Lupin the Third and Ocean’s Eleven (Twelve/Thirteen)

I have been watching old TV animation series of “Lupin the Third” recently. It reminds me of my childhood since I watched two episodes every Sunday noon when I was a kid. There are some problematic expressions regarding gender roles (obvious from the character Fujiko, and Lupin’s relationship with her), the stories are so cool and fun. Being a Japanese grandson of Lupin, the greatest French thief, Lupin the Third tries all sorts of always-dreams-for-guys activities with his coolest friends, Jigen (my hero) and Goemon. It reflects (and probably contributes to the creation of) Japanese society and the international situation of the 70s (giving phrases like “Sekigun (Red Army)”. As a kid, I learned a bit of historical trivia from this TV show, and also overall internationalism that gives a lot of faith in international organizations including Interpol.

I am trying to find an equivalent for people who never watched it. The first thing that occurs to me is 007: future technology, guns, violence and women. But it does not convey the taste of the 70s, or its comical nature (think about it, he’s a Japanese grandson of a French guy). Then I found a perfect example. It’s Ocean’s Eleven!!! The more episodes I watch, the more convinced I am that the director or those who are involved in the making of Ocean’s series must have watched Lupin the Third.

If you haven’t watched it yet, try TV series. Movies are good, but TV series are faster and more fun. Miyazaki Hayao also directed Lupin the Third for a while (like “The Castle of Cagliostro” and gave a different taste to it during that time (which people might or might not like).