New Live-Action Lupin III Film

One of Japan’s most popular manga and anime franchises, LUPIN III is getting a new live action adaptation helmed by Director Kitamura Ryuhei (VERSUS). Oguri Shun (CROWS ZERO) plays the lead role as the gentlemen thief with an ensemble supporting cast the likes of Asano Tadanobu, Tamayama Tetsuji, Ayano Go and Kuroki Meisa.

The story follows Lupin and his partners in crime before they became a gang. They infiltrate the high security of the Ark of Navarone, a gigantic fortress-like safe, to lay claim to the Crimson Heart of Cleopatra within. It is said that whoever possesses this treasure shall "unite the world."

The first live-action adaptation of LUPIN III in four decades will open on August 30. The movie began filming on October 3 and finished principal photography on December 26. The production shot in Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Check the full trailer below featuring the new instrumental theme song by Tomoyasu Hotei.

Animes That Will Work In A Live Action Film Adaptation

With anime growing and growing and gaining more mass appeal to American audiences. Hollywood has taken note and are starting to license some anime's for a big screen adaptation such as Bleach, Akira (was scrapped), Robotech and many more. However Hollywood has not been successful with faithfully adapting anime for live action. Today I wanted to give a list of anime shows and movies that I think will work in live action and appeal to American audiences. I will name the anime, the genre I think it will fit in, how long I think the movie should be, the rating of the film and estimated budget cost.

Lupin The 3rd
Genre: Action/Comedy
Running Time: 1hr & 45 Mins
Rating - PG-13
Estimated Budget - 50 Million Dollars

Lupin The 3rd is a anime I can see working in live action. It has all the elements that can make it a long running movie series. The tale of a master thief and his crew has been done over and over again in Hollywood. However I don't think Hollywood has encounter someone quite like Lupin and his gang. The characters in Lupin The 3rd are off the wall and will be guaranteeing fun as well as laughs. The movie should start with a mini backstory on Lupin and his crew using sources from the original manga and some of the anime movies. Then transition into the big mission and goal of the film. A live action attempt was tried in the 70's but I think it's time to bring Lupin into the big screen.

Grave Of The Fireflies
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 2hr and 20 mins
Rating - PG-13
Estimated Budget - 70 Million Dollars

For the record I know this movie has tons of live action adaptation. However I don't think it did good job as the anime. A "Grave Of The Fireflies" live action with a bigger budget will be great. This is my favorite anime movie of all time, and I would love American audiences to see a story on these two orphans struggling to survive after losing they mother in a time of World War 2. If it has the right direction and the best of the best Asian actors, and a revamped of the anime's original soundtrack, I think this could be an Oscar contender. However it will have to be in the hands of people who care deeply about the message and the characters.

Perfect Blue
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Running Time: 1hr and 40 mins
Rating - R
Estimated Budget - 35 Million Dollars

Some critics said that if Alfred Hitchcock got into anime he would have made "Perfect Blue." I have to agree with that statement. "Perfect Blue" is a psychological thriller that just happens to be in anime form. The story of Japanese pop idol wanting more for her career decides to become an actress. When she leaves things become very dark as she is stalk by someone who was not happy with her decision. This anime is very mature that is why I the live action will be rated R. The anime is filled with graphic images, rape scenes and nudity, but the overall psychological aspect of the main character is what I want audiences to see on the big screen.

Gunslinger Girl
Genre: Action/Drama
Running Time: 2hr
Rating - R
Estimated Budget - 50 Million Dollars

This will be a very controversial film for American audiences and it's just wishful thinking. I don't think a movie of teenage girls as assassins will fit well with some people. However if Hit-Girl can kill why can't the Gunslinger Girls. The movie is not just about the kills. This anime has heart about girls who were near death and save by a government organization and trained as assassins. The relationship between the girls and the mentors should be the main focal point of the movie. Gunslinger Girl will be an emotional but action pack ride if it's done right.

A Wind Named Amnesia
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 1hr 50 mins
Rating - PG-13
Estimated Budget - 35 Million Dollars

The apocalypse didn't happen by a zombie outbreak, or by a nuclear war but it happen with a simple whisper in the wind. "A Wind Named Amnesia" is a movie I will like to see a live action version of. It has great characters and a nice plot of only one man remembering what it's like to be human while others have forgot. 

Mobile Suit Gundam
Genre: Action/Drama
Running Time: 2hr and 20 mins
Rating - PG-13
Estimated Budget - 100 Million

If a Robotech movie is in the works than you can't forget about Mobile Suit Gundam. This is one of the anime's that started the mech crazed in anime. The story is pure classic and with war like the original Mobile Suit Gundam it will be nice to see who American audiences choose the Zeon or Earth Federation. The action will have to be top notch and taken with care that is why the budget is 150 million dollars. 

Vampire Hunter D
Genre: Action/Horror
Running Time: 1hr and 50 mins
Rating - R
Estimated Budget - 45 Million

Who doesn't love a tale about vampires and the people that hunt them? This would be one hell of a movie that I could probably see Tim Burton producing. Vampire Hunter D is one of the most beloved anime characters and with the right studio it can easily become a franchise. All I ask is that they use the manga and the two movies as source material.

Elfen Lied
Genre: Horror/Drama
Running Time: 1hr and 50 mins
Rating - R
Estimate Budget - 45 Million

Another anime that might be hard for American audiences. However  Elfen Lied has great commentary on bullying with Lucy's backstory. This will be a great horror movie with drama elements. I can imagine the rampage Lucy will go on in this movie. This film will have a lot of gore, but keep intact the core dramatic story of Lucy. The vectors CGI will be pricey to make it look realistic as possible. 

Those are my choices of for anime's that I think will work in a live action film. Let me know your choices in the comment section and what do you think of my choices. 

If Anime Had A Justice League Who Should Be In It?

What if in an alternate universe DC Comics was DC Manga? What if Japan had Batman? I had a crazy thought of what it would it be like if Anime characters had a Justice League. I started asking myself who would I want in it. Here is my choices. Let me know your choices in the comment section.

Anime Justice League (AJL)

Goku

When it comes to saving the planet I can't think of a more impressive resume than Goku. Goku might not be well educated in the book sense, but when it comes to battle he is a genius. Goku has a win or die attitude and when that is his motto he is unstoppable. His skills and knowledge in battle will make him a great candidate for leader in AJL. However he will have to get his book skills up a little more. Chi-Chi I'm looking at you.

Kenshiro

Sometimes Goku tends not to let evil be vanished for good. Goku is too caring for that, he only kills if he sees no mercy in the villain. Kenshiro on the other hand will eliminate and you need a guy who is very technical and precise with his fighting. Kenshiro might be the Batman of the group. He's a loner, silent guardian, but shows up when you really need him. Don't expect to be having a celebration dinner with him after the battle.

Motoko Kusanagi

Brute strength is not always going to win the day. Sometimes you're going to need some stealth and tactical skills. That is where Motoko Kusangi comes into the picture. Motoko is a skilled fighter, knows how to use a gun, and can go into stealth mode to get the upper hand if AJL needs it. She has a good heart and does what needs to be done to get the mission complete. She is also a great candidate for leader of AJL. 

Yusuke Urameshi

I know what you're thinking. Yusuke is a hot head, he's a smart ass, he's reckless, he will only bring trouble to the AJL. For the most part you're probably right, but if you know Yusuke, beneath all that tough guy persona lies a lamb as Keiko puts it. In battle Yusuke is amazing, his spirit gun, shotgun and if he goes into demon mode will surely help win the day. He loves to fight and like Goku won't stop till he wins. Besides every group needs someone with a mouth.

Misato Katsuragi

MISATO is probably what you're saying to yourself right about now. Allow me to explain, if the AJL is going to have a command center base and residence for the team, you're going to need someone with experience who knows how deal with all certain types of personalities. Misato balanced Shingi, Rei, Asuka and the entire NERV team. Surely she can manage the command center of the AJL. Don't let Misato's sweetness fool you, she is tough, knows how to use a gun and won't hesitate to end you if you get in her way. Misato will run the base giving the team all technical information, data on weaknesses and routes to escape. She'll play a big role in my book.

Tsunade

Tsunade has many attributes that scream AJL. She is one of the most powerful women in the Naruto world, she is has knowledge in medicine and she's practically royalty in the Hidden Leaf Village. When you can hold your own with Orochimaru you deserve respect. Tsunade will also be a candidate for leadership in the AJL, she is very smart, precise and tough on her team. She can motivate if need be.

Karas

This guy I would only call for really tough missions, he's a little dark and his style might not sit well with the other members. However if the battle needs to be won, you better bet that the Karas will take care of it. Personality wise I would keep him at bay, but like I said he will be an on call type of guy.

Tekkaman (Blade)

This choice might shock some Otakus out there. I'm surely going old school with this choice, but what happens if we have a space mission? I think Blade and his Tekkaman armor are up to the task. He is skilled, cut throat and his personality could use some work, but he will be a great addition to the team. Why didn't I choose a Gundam pilot? Well because I can't decide who is the best pilot in all of the Gundam universe.

Moka

Another shocker that will have people saying why her. Granted that Tsukune might have to work in the command center with Misato, mainly because he will have to remove Moka's rosario from her neck safely. However Moka in vampire form is very powerful and skilled, she can be arrogant, but one thing she does well is end the fight quick. She is one of the most powerful vampires I've seen yet and you might need someone who scares the hell out of the enemy. Sometimes we might need to use fear and Moka is definitely up to the task. 

Lupin The 3rd

When items need to found, treasures need to be uncovered I can't think of anyone else to help the team but Lupin. Lupin is a master thief  great at stealth and getting around, and when trouble is a foot he can shoot and fight. He might not be super powerful as the other members of AJL, however Lupin is very cunning and cunning can be very deadly. He might cause problems with the ladies being a flirt and all, but that is why we have Motoko to keep him in line. 

That will be the team that I gather up to save the day. I know that my team will take a lot of management with they personalities, but when it comes to the missions I know I could depend on them. After thinking about it I would say the leader of my AJL will be Motoko. I think she will keep everyone focus and won't take any excuses. As stated before tell me your picks by leaving a comment or sending a link to your article.