A new Lupin film is often a safe deal. With decades of practice getting the formula right, you generally know what you’re in for. We caught Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline at Scotland Loves Anime, and while it’s an expertly crafted outing, it’s one that struggles with its own larger-than-life ambitions.
The Familiar Gang
If you’re not familiar with Lupin the IIIrd at all, this film is an interesting place to start. It actually provides a background for all the main characters, catching viewers up with about ten minutes of introduction.
At the centre is Lupin, grandson of the famous French thief Arsène Lupin. He’s joined by his familiar bodies: the samurai warrior Goemon, the gunslinging gumshoe Jigen, and the sexy femme fatale Fujiko. Chasing them all, as ever, is the determined detective Zenigata.
The film serves as a summary of sorts, pitching the heroes against nemeses from their past before uniting them on a mysterious Bermuda island to face the “Puppet Master” behind it all. If you know the characters, there is a simple satisfaction in seeing them merely being themselves and following the tropes they’ve embodied for years.
A Strained Plot
Where the film works is in its action; where it struggles is with its plot. This entry leans heavily into weird science, and potentially even fantasy. Once the heroes land on the island, the setting feels like a twist on The Island of Doctor Moreau. Instead of animal-human hybrids, the island is populated by “criminal cyborg hybrids” and other weird creations.
The central mystery is so larger than life that it’s reminiscent of One Piece. We are presented with what is essentially a super villain (in a fundoshi), and our heroes, who are at the apex of their power, must confront them. To create a challenge for this team, the story must reach beyond the bounds of suspension of disbelief.
This leads to a few issues, such as some significant developments that are then forgotten, leaving unexplained conclusions and loose ends.
Expertly Crafted Action
Despite the questionable plot, the film is expertly crafted and well put together. The action sequences are the main draw, and they absolutely deliver the kinetic energy and style the Lupin franchise is known for.
Ultimately, The Immortal Bloodline is a mixed bag. The characters’ core appeal and the high-quality action are present, but they are tethered to a story that feels overblown and struggles to hold together. If you have an opportunity to see a Lupin movie, it’s generally worth a watch, and this one is no exception, provided you’re willing to check your disbelief at the door.
You can vote for The Immortal Bloodline in our unofficial fan poll.
