Lupin III: The First is a 2019 adventure that serves as a perfect introduction to the franchise. Lupin III is a series that's been running for over 50 years and counting and follows the titular thief, who is a grandson of the Arsène Lupin found in Maurice Leblanc's classic novels. Lupin III was created by Monkey Punch -AKA Kazuhiko Katō - and the character made his manga debut in 1967. Lupin is basically the greatest thief in the world, and the manga follows him and his crew of recurring allies as they pull off various insane heists.
The popularity of the Lupin III manga has led to an almost dizzying number of adaptations across the decades. In addition to many anime series and OVAs, there are also two Japanese live-action movies; one from 1973 dubbed Strange Psychokinetic Strategy and the other from 2012 from Godzilla: Final Wars and Versus director Ryuhei Kitamura. One of the most famous adaptations of the manga is The Castle of Cagliostro, a 1979 anime movie that marked the debut of acclaimed director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki.
The character is something of an anime icon by this point, with the most recent Lupin The Third movie arriving in 2019. Lupin III: The First is a 3D CG animated caper that puts the title thief on the trail of a diary that could lead to a huge fortune, though even his legendary grandfather failed to steal the book in the past. His quest to steal the diary is also complicated by a rival thief who has her own dark history with the diary.
Getting into the Lupin III franchise can feel a little overwhelming to newcomers since it has such a long history. While few can go wrong starting with The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin III: The First is also a great place to start. It's a fast-paced, breezy adventure that somehow manages the twin feat of making the series feel contemporary while staying true, and paying tribute, to the franchise's rich history.
While the CGI animation may turn off some longtime fans of the series, it can't be denied that it also looks gorgeous. The vibrant colors and fluid animation make Lupin III: The First a visual treat, and its features some great action sequences too. The movie is a reminder of exactly why Lupin and his motley crew have remained so popular for decades, and for those thinking of catching up with the gentleman thief's exploits, it's a very enjoyable way to start.