Rupan sansei: Dead or Alive

One of the best Lupin films along with 'The Castle of Cagliostro' (my favourite) and 'Farewell to Nostradamus'. Really like most of the Lupin films though, my least favourite and the only disappointing one being 'Gold of Babylon'.

'Lupin: Dead or Alive' may not be quite as entertaining as 'The Castle of Cagliostro' or as bold as 'The Secret of Mamo' or 'Farewell to Nostradamus', but it is a very good film in its own right and serves Lupin well. It doesn't quite have the energy as some of the previous Lupin films pacing wise and there are a few parts that have little to do with the story and seemed there for padding purposes.

The animation however is great. The characters' designs have more finesse than in 'Farewell to Nostradamus' and 'The Secret of Mamo' and are not as ugly or underwhelming as 'Gold of Babylon' and there is a lot of polish, with the attention to detail in the action and backgrounds being particularly impressive. The action is exciting and suspenseful.

'Dead or Alive' ends satisfyingly, with things wrapped up neatly without being too pat. The music is dynamic and fitting.

Although not as humour-heavy as the other Lupin films, the humour is present and it is funny. The writing is also thought-provoking and taut. The story is gripping, if not quite as eventful or as vibrantly paced as the previous film, and doesn't forget to be fun or tense.

We have a high in charisma lead character in Lupin, a good villain, Jigen and Goemen having entertaining roles and the film brings the best out of Fujiko and Zenigata. Voice acting is good.

Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox