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Lupin III: The First (2020) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Lupin III: The First (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 93 min · Japanese
Echo score 85
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Directed by
Takashi Yamazaki
Starring
Suzu Hirose, Doug Erholtz, Alessandro D'Errico, J. David Brimmer, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Laurie Hymes

Suave thief Lupin III and his crew are on a dangerous mission to find the Bresson Diary, pursued by a shadowy organization attempting to resurrect the Third Reich's ideology. The adventure takes them across the globe, involving perilous tomb explorations, thrilling aerial chases, and daring escapes. Combining wit, cunning, and action, this pulse-pounding escapade offers excitement for both longtime fans and those new to Lupin’s world.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Lupin III: The First
  9. 9 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Lupin III: The First Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Lupin III: The First (2020), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Laetitia Lambert

    played by Suzu Hirose

    Laetitia is a clever and ambitious archaeology student, navigating the complexities of her family's past while engaging in the treasure hunt alongside Lupin. As Bresson's granddaughter, she grapples with her identity and the moral implications of her quest. Her character showcases intelligence, bravery, and the impact of familial expectations.

    • 👩‍🎓 Prodigy
    • 🕵️‍♀️ Resourceful
    • 😇 Innocence
  • Lupin III

    Lupin is a charismatic gentleman thief known for his cunning and charm. His drive to reclaim the Eclipse intertwines with personal history, pushing him to uncover secrets and outsmart foes. His playful demeanor masks a keen intelligence, making him a skilled strategist in high-stakes situations.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Thief
    • 🎩 Charismatic
    • 💫 Strategic
  • Geralt

    Geralt is a menacing antagonist who seeks the Eclipse for nefarious purposes. He embodies ruthlessness and ambition, willing to go to great lengths to further his goals. His character serves as a dangerous counterpoint to Lupin's wit and charm, escalating the tension throughout the film.

    • 🖤 Villain
    • ⚔️ Ruthless
    • 🌪️ Ambitious

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 19:54

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8 characters · 10 connections · contains spoilers

Lupin III: The First Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Lupin III: The First: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
LLLaetitiaLambertSuzu HiroseLILupin IIIGGeraltPLProfessorLambertFFujikoIZInspectorZenigataJJigenGGoemon

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 19:54

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Setting

Where and When Does Lupin III: The First Take Place?

The setting of Lupin III: The First (2020): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1960s

Set in the 1960s, the film captures a period ripe with post-war tensions and the lingering shadows of past conflicts. This decade was marked by the ongoing struggle against fascism and the quest for lost treasures from times of war. The story unfolds against a backdrop of archaeological discoveries and political conspiracies involving remnants of the Nazi regime.

Location

France, Teotihuacan, South America

The movie primarily takes place in France during the 1960s, where historical treasures and Nazi secrets intertwine. Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city, serves as the legendary hiding place of the Eclipse, a powerful artifact. Additionally, the events reference South America as the supposed refuge of Adolf Hitler, adding a layer of intrigue and historical context.

  • 🌍 Locations
  • 🏛️ Historical
  • ✈️ Adventure

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 19:54

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3 major themes

Lupin III: The First Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Lupin III: The First (2020) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Treasure Hunt

    The theme of a treasure hunt drives the narrative, as characters seek the fabled Eclipse, a powerful artifact linked to an ancient civilization. This quest reflects human greed, adventure, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their goals. The interplay between the protagonists and antagonists highlights the stakes involved in this high-stakes pursuit.

  • Deception

    Deception plays a crucial role in the plot, with various characters using disguises and subterfuge to achieve their aims. Laetitia’s dual role as a thief and the granddaughter of a significant figure adds depth to the theme. The characters' hidden motives create a constant tension, making trust a rare commodity.

  • Heroic Journey

    Lupin's adventurous spirit and resourcefulness underline the theme of a heroic journey. His relentless pursuit of justice and treasure echoes classic tales of heroes confronting both moral and physical challenges. The camaraderie among Lupin and his friends reinforces the importance of teamwork and loyalty in overcoming obstacles.

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 19:54

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Character & theme questions

Lupin III: The First Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Lupin III: The First (2020): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does Lupin III: The First take place?

The movie primarily takes place in 1960s France, where the main chase for the Bresson Diary unfolds. The legendary hiding place of the Eclipse is in Teotihuacan, the ancient Mesoamerican city in Mexico. South America is referenced as the supposed refuge of Adolf Hitler, adding historical intrigue to the story.

  • france
  • teotihuacan
  • locations
  • setting
  • south america
Q2

What time period is Lupin III: The First set in?

The film is set in the 1960s, a period marked by post-war tensions and the lingering shadows of past conflicts. This decade was chosen to capture the ongoing struggle against fascism and the quest for lost treasures from World War II.

  • 1960s
  • time period
  • era
  • historical setting
Q3

What is the Eclipse in Lupin III: The First?

The Eclipse is a powerful artifact hidden in Teotihuacan, linked to an ancient civilization. It is the central object that both Lupin and the antagonist Geralt seek, driving the treasure hunt narrative of the film.

  • eclipse artifact
  • treasure
  • teotihuacan
  • bresson diary
Q4

What are the main themes in Lupin III: The First?

The film explores three primary themes: Treasure Hunt, as characters pursue the powerful Eclipse artifact; Deception, with characters using disguises and hidden motives; and the Heroic Journey, showcasing Lupin's adventurous spirit and the importance of teamwork and loyalty.

  • themes
  • treasure hunt
  • deception
  • heroic journey
  • adventure
Q5

Who is Lupin III in the movie?

Lupin III is a charismatic gentleman thief known for his cunning and charm. In this film, he leads a dangerous mission to find the Bresson Diary and the Eclipse, using his intelligence and wit to outsmart dangerous foes while pursuing personal history.

  • lupin iii
  • main character
  • thief
  • protagonist
Q6

Who is Laetitia Lambert in Lupin III: The First?

Laetitia Lambert is a clever archaeology student who is also the granddaughter of Bresson, a significant figure from the past. She plays a dual role as both a thief and someone grappling with her family's complicated legacy, bringing depth to the theme of deception.

  • laetitia lambert
  • suzu hiroses
  • archaeologist
  • bresson granddaughter
Q7

Who is Geralt in Lupin III: The First?

Geralt is the main antagonist who seeks the Eclipse for nefarious purposes. He represents ruthlessness and ambition, working to resurrect the Third Reich's ideology. His dangerous presence creates high-stakes tension throughout the film as he pursues the same treasure as Lupin.

  • geralt
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • neo-nazi
  • enemy
Q8

What is Teotihuacan's role in Lupin III: The First?

Teotihuacan serves as the legendary hiding place of the Eclipse, an ancient and powerful artifact. This ancient Mesoamerican city provides the setting for one of the film's most dangerous tomb exploration sequences.

  • teotihuacan
  • mesoamerican
  • tomb
  • ruins
  • pyramid
Q9

Why is the 1960s setting important to the story?

The 1960s setting creates a backdrop of post-war tensions where remnants of the Nazi regime still pose a threat. This era allows the story to explore themes of historical secrets, archaeological discoveries, and political conspiracies tied to World War II.

  • 1960s
  • post-war
  • historical context
  • world war ii
  • nostalgia
Q10

How does deception play into Lupin III: The First?

Deception is a crucial element throughout the film, with various characters using disguises and subterfuge to achieve their goals. Laetitia's dual role as both a thief and Bresson's granddaughter exemplifies this theme, creating constant tension where trust is rare.

  • deception
  • disguises
  • betrayal
  • hidden identity
  • secrets

Movie threads

More Movies Like Lupin III: The First, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Lupin III: The First tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Globe-Trotting Treasure Hunts like Lupin III: The First

High-stakes animated quests for legendary artifacts, filled with daring escapes and ancient mysteries. If you enjoyed the high-flying adventure and archaeological mystery of Lupin III: The First, explore more movies like it. This section features animated films with similar high-stakes treasure hunts, daring heists, and thrilling chases across exotic locales.

  • thrilling
  • adventurous
  • daring
  • suspenseful
  • escapist
  • pulse-pounding
  • Tone: tense, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, action-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread follow a clear objective: find the treasure before the villains do. The narrative is propelled by a series of action-packed sequences and puzzles, unfolding across multiple international locations. Character dynamics often involve a skilled team with complementary talents, facing off against a powerful antagonist with world-altering ambitions.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core experience: a fast-paced, visually dynamic animated adventure built around a historical MacGuffin. They share a specific blend of high-intensity action, a tense but ultimately adventurous tone, and the excitement of a grand-scale quest.

Movies with Charming Outlaws like the Crew in Lupin III: The First

Witty anti-heroes pull off impossible heists while thwarting dangerous conspiracies with global reach. Fans of Lupin III: The First who loved the dynamic of suave thieves battling a neo-Nazi conspiracy will find similar stories here. Discover movies featuring clever anti-heroes, intricate heists, and tense confrontations with powerful, evil organizations.

  • cunning
  • stylish
  • tense
  • high-stakes
  • suspenseful
  • witty
  • Tone: tense, cunning
  • Pacing: fast, stylish
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a skilled but morally grey protagonist or team taking on a job that unexpectedly pits them against a formidable foe—often a cult, corporation, or ideological group seeking power. The story is a cat-and-mouse game, with the outlaws using their wits and unique skills to survive and expose the conspiracy, often uncovering a dark historical secret in the process.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by a specific character dynamic and conflict type. The central draw is the clash between the nimble, charismatic outlaw and the slow, powerful, and ideologically driven antagonist. This creates a consistent vibe of stylish tension, clever problem-solving, and high-stakes action.

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Movies Like Lupin III: The First

Similar movies to Lupin III: The First: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Lupin III: The First (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Lupin III: The First in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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