Lupin III: TV Specials

Publisher
Various
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
Various
Year
1989

Lupin III: Secret Of Twilight Gemini

By Joseph (Joe) Wood
7th Mar 05

“The Secret of Twilight Gemini”, originaly aired in Japan in 1996, is one of the many Lupin III TV specials. Lupin the Third is a large icon of Japanese manga and anime and has a huge fan-base both in Japan and the West.

Lupin III and his right hand man Jigen are called to visit a dieing crime lord who has been bed-ridden for several months and now believes his time is near. He hands Lupin a diamond that is worth several millions and explains that it is only a part of the vast treasure said to have been hidden by the ancient Geltic tribe. Lupin then sets of for Morocco in search of this legendary treasure pursued by Inspector Zenigata. Upon arriving in Morocco Lupin finds that the once peaceful Geltic tribe split into two factions who are fighting with one another and the Eagle tribe who took over the Geltic’s homeland. As Lupin tires to uncover the treasure he is pursued by both the Eagle tribe who are co-operating with Zenigata and one of the two Geltic tribes who are after the twilight. Whilst in Morocco Lupin encounters both Fujiko and Goemon, but also the crazy Sadachiyo. Lupin and co team up with the original Gelts and try to figure out why the leader of the other group, the elder’s son, is desperate to find the treasure.

As with most Lupin films/specials “Twilight Gemini” also requires a little bit of knowledge of the regular Lupin characters and their relationship with each other. The lack of this knowledge could cause confusion especially when Lupin goes after the Gelt girl Lara and Fujiko does not seem at all jealous. Once again there is a good level of action and comedy; there is romance as well but nothing major.

The animation matches the style and quality of all Lupin III anime but does little to surpass the norm. The music is also nothing to write home about although there are one or two good segments. The plot is not complex but this is not a film that is supposed to make you think, it’s to entertain. Very few of the story developments will shock you wither you’re a Lupin fan or not. There is fun to be had and it’s hard not to smile at Lupin’s antics as he dodges both Zenigata and the Gelts to try and find the treasure.

This is a film Lupin III fans will enjoy but is not one of his best adventures. Others should check out “The Castle of Caligostro”, “The Mystery of Mamo” or the manga first.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English Dubbed, Charcter Bios

Release information: Label: MVM Released: September 9th 2002 Classification: 15 Running Time: 90mins Director: Gizaburo Sugii

Notes: The DVD from MVM only has an English dub option, the dub isn't too bad but a Japanese option would of been nice, however this is not due to MVM but rather Funimation who produced the DVD. The charcter bios include information on all the Lupin main cast and new chacters, these aren't anything special.

-- Joseph (Joe) Wood 7th Mar 05