Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact

  • 2002
  • PG-13
  • 90m
movieMx RATING
6.6/1048
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact Review

Last updated: February 5, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 5, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact features a noteworthy lineup led by Kanichi Kurita . Supported by the likes of Kiyoshi Kobayashi and Eiko Masuyama , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact

Quick Plot Summary: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is a Animation, TV Movie, Action, Comedy, Crime film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact

Ending Breakdown: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to animation resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a animation, tv movie, action, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact

All Cast & Crew →
Kanichi Kurita
Kanichi KuritaArsène Lupin III (voice)
Kiyoshi Kobayashi
Kiyoshi KobayashiDaisuke Jigen (voice)
Eiko Masuyama
Eiko MasuyamaFujiko Mine (voice)
Makio Inoue
Makio InoueGoemon Ishikawa XIII (voice)
Gorō Naya
Gorō NayaInspector Koichi Zenigata (voice)
Romi Park
Romi ParkElenor (voice)
Shūichirō Moriyama
Shūichirō MoriyamaGalvez (voice)
Shunsuke Sakuno
Shunsuke SakunoShade (voice)
Jurota Kosugi
Jurota KosugiBrad (voice)
Masaru Ikeda
Masaru IkedaCrawford (voice)
Ichiro Nagai
Ichiro NagaiDetective George McFly (voice)
Tamio Ohki
Tamio OhkiHans Dollarhyde (voice)
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Where to Watch Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact Online?

Streaming Hub

Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact Parents Guide & Age Rating

2002 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact. Rating: 6.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact worth watching?

Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact?

The total duration of Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.

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How Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.6
Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact
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