Lupin III: Le Secret du Twilight Gemini

Lupin sets off for Morocco, looking for a legendary treasure. His only clue is an interesting jewel that an old man gave him. It's a nice different location for Lupin, with the desert and that hot exotic feel.

One interesting thing about this movie is that Jigen has a much smaller role than usual, generally being in a different place than Lupin. On one hand their classic dynamic together is missed, but it is a change of pace. Plus, this way, Lupin can focus on the ladies...

Fujiko rules in this. Throughout the entire feature she is seducing Lupin, and us viewers. Then there's Lara, the damsel of this particular tale, and she's quite likable. This one has more nudity than any other Lupin anime, which is a fun distinction to have.

There's a very entertaining effeminate ninja guy who's the best villain in this, and naturally he has some great fighting with Goemon, as well as some fun scenes with Fujiko. Inspector Zenigata of course is also on a warpath here, in fine form.

Pretty much, this is a smooth ride with Lupin. The plot is average and there are some slow spots, but all in all this movie is a real pleasure. Enjoy.

This really doesn't match up to Castle of Cagliostro. Lupin isn't as funny or wacky or as hyperactive. The scenery and music are uninspired and plot just isn't interesting.

The only good thing about this 'un is the nudity (only in the uncut version) provided by Fujiko. It helped spice up some of the tedious scenes. CoC had a formidable villain and set up the movie for some imaginative set-pieces. The locations in TSoTG are not very vivid or engaging.

Zenigata, Goemon and Jigen don't even provide decent sideshow entertainment this time. It's like they were just filling a contractual obligation by appearing.

The DVD is in full-frame with Dolby Stereo sound. It has a decent amount of extras, including quite a few trailers. But one curious thing. There is no chapter selection on the disc or timecode displayed on the player once inserted. Though you can still skip to the next scene number using the remote.

An old man gives Lupin a jewel called the "twilight", telling him it is the key to a nation's "hidden treasure". Lupin decides to go after the treasure, which happens to be all the way in Morocco. As with any Lupin film, do not compare it to the Castle of Cagliostro. Lupin films are like Bond films where you don't need to think too much to enjoy them. Cagliostro is in a league of its own, from great director Hayao Miyazaki.

The story is way to simple, set up just throw in what we've seen in every other Lupin film. A lot of the time characters turn up for no reason and rescue anyone just to about to be caught or killed or made otherwise uncomfortable.

Animation is basic. Nothing special. Could of been a lot better compared to previous Lupin films. Seeming this was made for television instead of cinema, I suppose the movie's budget must come into thought here.

The Lupin theme music plays, all the characters turn up, Jigen shoots fast, Goemon shoots stuff, Fujiko seduces people and basically every Lupin cliche occurs. In James Bond terms, this is like Lupin's "A View to a Kill". A few good scenes but you won't remember much the next day. The only reason for that is that there is nothing to differ it from the manysome other Lupin movies and shows available.

I like this Japanese cartoon just because the story is so funny. The Inspector Zenigata is always chasing Lupin a Master Thief who plans to steal big ticket items for his girl Mine Fujiko. The problem is he always runs into trouble along the way and seems to be able to take on whole armies with his friends Jigen and Goemon. Maybe not for everyone but I really like it.

Lupin is given half of a diamond known as the "Twilight". He is told that the diamond is in fact a key to an even larger treasure located in Morocco. Meanwhile, Inspector Zenigata has a new commissioner, willing to give him all the resources he needs to catch Lupin. The plot thickens as it appears that multiple parties are interested in getting the treasure.

I will be comparing this film to other entries in the Lupin franchise. This film is on the cheaper end when it comes to animation. This film is very light on series regulars like Jigen, Goemon and even Zenigata doesn't have much to do. We need more Jigen, he is the coolest guy. Fujiko has never looked better, but she is little more than eye candy in the grand scheme.

The setting doesn't give too much to work with. It is just a whole lot of desert sand. There are long stretches of time where it is just Lupin riding a camel through the vast sea of sand.

The villains aren't all that interesting, they kind of wear this KKK uniform and are involved in a territorial battle with the "Geltics".

But the movie has an undeniable charm, carried mainly by its thieving protagonist. The action is exciting, and the jokes are really good. Particularly one joke at the end that makes the whole thing worth it.

The film is much like the Twilight Diamond, pretty to look at, but not a complete gem.