Rupan sansei

The Mystery of Mamo is the first movie in the Lupin the 3rd series. It's been a critically polarizing film ever since it's release in 1978. So, is this theatrical debut worth the time? Well, let's find out.

The film starts with the master thief, Lupin the 3rd, seemingly being executed. However, the police inspector Zenigata doesn't believe he's really dead. His assumption turns out to be true as Lupin steals the fabled Philosopher's Stone in Egypt.

The Philosopher's Stone is then stolen from him by his on-off lover, Fujiko Mine and she brings it to her mysterious benefactor, Mamo. But when they find out that the stone is fake, Mamo is determined to track down Lupin and his colleagues, the expert gunman Daisuke Jigen, and the warrior priest, Goemon Ishikawa XIII. But it becomes a three-way free for all with Inspector Zenigata determined to have them all arrested.

So what did I like about this movie? Well, the animation and the action is very creative and well executed. It blends in with the story and characters very well. Speaking of, the chemistry between the characters is probably the best part about this film. The villain, Mamo, probably has the most intimidating voice I've ever heard, regardless of whether you watch the dubbed or subbed version. And it's even better when you see what Mamo looks like.

So what didn't I like? Well, the third act was a little clunky. While the animation still made it visually pleasing, the plot seemed to spiral out of control and became a little too weird for me. Though I can't say much more without spoiling it. And I never thought I'd say this, but I didn't like the nudity. I just thought it was out of place with the rest of the film.

So, in the long run, The Mystery of Mamo is a flawed, but extremely well made Lupin film. If you're a fan of the manga, then this will probably be one of your favorite movies in the series. It's fun, it's weird, it truly is Lupin the 3rd

The first film version of the long-running successful manga series 'Lupin III', 'The Mystery Of Mamo' is non-stop action, adventure, and humour, brought to life with some brilliant animation, an excellent script, and some very good voice acting.

Lupin is the greatest thief since his grandfather Arsene Lupin, but his lifestyle never affords him a moment's peace, especially with maniacally-determined Interpol Inspector Zenigata pursuing him anywhere and everywhere across the globe. Aided by his two friends, Jigen, who prefers a quiet life, sombre samurai warrior Goemon, and on-again-off again girlfriend and equally-skilled thief Fujiko, Lupin finds himself drawn into the world of Mamo, a mysterious billionaire, intent on achieving immortality. But is Mamo exactly what he appears? And how does the fabled Philosopher's Stone fit in?

Now *this* is what animation is *really* about. It's about as far removed from the billion dollar cgi rubbish one usually sees in cinemas as it's possible to be. Every frame in 'Mamo' exudes genuine artistry, whether it's a peaceful Parisian cafe scene, or frenetic car chase through a sewer - yes, a sewer. Every musical motif creates genuine atmosphere, and every line of dialogue is there because it should be - it's not just a collection of lame one-liners for a cynical audience. If you find yourself on the edge of your seat, it's not because you're trying to fend off sleep from Disney-drawn dreck, but because you really find yourself wanting to see what happens next.

There are imperfections within the story - certain plot points that are not entirely followed up, but nothing that ruins the central story. There is also a certain trade-off between characterisation and action, but Lupin III stories are not meant to be deeply introspective character pieces, just a lot of first class fun. They are also an ongoing series, so further revelations are to be had elsewhere.

Probably the most well-known Lupin outing is 'The Castle Of Cagliostro', in many ways a more straightforward adventure with a more traditional action film-type ending. I think they're both excellent, but they're different beasts in temperament. 'The Mystery Of Mamo' takes a left-turn into the surreal, but it's still a cracking film that shouldn't disappoint - and definitely accessible to a Lupin novice.

Mamo Karano Chousen ('Mystery of Mamo' or 'Lupin Vs. The Clone') is the best adaptation of Monkey Punch's Manga. Unlike the acclamed 'Castle of Cagliostro', This film is very true to its original form. The main characters often quarrel, which is rarely or never seen in any other of the Lupin III films, this is something that is present in the Manga that never made it to the movies. It also has higher Sexual content then most of the other Lupin films, again this is almost eliminated totally from the other films. It has a great artistic style, its not as ground breaking as 'Cagliostro', but it by far is better animated then most other Anime titles of the era. I've shown this film to many of my friends, and they have become Lupin fans as well. The sad part is this great film is rare and hard to find, even in the Anime community. This is by far my favorite Animated Film, and my favorite Lupin adventure! The english Dub is wonderful as well!

This is the first Lupin the 3rd Anime Movie. It was made 1 year before Castle of Cagliostro. The plot and character designs are similar to the way they look in the manga series.

It has some funny moments to it. But wish it had some improvements to it in some parts.

If Miyazaki did this movie then we would see a more enjoyable Anime.

Comparing this to Castle of Cagliostro, it seems it was made 5 years before that movie.

in other words it's worth viewing. Just a reminder the animation is nothing compared to the kind in Castle of Cagliostro.

Not bad for being the first Lupin Anime film.

I give it 7/10 for almost perfect.

Lupin iii film 9

A very different film. This time Fujiko is the main protagonist. There's lots of action, but the film is more centered on the psychological side. The story is just crazy, nonsense after a while honestly. The whole film is abstract. I personally like the drawings, especially Fujiko, despite the difference from the usual.

I really like some things in this film; the fact that they as a team quarrel for Fujiko, so Lupin has to choose his friends or Fujiko; and Fujiko character is great in this film, both her and Lupin give up on immortality for the other. For the first time you can feel both love each other at the end.

There's lots of nude parts and fan service compared to other films.