LUPIN THE THIRD: THE WOMAN CALLED FUJIKO MINE

 Lupin The Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 320 Mins
Audio: English & Japanese DD 5.1
Release Date: 16/9/2013
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Lupin the Third is in love with Fujiko Mine, a woman thief who likes to stroll around nude and steal from anyone she sees fit. No one knows anything about her, but everyone wants to know as she has caught the attention of the criminal underworld as to her motives for thieving in the first place. She could be acting on her instincts due to her parents having done the same when they were younger, or she could be doing it for the thrill of stealing, bedding men and killing which many of the criminal underworld can identify to.

The fact Lupin wants to get close to her is obvious, he is in love, but this could prove harder than he thinks as he has to get past all the authorities and criminals to get to her. Even if he does, he might end up like all the other men she has slept with and discarded, and killed, so he has to evaluate whether or not he should pursue such a dangerous woman. With sex on his mind, he decides the best he can do is follow his instincts as he feels he needs to know more about her as only rumours are on the surface as far as she is concerned.

Lupin the Third had an original run as an anime series back in 1984 after it was a manga written by Monkey Punch for Tokyopop.  There are four anime series based on the original with Lupin the 3rd: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine being the fourth series. Its original run was in 2012 and has thirteen episodes.  It has proved to be successful in the east and west, but isn’t anime in the purest sense of what we have come to know as anime. The characters are very reminiscent of old western cartoon series like Hanna Barbera’s The Perils of Penelope Pitstop and Wacky Races as well as having elements of early Battle of the Planets looks to the characters. It might not be for anyone who is used to seeing the more modern looking anime series like Naruto, Bleach, or Fullmetal Alchemist. It is more for those who have enjoyed looking back at older series that have captured their imagination from being a child. From a nostalgic point of view, it is a great anime, but only for those who like the animation style and look of the characters.

Bonus Material: Clean Opening and Closing animations and Trailers for other anime series.

Verdict: Here's a nostalgic look at how anime used to look - great to view on DVD or Blu-ray!