Just what I expected

Instant Favorite.

Admirable film.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

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.

The Secret of Mamo is a crazy, memorable, and pretty enjoyable Lupin movie.The first theatrical Lupin movie, this has some very solid animation for 1978, and some very interesting direction. Very colorful and lively. The soundtrack by Yuji Ohno is a blast too, and of course the original voice cast delivers.The story in this one is pretty crazy, and by the end it's pretty much pure nonsense. Lupin is up against a psychotic diminutive man with a god complex, and it leads to some very strange things. Including a cameo from Hitler, naturally.This movie has a fairly brisk pace for the most part, bad things just keep happening to the Lupin gang. One minute they're on the run from a freakishly large truck, the next they're being bombarded by bombs.Where this movie gets really weird is the characterization. Lupin is less cool and laid back in this one, in general he's pretty irritable and annoyed, even with his loyal gang. I have to admit, this makes Lupin less likable to me in this one.Fujiko has a pretty big part in this one, she's quite entertaining, although she does make some questionable decisions. Jigen makes out well in this, and Goemon is pretty cool like usual. Zenigata is great in this, tirelessly hunting Lupin down. But again, seeming a bit out of his usual anime character when he actually wants to kill Lupin.The movie in general is closer to the tone of the manga, with it's insanity and less likable characters.So, pretty much, this is a very memorable movie, it goes above and beyond into the realm of insanity, and it's quite entertaining. The classic dynamic that the characters usually have in the anime is somewhat skewed here though, and the story itself is not entirely satisfying.None the less, this is a wild ride that I recommend checking out.

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.

I went into this film with an idea of what I thought Lupin was. I am a big fan of the second series that ran in the 80's, and I was looking forward to seeing this film. Of course, Mamo was made in the late 70's, but I thought the character would be the same. At first I was a little upset with how Lupin looked; his head shape was a bit different than I had seen with the other series'. Also, Goemon looks and acts seemingly out of character. In addition, he comes and goes whenever he pleases, arriving out of nowhere in crucial plot-points. But I can look past all that, seeing how long Lupin has been around. There are sure to be different interpretations of the characters. What got me in Mamo was the plot.When we think of Lupin, we think of heists and fun little robberies. In this film there is this midget freak who wants to clone things. But wait, now he wants to take over the world! Good thing jigen shoots him in the face. Oh wait! That Mammo was a clone! He is on to bigger and better things. He wants to nuke the planet yadda yadda yadda but he dies dramatically. It must be the end, but noo Mamo is actually a Gigantic brain who is going to launch to space and return to be a god. Does this sound like Lupin? I don't think so. It sounds like a James Bond movie on crack. I came out feeling a bit surprised, I must say. Nevertheless, the film has some great action scenes and a waaay over the top Zenigata. I've heard Castle of Cogliostro is better, and after seeing "Mamo and his Gigantic brain", I should hope so.