Lupin the 3rd Part I (1971)

Original title

ルパン三世

Directed by

Masaaki Ōsumi, Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki

Genre

action anime and manga, adventure anime and manga

Country

Japan

Length

6 seasons, 300 episodes

Rated

TV-14

Rating

8.0 of 10 from 130 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

A master thief named Lupin the Third pulls off heists around the world while staying ahead of a relentless detective. He leads a small crew of colorful accomplices, always ready for the next adventure.

playfulfast-pacedwittystyle-consciouslightheartedretrocoolepisodic

What happens

Lupin the 3rd Part I is a Japanese anime television series produced by Tokyo Movie. Part of the Lupin III franchise, it is the first anime television adaptation of the Lupin III manga series created by Monkey Punch. The series was originally broadcast as simply Lupin III (Japanese: ルパン三世, Hepburn: Rupan Sansei) on Yomiuri TV, Nippon Television and other stations between October 24, 1971 and March 26, 1972. Among English-speaking fans, the series was commonly known as the "Green Jacket" series in reference to Lupin's outfit, but more recently it is now known as "the first Green Jacket" series because of the outfit's return in Part 6. Production of the show began after the pilot film was approved by the committee, and was originally intended to be released as a stand-alone animated film. Notable industry veterans, including future Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, were among the show's staff, with the show's animation being handled by A Production (now Shin-Ei Animation). The show received scrutiny during its run due to its mature themes, leading to director Masaaki Osumi's firing and replacement by Miyazaki and Takahata. The show was eventually cancelled when 23 out of the planned 26 episodes had been produced due to low ratings. Lupin the 3rd Part I has received positive critical reevaluation and higher ratings as reruns followed, and it is now considered one of the best installments in the series. Critics have highlighted the show's place in the animation medium, which was at its darkest age during the late 60s and early 80s, as well as influencing public perception of animation in Japan as catering to a general audience. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

More like this

• Lupin The 3rd: Tokyo Crisis (1998)
• Lupin the 3rd: Operation Return the Treasure (2003)
• The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
• Lupin the Third Part IV (2015)
• Lupin the 3rd Part II (1995)
• One Piece (1999)
• Lupin the 3rd Part III
• Lupin III - Pilot Film (1969)