Lupin

I usually do not like to watch dubbed offerings from Netflix, but this came recommended so I tried it. They did a good job dubbing and if you do not concentrate on the lips, you soon do not notice it at all. It was a fun little series that put you in mind of the old Mission 'impossible series. Sure, there were some stretches but overall it was well done.

All I can figure with the low rating is that they are from people that like non stop chases, gun fights and explosions instead of a story line that you need to follow.

Looking over the reviews, I see things like "more holes than swiss cheese," "exaggeration," "loopholes," "suspension of disbelief," etc.

I'm not disagreeing, but somehow, I never read these things about Mission: Impossible or James Bond movies.

Lupin is the story of a man (Omar Sy) out to avenge his father's imprisonment for stealing a valuable necklace, which causes him to commit suicide. From childhood, his father encouraged his interest in the gentleman detective, Arsene Lupin, which is a series of books by Maurice Leblanc.

In order to achieve his revenge against his father's ex-employer, Pellegrini (Herve Pierre), he uses Lupin's techniques. Little does he know, one of the detectives on the robbery case is a fan of Lupin.

I think this is a fun, light series, kind of a fantasy, with stunning Paris surroundings.

I like it. It's witty, well acted and directed. This version of Lupin is a clever re-imagining (with some flaws), trying to fast-forward the original character 100-years. And yes, XXIst century Lupin is the son of African immigrants. And why not? Omar Sy is a great lead character and the production values are good. Perfectly enjoyable light entertainment. I repeat: this is meant to be watched for fun, it's not faithful to the details of the original books, it's not meant to be realistic. Good tv is escapism. It reminds me in a good way of successful series like Hustle, or Leverage. with intricate cons and twists. To the critics: you are right, this is not a series of Lupin faithful to the original books and historical context, in a way that David Suchet's Poirot was. But it is in the same line of re-imagining classics (though not quite as spectacular, but neither on the same budget) as Dominic Cumberbatch's Sherlock. It's an enjoyable ride. Don't begrudge the artistic licence. Have some fun. For god's sake it's 2021!

Yes, plot holes everywhere, ridiculously unlikely escapes and escapades, and still I enjoyed every minute. The lead character, played by Omar Sy, just sweeps you along with it all. See it as just pure entertainment and don't get too concerned about some the finer details and you can sit back and enjoy the cleverness of some parts, the humour in others and the fun of it all.

I'm French and I really dislike French series, mostly because they're not realistic enough, the writing is pompous, and the acting is usually awful.

I'm must admint that Lupin is not a super well produced series, but the story and the characters are deep enough to keep watching.

As usual, French cops are stupid AF (which is mostly true) and there's some plot holes and unrealistic stuff (like the cop in S02e02 who fires at Lupin's car. In France, there's strict rules about the use of firearms for the cops).

All in all, it's not amazing compared to some US/UK series, but it"s decent enough to watch and enjoy, and it's above most of the other French series.