Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Tayyab Torres
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
Portia Hilton
Blistering performances.
Tweekums
Like many people my introduction to the character Lupin III was Hayao Miyazaki's early film 'The Castle of Cagliostro', I enjoyed that so when I saw 'The Secret of Mamo' for sale I was keen to watch it. Once again I found the escapades of Lupin and his compatriots Fujiko, Jigen and Goemon to be both exciting and amusing even if the animation wasn't quite up to that of Miyazaki's film. While the tone is similar it probably isn't suitable for younger viewers as there are sexual references and Fujiko is seen undressed more than once which some parents might not be too keen on… although the '15' certificate given to the film in Britain and Ireland should be a clue to its suitability!In this adventure it looks as if Lupin is no more as we see him hanged in the opening scene. His nemesis Inspector Zenigata isn't convinced that he is dead and soon finds him only for him to escape once more. Lupin then sets off to steal a jewel from the middle of an Egyptian pyramid, the jewel might not look like much but apparently it holds the secret to eternal life; a secret that the villainous Mamo is keen to acquire. Once he has the jewel Mamo's henchmen come after him in a long and exciting chase sequence featuring a helicopter, the police and a gigantic lorry. He also has to contend with the beautiful Fujiko who Lupin clearly loves even though she is working with Mamo and clearly isn't to be trusted. As the film reaches its conclusion there is more and more action and we learn how Mamo's plan works.I'd certainly recommend this to anybody who enjoyed 'The Castle of Cagliostro' who isn't too young as it is a lot of fun.These comments are based on watching the film in Japanese with English subtitles; the DVD I watched also features an English soundtrack for viewers who prefer their anime dubbed.
Shawn Watson
Oh, what a huge difference a director makes. Where Castle of Cagliostro had atmosphere, inventive visuals, coherence and plot Mystery of Mamo has blandness, cheap backgrounds, confusion and silliness. It IS good for a single viewing and features a couple of pretty good action scenes but, I'm afraid, beyond that it's just as forgettable as any other random Japanese cartoon.Lupin III has been cloned and killed and the ever highly-strung Inspector Zenigata rejoices but it turns out that some being from another dimension in the form of a dwarf freak and a huge disembodied brain is behind the whole charade and involves the real, living Lupin III in some cockamamie plot. Don't even think about trying to follow this tripe.There's no charm or appeal to Mystery of Mamo and while there's plenty of visual humor and the characters we love, they deserve a better film. Go watch Castle of Cagliostro instead.
Muldwych
The first film version of the long-running successful manga series 'Lupin III', 'The Mystery Of Mamo' is non-stop action, adventure, and humour, brought to life with some brilliant animation, an excellent script, and some very good voice acting.Lupin is the greatest thief since his grandfather Arsene Lupin, but his lifestyle never affords him a moment's peace, especially with maniacally-determined Interpol Inspector Zenigata pursuing him anywhere and everywhere across the globe. Aided by his two friends, Jigen, who prefers a quiet life, sombre samurai warrior Goemon, and on-again-off again girlfriend and equally-skilled thief Fujiko, Lupin finds himself drawn into the world of Mamo, a mysterious billionaire, intent on achieving immortality. But is Mamo exactly what he appears? And how does the fabled Philosopher's Stone fit in? Now *this* is what animation is *really* about. It's about as far removed from the billion dollar cgi rubbish one usually sees in cinemas as it's possible to be. Every frame in 'Mamo' exudes genuine artistry, whether it's a peaceful Parisian cafe scene, or frenetic car chase through a sewer - yes, a sewer. Every musical motif creates genuine atmosphere, and every line of dialogue is there because it should be - it's not just a collection of lame one-liners for a cynical audience. If you find yourself on the edge of your seat, it's not because you're trying to fend off sleep from Disney-drawn dreck, but because you really find yourself wanting to see what happens next.There are imperfections within the story - certain plot points that are not entirely followed up, but nothing that ruins the central story. There is also a certain trade-off between characterisation and action, but Lupin III stories are not meant to be deeply introspective character pieces, just a lot of first class fun. They are also an ongoing series, so further revelations are to be had elsewhere.Probably the most well-known Lupin outing is 'The Castle Of Cagliostro', in many ways a more straightforward adventure with a more traditional action film-type ending. I think they're both excellent, but they're different beasts in temperament. 'The Mystery Of Mamo' takes a left-turn into the surreal, but it's still a cracking film that shouldn't disappoint - and definitely accessible to a Lupin novice.
emasterslake
This is the first Lupin the 3rd Anime Movie. It was made 1 year before Castle of Cagliostro. The plot and character designs are similar to the way they look in the manga series.It has some funny moments to it. But wish it had some improvements to it in some parts.If Miyazaki did this movie then we would see a more enjoyable Anime.Comparing this to Castle of Cagliostro, it seems it was made 5 years before that movie.in other words it's worth viewing. Just a reminder the animation is nothing compared to the kind in Castle of Cagliostro.Not bad for being the first Lupin Anime film.I give it 7/10 for almost perfect.
