[Weekly Update] Last Update of 2022

I'm back! Took an impromptu Christmas break for two days. Let's face it, the festivity makes people not want to work.

Oh and, I decided to give these updates titles. Probably more useful than writing the date.

CHANNEL UPDATE

Hope you all enjoy our last video in Lupin III: The First. This video has been on the list ever since I talked about Earwig a long while ago. it has been 3 years since this film came out, and it still remains one of the best looking 3D CG film from Japan. By that point, I realize this movie will keep being relevant for a while, so I covered it for Christmas.

For our next video, we'll be talking about Seoul Station and Peninsula, the two other Train to Busan films. It has been a while since we talk about Korean cinema.

After that, I'll be taking a week off. I don't think I have shared this with you, yet. But I'll be doing a guest lecture (via zoom) in CalArt. That's why I'm taking a break so I can catch up with other works. If you are a CalArt student, drop by later in January!

From there, we'll make a small series of video called "the other movies", including "the other Mulan movies" and "the other Ip Man movies".

MEDIA TALK

You have no idea the kind of Lupin rabbit hole I dived into while researching for our last video. And after all that... I still am not sure how to pronounce Lupin.

If you want some truly... eye opening (?) video essays on the Lupin series that go in-depth, and I mean IN-DEPTH on Lupin. Check out Infinite Snow Productions on YouTube.

While I haven't watch the entire series, and I don't think you need to watch the entire series to talk about Lupin, I did watch most of the theatrical released movies. So, here is my quick reviews of them, in case you want more stuff.

Mystery of Mama: A lot of really hardcore Lupin fans consider this the best Lupin work. I think this is the most representative of the crazy stuff the Lupin series is actually known for, at least in its earlier years. It's... quite an experience, if you are trying to explain its plot. Just don't watch it while high. I don't think it's good for your health.

Castle of Cagliostro: Cagliostro is actually a location from one of the Arsene stories! Anyway, this is probably the most famous film from the Lupin franchise, thanks to Miyazaki's involvement. As a result, it also feels mostly Miyazaki and not very Lupin. It's a great movie, just don't expect sex, violence, and slapstick.

Gold of Babylon: I heard this movie has blackface in it... I didn't realize it has THAT many blackfaces in it. From art style to cruel humor, the film may not capture the style of the manga, but sure got the spirit... in a bad way.

Vs Conan: Not to be confused with the 2009 TV special. The film version is... A lot of talking. I mean that's kinda the thing about Conan, it's a lot of deduction and talking. But the dialogue just isn't very interesting. Visually it's stunning, though. Thanks to the budget (no doubt brought in by the Conan side of things), Lupin III looks fantastic and has never look cooler and more badass. So much so, he kinda steals the show from Conan.

Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen: Plot-wise, it's okay. This is the first Lupin III movie I saw that is truly aimed at a mature audience. It has a lot of nudity, sure. But its art style, plot structure, and violence are also really bold and at times, experimental. The mood alone carries me to the end of the film. Neat movie. Would recommend.

So, those are the Lupin movies I saw. Not the most representative experience, considering I skipped the entire 90s period. I don't know, 90s Lupin just doesn't look very interesting to me aesthetics wise?

I hope you are having a great holiday season. Thanks for another year of support, and I'll see you in 2023!