Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon's Blood Spray

Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon's Blood Spray is an intriguing Japanese animated crime-drama film, and a riveting extension of the beloved "Lupin the Third" franchise. The film, released in 2017, is filled with intense action, dark elements, and an exhilarating storyline, that draws inspiration from the original manga series by Monkey Punch.

The movie showcases the vocal talents of Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa XIII, the stoic and incredibly skilled samurai who is a long-standing member of Lupin's team, and Takaya Hashi who takes the role of the vicious character 'Hawk'. The film is a side-story focusing primarily on Goemon's journey, allowing the viewers to unearth unprecedented aspects of his supreme abilities, weapon mastery, and character depth.

This cinematic piece tells a standalone story, meticulously developed to give prominence to Goemon's character which remained relatively under-explored in previous Lupin stories. Goemon's Blood Spray isn't just a film about thrilling heists and chasing treasures, but it provides an intricate analysis of Goemon's character which straddles the delicate balance between serene enlightenment and berserker fury, exploring his profound sense of honour, dedication to his craft, and the lengths he would traverse to uphold these principles.

The storyline sets in motion when Goemon crosses paths with a merciless, cold-blooded assassin known as Hawk, played by Takaya Hashi. Known as a 'mass-murderer' among assassins, he’s a man who's capable of combating a military warship all on his own. Hawk's bloodthirsty lust for power and superiority bring him toe-to-toe with Goemon. This heralds a clash of mythical proportions, a battle that is more than mere survival; it's about honour, resolve, and upholding the samurai code.

In addition to the captivating narrative, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon's Blood Spray distinctively retains the original series' aesthetic charm and artistic flavour while infusing it with a substantially darker and more realistic tone. The animation quality is top-tier, the fluid action scenes are visceral and stunningly choreographed, taking full advantage of Goemon's virtuoso swordsmanship. Daisuke Namikawa's performance adds depth and complexity to Goemon's character, while Takaya Hashi's menacing voice acting skillfully illustrates Hawk's personality.

Director Takeshi Koike, known for his work on "Redline" and "The Animatrix," brilliantly navigates the narrative, managing to maintain the essence of the Lupin franchise while introducing a refreshed, grittier storytelling style. The dark tones of the movie, combined with moments of light-hearted comedy inherent to the Lupin franchise, create a unique atmosphere that is both engaging and memorable. The film also features an immersive soundtrack, where traditional Japanese score is blended with Jazz for creating a unique auditory experience corresponding to the film’s intense narrative arcs.

Goemon's Blood Spray delivers a deeply thoughtful character study into the enigmatic Goemon, while keeping intact the essence of what makes Lupin the Third franchise special: action-packed adventure, witty humour, and a combative spirit. It is a gripping thriller with a plot that is deeply immersive and full of suspense.

In conclusion, Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon's Blood Spray is an engaging, introspective, and exciting addition to the Lupin the Third universe. The film is more than just a typical action-adventure anime, and rather serves as an exploration of morality, sprinkled with the brand's usual thrilling escapades. This title guarantees a riveting cinematic experience for longtime Lupin fans and newcomers alike, full of nostalgia, hard-hitting action, and a deep dive into one of the franchise's most iconic characters.