Lupin the IIIrd: Chikemuri no Ishikawa Goemon

In total, I have not enjoyed this trilogy of Lupin III OVA. I do not care for this animation style or the choice of voice actors they've gone with for the English dub. I acknowledge that it is smooth animation, the character design and art style are just not for me. It just doesn't have the focus has shifted from being lighthearted comedic adventures to a more dark and serious tone. This one is my favorite of the trilogy. This is the only one that has both Goemon nor Inspector Zenigata in it.

I will give credit that each of these specials have introduced interesting henchmen that our "heroes" have had to fight. This one, as the title would imply, is an adversary for Goemon.

Even upon the completion of the OVA the story feels incomplete. Filling in the gaps is where the series comes in.

The story is pretty straight forward. An evil Jaws type henchman is released to assassinate some people, and Goemon feels honor bound to fight against him. The plot points write themselves. Sadly, these plot points aren't handled very well. There needs to be a moment where Goemon feels truly defeated and at his lowest point. This happens, but it feels pretty weak. Likewise, there should be some sort of training montage where Goemon overcomes the mental obstacle and is ready to come back triumphant. And his training was not handled very well either.

And to not get into spoilers, but the payoff isn't all that satisfactory either. It just sort of ends.

This is a darker, more serious, and of course, bloodier adaptation of Lupin that fits in well with the Woman Called Fujiko Mine series. The story is high tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the things you see the characters go through make you wonder if they'll get out of it alive at all. The animation is also top notch, an overall great movie.

A very beautiful and interesting piece of anime with a proper story! Right from the beginning up to the very end, it has incredible written all over it. The animation is prepossessing. and the same can be said about its story.

One of the best anime I have ever seen - these 10 stars are for some of the most beautiful animation/music and an amazing plot. Utterly impressed.

It went beyond my wildest expectations!! Specially since I've been down on Lupin for a while (most new content is just same-old, dragged-out and predictable).

It's short and sweet. If you have ever liked Goemon, then this is the 2-episode for you. It focus on why he is the best "Yojimbo" of his time! And the only way to measure someone like him, is by comparison to another monster. Loved it. Dangerous, fast-paced and entertaining. Watch it if you can, you won't be disappointed! In fact, you may want more like this.

This was the second hour-long video that followed in the edgy footsteps of A Woman Called Fujiko Mine. As with the previous video, this is about Lupin and company facing down an unstoppable assassin.

The axe-wielding assassin feels a little underbaked and inconsistent (at one point he starts talking about being tired but it's unexplained and never returned to). But if you want a bunch of mass-murdery action, this is more than happy to give it to you.

On a bright note, while the previous video reduced Fujiko Mine to damsel-in-distress eye candy, this one gives us back the normal Lupin III sexy trickster.