Lupin III: The Columbus Files

Da Capo of Love: Fujiko's Unlucky Days (The Columbus Files) is a nice Lupin special.

It starts with Lupin and Fujiko up to their usual shenanigans, until they are bombarded by explosions and things get wild. The story here is that Fujiko has amnesia, and only she knows where the treasure is. And of course, getting Fujiko's memory back is Lupin's top priority.

Lupin is pretty serious a lot of the time in this one, because Fujiko is who he cares about the most. It's always nice to see that kind of emotion from the world's greatest thief. There's plenty of great comedy from the man as well of course. He has a great villain to comedically own here too, the green jacketed laughing madman, Nazaroff.

Jigen and Goemon both get some good stuff here, Goemon is hilariously eccentric in this one. Lupin and Jigen's usual tag-team is put on the backburner in cases like this one though, when a woman needs Lupin's help. Inspector Zenigata pops up from time to time, and while he's used sparingly he does get some good laughs.

The main story does get a little shaky by the end though, involving mad scientists and a crazy world domination plot.

Yuji Ohno gives this a very smooth jazz soundtrack of course, with the appropriate intensity added when needed. The original voice acting from these veterans is great as well. And some fun trivia, Nabeshin of Excel Saga fame directed this special.

All in all, this is a good Lupin adventure, with some nice attention given to Lupin and Fujiko's always interesting relationship. Check this one out.

This is the 1999 TV movie of Lupin the 3rd. And the last one of the 20th Century Lupin the 3rd.

Story begins with Lupin and Fujiko having their own private dinner together. Fujiko uncovered the Columbus Files that's suppose to lead to Columbus's Secret possessions.

Right before Lupin can get any info on where it is, a group of armed soldiers invade their hideout! Lupin lost track of Fujiko after an unexpected attack. Lupin must now find out the secrets of the Columbus Files and what became of Fujiko.

There are a lot of hilarious parts to this TV movie. Even has Zennigata with his Japanese Police Swat Team from Castle of Cagliostro and Fuma Conspiracy.

Even has this girl with a mysterious past who wanted to uncover the secrets of Columbus's treasure herself.

I give this one a 7.5/10. A pretty good TV movie. Worth watching for those who've seen the previous Lupin Animes

If you are a fan of Lupin III then this has everything you want to see in a classic Lupin adventure. It's got Indiana Jones style treasure hunting, Mission: Impossible style masks and superhero style of 'how does that work?' energy.

All the original Lupin characters are utilized quite well in this entry. Goemon proves to be a very useful fellow. Jigen has some time to shine and some funny banter with Goemon. Inspector Zenigata continues his usual routine. But the main center piece is Fujiko and Lupin's complex relationship.

The movie has 3 main problems.

#1: I am sick to death of the amnesia storyline. The character will just stumble around trying to remember things and when the runtime is over they will snap back to their old self.

#2 The transitions of how our heroes get out of each action scene are all hand waved away. Lupin and the gang will be stuck in a precarious situation and then out of nowhere they will just be fine in the next scene. There are so many plot conveniences that it loses any suspense of how they will get out/

#3 The MacGuffin is too complicated. In this film they are after "The Columbus Egg". The egg is worth a lot of money. It can also control the weather. It can also cure all known diseases. It can also grant its wielder super strength. It can also be used as a new fuel source. How can it do this? It is full of "Fulgon Energy". Of course, that explains it.

Beyond those faults, this is a fun adventure. It has diverse locations, memorable villains and charming character interactions.

Lupin delivers on the gold once again, and don't you forget it.