Now This is Some Good Lupin!
N. Bashur | Lincoln Park, MI United States | 09/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is what Lupin is all about: good action, great comedy, a nice plot, and wonderful characters, all of which are present in Crisis in Tokyo, and then some.
Crisis in Tokyo is heavy on the comedy, but it also has plenty of action. Character designs are wonderful here; Fujiko looks absolutely stunning. Animation is also well done, and backgrounds look good.
In this special, Lupin is after two items called the Tatsumi and Inui of Yoshinobu, which are two photographic plates that are supposed to point out the location of the a rumored treasure of massive proportions. With Goemon and Fujiko no where in sight, Lupin has to count on Jigen for help, but Jigen is not being much helpful, as he has a bad toothache that lowers his skills as a sharpshooter.
The Tatsumi and Inui of Yoshinobu are in the possession of a man called Michael Suzuki, who's also the owner of the upcoming Aquatower Hotel and Theme Park, where much of the events unfold. He is also the main villain of this special, and has a lot in store for the Lupin crew.
Fujiko shows up and invites Lupin and Jigen to a bar to catch up on old times. As it turns out, she is also after the Tatsumi and Inui, and she has Goemon on her side this time. The scene in which this happens is my favorite scene: not only does it have a wonderful atmosphere and outstanding background music (which can be found on the Lupin the Third Jazz CD), but seeing all four character just sitting down, enjoying a drink, and conversing is really something else! Jigen's conversation with Goemon in regards to Goemon's reason for teaming up with the dubious Fujiko is especially hilarious. Goemon has gotten his sword stolen for him to be put on display at the Aquatower Hotel, and as such, has been rendered somewhat useless, though not entirely, and so he teamed up with Fujiko in hopes of retrieving it.
Thus, plans are made, and events unfold with some very interesting results and many unexpected turns.
A new character is introduced in this special by the name of Maria! She is not on Lupin's side this time, but on Zenigata's, which is a nice touch. Maria is a great character with a wonderful and touching back-story that has much to do with the final outcome, but I won't spoil it for you.
This special is just plain entertaining! From the music, to the characters, to the animation, to the action, to the comedy, and many more wonderful elements, it would be a crime not to see it!
So save yourself from the wrath of Zenigata (whom we see much more of in this special) and get yourself a copy of Crisis in Tokyo! You will certainly not regret it!"