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StatusFinished AiringSeasonFall 1978StudioTokyo Movie ShinshaSourceManga
Story
Synopsis
Following reports of his public execution by hanging in Transylvania, master thief Arsene Lupin III resurfaces perfectly intact, baffling Interpol Inspector Zenigata. Investigating the inexplicable forgery, Lupin and his crew uncover a shadowy international conspiracy led by Mamo, a wealthy, grotesque clone claiming to have survived for ten thousand years by replicating human bodies. When Mamo abducts Fujiko Mine and demands the Philosopher Stone to establish global supremacy, Lupin infiltrates the villain desert island citadel. Engaging in surreal psychological duels, Lupin challenges Mamo god complex to preserve authentic human individuality.
⚠ Background — may contain spoilers
Premiering in December 1978, this groundbreaking motion picture directed by Soji Yoshikawa was the inaugural theatrical film in the *Lupin III* franchise. Animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, the production achieved monumental box-office success in Japan, grossing over one billion yen. Departing from gentle children animation of the era, the film embraced dark science fiction, psychological existentialism, clone ethics, and mature sexuality reminiscent of Monkey Punch original manga. It remains universally acknowledged as a landmark masterpiece of seventies Japanese animated cinema.
Creepy, pointless, and unnecessary. Even together with the Spring special on FUNi's R1 DVD release, this isn't worth the digital ink wasted on it. Maybe add a star if you enjoy fan service involving teenage girls.
