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Lupin III: The First (2019) movie poster

Plot Summary

Lupin III: The First (2019) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 93 mins · Japanese
Echo score 84
Directed by
Takashi Yamazaki
Starring
Suzu Hirose, Daisuke Namikawa, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Miyuki Sawashiro, Kanichi Kurita

The legendary gentleman thief Lupin III is back in a thrilling, globe-trotting adventure. He and his skilled team must race against time to find the secrets hidden within the Bresson Diary. Their mission is complicated by a dangerous organization seeking to exploit the diary’s contents and revive the Third Reich. The stakes are high as Lupin and his companions navigate perilous situations and confront formidable adversaries in this action-packed pursuit.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Lupin III: The First (2019)

Where can you watch Lupin III: The First? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home and Google Play Movies: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Lupin III: The First: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Lupin III: The First (2019) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

In German-occupied France, archaeologist Professor Bresson entrusts his heavily trapped diary and an amulet containing the key to the book to his family. The diary is said to be the guide to the “Eclipse,” a treasure hungrily sought by a Nazi faction within Ahnenerbe. When German soldiers arrive, Bresson is killed and his family flees, only to be pursued by Ahnenerbe professor Lambert. A car crash leaves the infant daughter as the sole survivor, while Lambert seizes the amulet and the diary is lost in the chaos.

Decades later, in the 1960s, the diary resurfaces during a memorial exhibit honoring Bresson. The notorious thief Arsène Lupin III makes a bold bid to steal the book, echoing a failed attempt by his grandfather. Lupin’s efforts are thwarted first by a young woman disguised as a security guard, then by Fujiko Mine, and eventually he falls into Inspector Zenigata’s custody. On the way to prison, Lupin is sprung by his allies, Daisuke Namikawa as Goemon Ishikawa XIII and Kiyoshi Kobayashi as Daisuke Jigen, and they infiltrate the home of the fake guard, the archeology student Laëtitia Lambert. Lupin reveals a medal identical to the one Lambert’s grandfather left behind, tying their fates together. Laëtitia contacts her adoptive grandfather Lambert, who directed her to steal the diary in the first place, promising a future scholarship in archaeology if Lupin and the diary can be delivered to him.

Meanwhile, Fujiko Mine secretly hands the diary over to Ahnenerbe fugitives, among them Lambert, who are hunting the Eclipse. Geralt, the other key player among the fugitives, discovers Fujiko’s duplicity and has her detained. Laëtitia guides Lupin to Lambert’s hidden transport-plane stronghold, where the two retrieve the diary and Lupin’s matching amulet’s counterpart. Opening the diary, Lupin and Laëtitia learn that the Eclipse is a power generator left by an advanced civilization and hidden within the ruins of Teotihuacan. The two realize Lambert and Geralt intend to use the Eclipse to resurrect the Third Reich and reshape history.

Lambert, meeting Laëtitia’s unanticipated knowledge of the plan, manipulates the situation to force Lupin into a trap, and Lupin surrenders to Geralt and Lambert. Fujiko uses Lupin as a diversion to escape, while Lupin secretly returns to the plane to listen in on Geralt and Lambert. They reveal a plot to locate Adolf Hitler, who supposedly faked his death and fled to South America, intending to use the Eclipse to restore the Nazi regime. Laëtitia overhears and confronts them, only to be flung from the plane by Geralt. Lupin retrieves the diary and amulets, and the two are rescued by Fujiko, Jigen, and Goemon. Left stranded, Lupin entices Zenigata by radio to his location, snatching an Interpol helicopter and drawing on Zenigata’s help to mount a joint rescue mission with Laëtitia.

Over a stop, Lupin explains to Laëtitia that she is Bresson’s granddaughter, and that Lambert adopted her solely to obtain the diary and the Eclipse. He also uncovers that his own grandfather once aided Bresson in locating the Eclipse before ultimately sealing the book away to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Geralt and Lambert reach Teotihuacan’s hidden sanctuary, but without the diary their progress falters, forcing a retreat. Lupin’s team capitalizes on their absence to navigate past the traps, only to discover the retreat was a ruse designed to clear a path to the Eclipse. As Lambert and Geralt trigger the device, the Eclipse whisks them both to the surface with Laëtitia in tow, but Lupin’s crew intercepts them before escape. Lambert, determined to claim the power, reactivates the plane and triggers a micro black hole to finish Lupin’s team. He dies heroically after taking a bullet meant for Laëtitia, and Geralt receives news that Hitler has been located, taking the Eclipse and Laëtitia to his side.

Arriving at the Ahnenerbe headquarters, Geralt meets Hitler and heads off in the Eclipse to test its capabilities. Left behind, Laëtitia discovers that Lupin’s gang has reached the base with Zenigata’s Interpol team. Lupin disguises himself as Hitler, and on the Eclipse he reveals his true plan. He tinkers with the controls to release a micro black hole inside the device, sucking Geralt into the void and forcing Lupin to flee with the gravity device that Laëtitia had earned and a promise of Boston enrollment.

In the end, the story blends danger, clever wit, and the push-pull of loyalty as Lupin and his companions evade capture while Laëtitia’s future is secured—thanks to Lupin’s final choice to keep her safe and headed toward a new life in Boston.

Last updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:04

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Plot questions answered

Lupin III: The First Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Lupin III: The First (2019): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why did Lambert adopt Laëtitia?

Lambert adopted Laëtitia because she is Professor Bresson's granddaughter. He used her as a pawn to gain access to the Bresson Diary and eventually locate the Eclipse. Lambert promised to send her to Boston University to study archaeology as payment for helping him obtain the diary, but his true intention was purely to exploit her family connection to the artifact.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Lambert directs Laëtitia to steal the diary for him, hinting at his manipulative intentions.

  • lambert
  • laetitia
  • adoption
  • bresson
  • diary
  • exploitation
Q2

What is the Eclipse in the movie?

The Eclipse is a powerful energy generator left behind by an advanced lost civilization. It is hidden within the ruins of Teotihuacan in Mexico. The Bresson Diary contains the location and instructions for accessing this device, which Nazi faction Ahnenerbe wants to use to resurrect the Third Reich and reshape history.

Foreshadowing: Professor Bresson's diary is described as the guide to the Eclipse, a treasure hungrily sought by the Nazis.

  • eclipse
  • teotihuacan
  • power generator
  • nazis
  • anhenerbe
Q3

Why does Fujiko give the diary to the Ahnenerbe fugitives?

Fujiko Mine secretly hands the diary over to Ahnenerbe fugitives led by Lambert and Geralt. This appears to be a betrayal, but Fujiko is playing her own game. Geralt discovers her duplicity and has her detained, though she later uses Lupin's capture as a diversion to escape and continue pursuing her own agenda.

Foreshadowing: Fujiko previously stole the diary right before Lupin could reach it at the exhibition, showing her independent motives.

  • fujiko
  • diary
  • ahnenerbe
  • betrayal
  • geralt
Q4

How is Lupin's grandfather connected to Bresson?

Lupin's grandfather was Arsène Lupin I, who once helped Professor Bresson locate the Eclipse. However, after discovering the danger of the device, Lupin I sealed the book away to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This explains why Lupin III has a medal identical to the one Lambert's grandfather left behind, tying their families together across generations.

Foreshadowing: Lupin uses a medal identical to one his grandfather stole, which gains him access to Laëtitia.

  • lupin grandfather
  • bresson
  • arsene lupin i
  • diary
  • medal
Q5

Why does Lambert die saving Laëtitia?

During the confrontation at the Eclipse device in Berlin, Lambert takes control of the plane and prepares to destroy the city using the Eclipse's power. When Geralt threatens Laëtitia, Lambert pushes her out of the way and takes the bullet meant for her, dying heroically. This act represents a last-minute redemption for the man who had manipulated her throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: Lambert's earlier manipulation of Laëtitia makes his sacrifice unexpected, showing his hidden capacity for genuine care.

  • lambert
  • laetitia
  • death
  • sacrifice
  • redemption
  • berlin
Q6

Does Hitler actually appear in the movie?

Yes, Adolf Hitler appears at the end of the movie. The plot reveals that Hitler faked his death and fled to South America after World War II. Geralt and Lambert planned to use the Eclipse to locate Hitler and restore the Nazi regime. In the climax, Geralt takes the Eclipse and Laëtitia to meet Hitler at the Ahnenerbe headquarters, though Lupin ultimately thwarts their plan.

Foreshadowing: Lambert and Geralt discuss locating Hitler during the plane scene, revealing their ultimate goal.

  • hitler
  • nazis
  • third reich
  • south america
  • ahnenerbe
Q7

How does Lupin escape from the Eclipse at the end?

Lupin disguises himself as Hitler to board the Eclipse device. Once there, he reveals his true plan: he tinkers with the controls to release a micro black hole inside the Eclipse, which sucks Geralt into the void. Lupin then flees with the gravity device that Laëtitia had earned, escaping before the device destroys everything.

Foreshadowing: This plan mirrors Lupin's characteristic cleverness and willingness to impersonate authority figures.

  • lupin
  • hitler
  • eclipse
  • micro black hole
  • disguise
  • escape
Q8

Is Laëtitia actually Bresson's granddaughter?

Yes, Laëtitia is revealed to be Professor Bresson's granddaughter. During a stopover, Lupin explains that Bresson's family fled German-occupied France, but a car crash killed everyone except the infant daughter - Laëtitia. Lambert then adopted her solely to obtain the diary and locate the Eclipse, using her as a pawn in his scheme.

Foreshadowing: The car crash in 1940s France leaves only an infant survivor, later revealed as Laëtitia.

  • laetitia
  • bresson
  • granddaughter
  • family
  • adoption
  • lineage
Q9

How do the amulets work with the diary?

The diary requires two amulets to open - Professor Bresson's amulet and its counterpart. Lambert seized Bresson's amulet after killing him in 1940s France, while Lupin's grandfather had the matching counterpart. When combined, the amulets unlock the diary's secrets, revealing the location of the Eclipse hidden in Teotihuacan.

Foreshadowing: Professor Bresson entrusts both the diary and an amulet containing the key to his family.

  • amulets
  • diary
  • bresson
  • key
  • teotihuacan
  • lupin
Q10

What is the micro black hole in the Eclipse device?

The Eclipse is a powerful generator capable of creating micro black holes. Lambert attempts to use this weapon to destroy Berlin and eliminate Lupin's team. Later, Lupin exploits this same capability by releasing a micro black hole inside the Eclipse, which sucks Geralt into the void and destroys the device.

Foreshadowing: Lambert triggers the micro black hole during the Berlin confrontation, showing the device's destructive potential.

  • micro black hole
  • eclipse
  • weapon
  • lambert
  • geralt
  • destruction
Q11

Why does Inspector Zenigata help Lupin rescue Laëtitia?

Inspector Zenigata, who has long pursued Lupin as a thief, helps rescue Laëtitia after Lupin entices him by radio to his location. Lupin steals an Interpol helicopter and draws on Zenigata's help to mount a joint rescue mission. Despite their adversarial relationship, Zenigata's commitment to justice and stopping the Nazi plot overrides his desire to arrest Lupin.

Foreshadowing: Zenigata's pursuit of Lupin is established early, making their temporary alliance unexpected but logical.

  • zenigata
  • interpol
  • lupin
  • rescue
  • alliance
  • helicopter

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.

Globetrotting Heist Adventures like Lupin III: The First

Witty ensembles pull off impossible capers against dangerous rivals. If you enjoyed the clever team dynamics and high-stakes action of Lupin III: The First, explore more movies with charming thief crews on impossible missions. This section features similar action-packed stories of witty ensembles, intricate capers, and globe-trotting adventures against dangerous rivals.

  • clever
  • thrilling
  • action-packed
  • witty
  • adventurous
  • tense
  • Tone: tense, witty, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, action-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a well-defined crew as they plan and execute an elaborate heist or mission, often involving a valuable artifact or secret. The story is structured around assembling the team, overcoming obstacles, and outsmarting a persistent foe. The journey is marked by a series of set pieces—chases, puzzles, and narrow escapes—that showcase each member's unique skills.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific mix of high-energy action, witty character banter, and a globe-trotting sense of adventure. They prioritize the thrill of the chase and the charm of a cohesive team over deep moral dilemmas, creating a consistently fun and tense experience.

Artifact Race Thrillers Similar to Lupin III: The First

Heroes must find a powerful relic before it falls into evil hands. Fans of Lupin III: The First will enjoy these movies centered on a desperate race against time to find a dangerous artifact. Discover similar thrilling stories where heroes and villains clash over historical secrets with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

  • urgent
  • high-stakes
  • thrilling
  • dangerous
  • historical
  • race against time
  • Tone: tense, urgent, dangerous
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is linear and goal-oriented: find the MacGuffin before the villains do. The journey unfolds as a series of clues and challenges, moving from one exotic location to the next. Tension is maintained through constant pressure from the rival faction, leading to confrontations, betrayals, and thrilling action sequences that escalate until the final confrontation.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their clear, high-stakes objective and the relentless pacing of a competition. They create a consistent mood of urgency and global scale, blending action, adventure, and historical intrigue into a cohesive and exciting package.

Every angle

Lupin III: The First (2019) 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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