of Mamo, the first animated Lupin feature from 1978, feel convoluted and may confuse viewers unfamiliar with decades of franchise history.
Conclusion: A Film for the Faithful
Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline delivers stunning visual craftsmanship that honors the original manga's aesthetic while pushing animation boundaries. The action sequences are thrilling, the character designs are imaginative, and the overall production values remain high throughout. However, the gossamer-thin plot, limited character development, and heavy reliance on franchise callbacks mean this installment will primarily appeal to dedicated superfans rather than general audiences.
As the concluding chapter of Koike's trilogy, the film provides satisfying closure for those who have followed his previous Lupin adaptations, but may leave casual viewers wanting more substantial storytelling alongside the visual fireworks. Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline arrives in United Kingdom cinemas beginning February 21st.
