Okay, let's talk about samurai… and pizza! Wait, what? That's right, we're diving into the surprisingly heartwarming world of Lupin the 3rd: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa.
Forget your usual stoic samurai image. This isn’t just about clashing swords; it's about friendship, figuring out who you are, and maybe ordering a ridiculously oversized pizza afterwards. It's basically a samurai coming-of-age story with explosions and cool cars.
Goemon's Growing Pains
At its core, this Lupin adventure centers around Goemon Ishikawa, the stone-faced samurai of the group. He's usually the calm, collected one, slicing and dicing anything that comes his way. But in this movie, he's having a bit of an existential crisis.
Goemon's sword, Zantetsuken, isn’t slicing as cleanly as it used to. Imagine a chef suddenly unable to properly chop vegetables. It’s a samurai’s worst nightmare!
This leads him on a journey of self-discovery, trying to understand why his skills seem to be failing him. It's less about epic battles (though there are plenty of those) and more about his internal struggle. He has to reconcile with his past.
The Hawk and the Pizza
Enter Hawk, a hulking mercenary with a ridiculously oversized tomahawk. He is strong, deadly, and serves as a brutal foil to Goemon’s disciplined style. Hawk challenges Goemon in every way, pushing him to his limits.
Their fights are incredibly brutal and visually stunning. It's a clash of styles, a samurai versus a force of nature. Sparks literally fly.
But amid all the action, there's this weirdly touching moment. After a particularly intense showdown, Goemon and Lupin find themselves in possession of a giant pizza, which Goemon (after some hesitation) actually tries! It's that little bit of levity and humanity that makes this movie great.
More Than Just Sword Fights
The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa isn't just a stylish action flick. It is about the power of friendship and loyalty. Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko are all there for Goemon, even if their methods are unconventional.
Lupin is surprisingly supportive, even if his support comes in the form of reckless antics and elaborate schemes. Jigen offers his gruff wisdom, and Fujiko always has a plan (and a hidden agenda, naturally).
These characters aren't just sidekicks. They all play a crucial role in Goemon’s journey. They may tease and bicker, but when the chips are down, they always have each other's backs.
The animation is gorgeous, with a darker, grittier style than some other Lupin installments. Think classic Lupin charm mixed with a healthy dose of stylish violence.
While there's plenty of action, The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa really shines in its quieter moments. The small interactions and Goemon's internal monologue, makes this Lupin film so special.
It's a reminder that even the most stoic warriors have their vulnerabilities. And sometimes, all you need is a good pizza (and some supportive friends) to get back on your feet.
So, next time you're looking for a fun and surprisingly heartfelt anime movie, give Lupin the 3rd: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa a try. You might just find yourself cheering for a samurai eating a slice of pizza.
