[go: up one dir, main page]

    Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    EmmysSuperheroes GuideSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideBest Of 2025 So FarDisability Pride MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Rupan sansei: Walther P38

  • TV Movie
  • 1997
  • PG
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
606
YOUR RATING
Rupan sansei: Walther P38 (1997)
AnimeActionAdventureAnimationComedyCrimeFantasyMysteryThriller

Lupin infiltrates the Tarantulas, an elite gang of assassins from a secret island base, over an incident from his past.Lupin infiltrates the Tarantulas, an elite gang of assassins from a secret island base, over an incident from his past.Lupin infiltrates the Tarantulas, an elite gang of assassins from a secret island base, over an incident from his past.

  • Directors
    • Seiji Mizushima
    • Hiroyuki Yano
  • Writers
    • Monkey Punch
    • Shôji Yonemura
  • Stars
    • Kan'ichi Kurita
    • Kiyoshi Kobayashi
    • Makio Inoue
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    606
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Seiji Mizushima
      • Hiroyuki Yano
    • Writers
      • Monkey Punch
      • Shôji Yonemura
    • Stars
      • Kan'ichi Kurita
      • Kiyoshi Kobayashi
      • Makio Inoue
    • 8User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos4

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster

    Top cast28

    Edit
    Kan'ichi Kurita
    Kan'ichi Kurita
    • Arsene Lupin III
    • (as Kanichi Kurita)
    Kiyoshi Kobayashi
    Kiyoshi Kobayashi
    • Daisuke Jigen
    Makio Inoue
    Makio Inoue
    • Goemon Ishikawa
    Eiko Masuyama
    Eiko Masuyama
    • Fujiko Mine
    Gorô Naya
    Gorô Naya
    • Inspector Zenigata
    Masuo Amada
    • Hawk
    • (voice)
    Troy Baker
    Troy Baker
    • Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    John Burgmeier
    John Burgmeier
    • Victor "Viki" Flannegan
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Chris Cason
    Chris Cason
    • Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Justin Cook
    Justin Cook
    • Jack
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Jerome Fifty-Seven
    • Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    • (as Brandon Bristow)
    Caitlin Glass
    Caitlin Glass
    • Ellen, Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Show Hayami
    • Jack
    • (voice)
    Kyle Hebert
    Kyle Hebert
    • Clyde, Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Meredith McCoy
    Meredith McCoy
    • Fujiko Mine
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Mike McFarland
    Mike McFarland
    • Goemon Ishikawa, Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    Ken'ichi Ogata
    Ken'ichi Ogata
    • Boma
    • (voice)
    Justin Pate
    • Additional Voices
    • (English version)
    • (voice)
    • Directors
      • Seiji Mizushima
      • Hiroyuki Yano
    • Writers
      • Monkey Punch
      • Shôji Yonemura
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews8

    7.2606
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    5mimmoesposito

    a wasted opportunity

    Then I am the first person who will not speak highly enough of this film. So for me this film really shows potential because we have never seen a much more violent and bloody Lupine III film. And yet this river was truly a disappointment for me because a good oneit really had potential But I never understand these things that really get on my nerves. That is, you make a very violent and bloody film and it's that you add comedy and that's what's worse than these things that aren't funny at all, for example that Fujiko gives Lupine a slapThese things aren't funny to me at all and the villains. That is, the tarantulas are badly used in the film. She's the main villain, thrown at random. The only positive thing about this film is Ellen who, for me, was a really good character but you need another film. Failure of Lupine IIIWhat a shame with something like this that was really wasted to conclude the vote 5.
    8psychogoatee

    Intense thrills with Lupin III.

    Walther P-38 (Island of Assassins) is a damn good Lupin III adventure.

    A man commits a heinous crime using a Walther P-38 pistol much like the one Lupin has, along with a spooky group of assassins with spider tattoos. This leads Lupin and the gang to the foggy island of assassins.

    This is the most serious Lupin special, and also the most violent. It's an intriguing change of pace for Lupin, where he has a serious score to settle from his past. The less known about the plot going in the better, there are some nice twists.

    Lupin naturally takes a liking to a female assassin on the island, she turns out to be one of the better guest leading ladies. The scenes between Lupin and her are pretty touching.

    The Lupin gang is here as well, with Jigen there to help his partner, Fujiko with a couple nice scenes, and of course Goemon with some great fighting. For the most part they're separate from Lupin in this one, as he is doing his own personal thing, but they do get some decent screen time.

    This has a comparatively more serious art style, and is pretty dark looking. The soundtrack by Yuji Ohno is also pretty intense. There's still some good comedy in this though, being Lupin, and Inspector Zenigata provides quite a few of those laughs.

    A really good thriller, I recommend giving this one a watch, Lupin fan or not.
    7lost-in-limbo

    "There's one too many Walthers in this world".

    Somewhat a change of pace and tone, even in its animation, when compared to the first few bright and lively TV specials. Lupin the Third: Island of Assassins, which I much prefer original title Lupin the Third: Walther P38, had rather a distinctively punchy, somber and violent approach. Sort of mixing together an intriguing whodunnit angle with a ludicrous conspiracy laced adventure sub-plot like out of a James Bond film. The story delves into a past incident of a mysterious figure shooting a familiar looking Walther P38 at Lupin falling out of a plane, well, it's déjà vu, as during a heist, in what looks like a set-up, Lupin's arch nemesis Interpol inspector Zenigata is shot by the same mysterious figure and elegant pistol from Lupin's past. Being framed for the shooting, this leads Lupin to the island of the Tarantula assassins, where he and co go about trying to uncover this shooter from his past, while also stealing the Tarantula's massive gold fortune.

    The game plan is set, but it doesn't go so smoothly, as chaos erupts and the revelation to who set it all in motion shows their true self. Action, when it occurs, hits hard and fast with few bang-up scenes in the opening and closing sequences. Once the story hits the island, the operation rarely leaves and it can hit a bit of a bump as it slowly chugs along. In doing so, it felt like it could've been tighter and a little less self-contained, but this opened up a relationship struck between Lupin and one of the assassins, Ellen. The script gave it an opportunity to dig a little deeper into Lupin's psyche, and background showing a serious side whenever he's not being coy. This is powerfully projected in its final melancholy scenes of self-sacrifice and pure reflection - finishing on a beautiful end credits song "Don't Forget My Eyes" by Emi Shinohara, the Japanese voice actress of Ellen and who also did voice work for Sailor Moon and Project A-Ko.
    9Sci-Fi Junkie Lord

    A bit unusual, but excellent nonetheless.

    Like any Lupin film, Walther P-38 is completely entertaining, with a wide appeal base. That is to say, anyone can enjoy any film of the Lupin series, be they an otaku or someone not familiar with anime. Unlike others of the series, this film is deadly serious at times, with mature imagery and violence. The slapstick humor is ever present, for that is what endears fans to the Lupin series. For fans, those who find Goeman particularly more entertaining than Jigan (myself certainly NOT included), this film is perfect. The plot centers around an inescapable island on which the greatest cabal of assassins is trained. This fact is certainly reflected in the writing and plot; most of the action take splace on this island and most characters are stoic badasses. Whoever you are watch this movie, but specifically those of you who have watched Lupin, but felt it couldn't complete with more graphic, more adult anime. This one will hopefully have you rethinking that.
    6JayWolfgramm

    I'll Take Care of That Later...I'm Pretty Clever

    "Island of Assassins" is another adventure from famed master thief Lupin III. In this one, Lupin and the gang face off against a notorious group of mercenaries all marked with a distinctive spider tattoo on their hand. Together, Lupin, Jigan, Goeman and Fujiko will race against the clock to clear Lupin's name, get the gold, free hostages and unravel a mystery about Lupin's past. Doing all this, while trying to escape with their lives.

    I have now seen about 8 of these Lupin III movies, and they can vary wildly in quality. I am a fan of this series, these are fun characters, they work well off of each other and set up fun and unique adventures. And fear not, this is one of the good ones. There are just a few things that keeps it away from being a great one.

    First, addressing the tone. This movie is decidedly darker in tone compared to the majority of Lupin adventures. If you come into Lupin for its humor, most of that is being held up by a side story only tangentially related to the main events. This is a more Lupin focused story, with as much for Jigan, Goeman, Zenigate and Fujiko. The new character for this movie, Ellen, is more interesting and plot relevant than most of the female add-ons from these movies.

    The setting of the island is an entertaining one. There is an almost constant sense of peril, like our heroes are one wrong look away from being killed. This movie has an intimidating villain and a compelling overarching mystery. The animation style helps compliment the darker more serious tone. It isn't necessarily my favorite animation for Lupin, but it is undeniably a step up from their episodic animation. I also like the English dub of Sonny Strait and Christopher Sabat (Krillin and Piccolo) for Lupin and Jigan.

    The movie builds up to an exciting third act, but this is when the main problems begin to arise. Without giving anything away, there is a major plot point that is just ignored. The movie sets up these rules, and apply actions to consequences, but then at the end just say: "nah, don't worry about it." For a movie that is so serious, that plot hole may be the funniest joke of the film.

    Overall, it is a good adventure, intimidating villains, compelling mysteries, exciting action and constant suspense. Then the ending has such a large plot point that is just ignored, it is impossible to ignore. But it is not enough to ruin the movie. It still gets a recommendation from me. Give it a watch if you are looking for a darker animated adventure.

    More like this

    Lupin III: Le Tombeau de Daisuke Jigen
    7.2
    Lupin III: Le Tombeau de Daisuke Jigen
    Lupin III: Le Secret de Mamo
    6.9
    Lupin III: Le Secret de Mamo
    Lupin III: Le complot du clan Fûma
    7.0
    Lupin III: Le complot du clan Fûma
    Lupin III: Le Secret du Twilight Gemini
    6.6
    Lupin III: Le Secret du Twilight Gemini
    Lupin III: La Brume de sang de Goemon Ishikawa
    7.3
    Lupin III: La Brume de sang de Goemon Ishikawa
    Lupin III: Adieu, Nostradamus!
    6.9
    Lupin III: Adieu, Nostradamus!
    Rupan sansei: Honô no kioku Tokyo Crisis
    7.1
    Rupan sansei: Honô no kioku Tokyo Crisis
    Lupin III - Mort ou vif
    6.8
    Lupin III - Mort ou vif
    Lupin III: Le dragon maudit
    6.7
    Lupin III: Le dragon maudit
    Lupin III: Le trésor d'Harimao
    6.8
    Lupin III: Le trésor d'Harimao
    Lupin III
    7.6
    Lupin III
    Lupin III: Destination danger
    6.8
    Lupin III: Destination danger

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The file Victor brings to Inspector Zenigata in the hospital reads "Cagliostro" and has images of the Count of Cagliostro and his castle, from a previous Lupin adventure Le Château de Cagliostro (1979).
    • Goofs
      The newspaper article on Zenigata being shot reads as "Nspector Zenigata Shooted" when it should be "Inspector Zenigata Shot".
    • Quotes

      Inspector Zenigata (voice: English version): That's the way I work! I don't care about governments, I only care about stopping evil wherever I see it! And that's the code I live by!

    • Crazy credits
      In the closing credits, a bird flies across the island's various locations and finally up into the sky.
    • Connections
      Followed by Rupan sansei: Honô no kioku Tokyo Crisis (1998)
    • Soundtracks
      Lupin III Theme ('97 version)
      Music & Arrangement by [ink=nm0645156]

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ

    • Why did Zenigata flatline if the bullet didn't do serious damage?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 1, 1997 (Japan)
    • Country of origin
      • Japan
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
      • Spanish
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Lupin III: Island of Assassins
    • Production companies
      • Kyokuichi Tokyo Movie Shinsha
      • Nippon Television Network (NTV)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 33 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Rupan sansei: Walther P38 (1997)
    Top Gap
    By what name was Rupan sansei: Walther P38 (1997) officially released in Canada in English?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.