Lupin III: The First is considered a hit in North America!
Excellent news for fans of Lupin outside of Japan - the recent release of Lupin III: The First, the first 3DCG feature-length film in the franchise, has gone down a storm in North America!
At time of writing, the fun-filled animated flick is sitting at a “certified fresh” 100% critic score on popular review site, Rotten Tomatoes. The user score is close behind, at a well deserved 92%.
These are both subject to change - once more reviewers have seen the film and had their say.
We do think it’s safe to say though - early impressions are positive!
This is a very good sign for the franchise, as although its popularity has been increasing outside of Japan in recent years - this snazzy new coat of 3DCG paint appears to be making heads turn! We can only hope this leads to more Lupin goodies for us all in the future.
Here are a few choice quotes from North American critics thus far:
The story is straightforward, as can be expected from a family-friendly caper, and most of the turns are predictable, but it doesn't make the movie any less fun.
- Tracy Brown, Los Angeles TimesThis lavish, technically polished animated caper featuring the beloved gentleman thief of Japanese manga delivers high-octane entertainment but plays safe with the canon.
- Maggie Lee, VarietyThe versions of Lupin and his familiar friends and enemies in the new CG movie live up to the high expectations set by decades of over-the-top animated adventures.
- Tasha Robinson, Polygon
The First is due to release digitally in North America on December 15th, and will come to home video next year, on January 12th.
The film has recently released in many other countries outside of Japan - Italy, France, Spain, and is still due to drop in the United Kingdom this November. You will be able to find our full review once we have seen it - but in the meantime, please feel free to read up on our first-look!
