Lupin III Pilot Film – A Cool, Stylish First Look at Anime’s Slickest Thief As a long-time Lupin fan (and even if you’re just dipping your toes in), the Lupin III Pilot Film is a fascinating watch. It’s short, stylish, and gives you everything you need to know about the series in just under 15 minutes. What it lacks in runtime, it more than makes up for in personality. The biggest win here? It does an excellent job at introducing the main crew. You’ve got Lupin himself – smooth, cheeky, and absolutely loving the thrill of the chase. Jigen is all business with his hat, beard, andpinpoint accuracy. The guy barely cracks a smile, and it totally works. Fujiko Mine brings elegance and danger – seductive, beautiful, and always one step ahead. Then there’s Goemon, the traditional samurai with a weird sense of timing, but man, when he draws that sword, it’s all over. And finally, Zenigata, the goofy-but-determined cop who’s always on Lupin’s tail. He’s serious about his job, but half the time he’s two steps behind – and that’s part of the charm.

Animation-wise, the pilot is a visual treat. The level of detail in things like cars and wristwatches is kind of insane for something this short. It’s clear the animators were flexing, and it pays off. The art style feels rooted in 60s/70s design but still looks slick today. It's got that gritty, analog charm that fans of retro anime will absolutely appreciate.

Is it perfect? Not exactly – it's a concept film after all – but it's a super cool slice of what Lupin III is all about. Whether you're just getting into the franchise or you're already a fan, this little film is worth your time.

Score: 8/10 (A must-see for any Lupin enthusiast)