Lupin (Philippine TV series)

Lupin
Created by GMA Entertainment TV Group
Developed by Suzette Doctolero
Written by Jules Katanyag
Zita Garganera
Tina Samson
Kit Villanueva-Langit
Directed by Mike Tuviera
Lore Reyes
Starring Richard Gutierrez
Rhian Ramos
Ehra Madrigal
Katrina Halili
Janno Gibbs
Theme music composer Janno Gibbs
Opening theme "Lupin"
sung by Janno Gibbs and Ara Mina
Country of origin Philippines
Original language(s) Filipino, Tagalog, English
No. of episodes 95 episodes + 1 special
Production
Executive producer(s) Helen Rose Sese
Running time 30-45 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel GMA Network
Picture format 480i SDTV
Original run April 9, 2007 – August 17, 2007
Chronology
Related shows Lupin III
External links
Website

Lupin is a Philippine drama that aired on GMA Network. It is loosely based on the French crime fiction series of books featuring the character Arsène Lupin[1] and the Japanese manga and anime series Lupin III, in turn loosely based upon the original works. "Lupin" aired its last episode on August 17, 2007.

Overview

Background

Arsène Lupin

Lupin's DVD Cover.
Main article: Arsène Lupin

Created by Maurice Leblanc, Arsène Lupin first appeared in a series of short stories serialized in 1905 and published in book form as Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur in 1907[2] (translated into English as The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar).

Born in the late 19th century, Lupin is a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, and an amateur detective. While operating on the wrong side of the law, he is still a force for good. Those whom Lupin defeats are worse villains than he. Other characters in the stories include Lupin's faithful accomplice Grognard and his lawman adversary Inspector Justin Ganimard. In some stories Lupin faces Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (called "Herlock Sholmès" for copyright reasons).

The Lupin stories have been adapted for television (including animation), cinema, and comics.[3]

Lupin III

Main articles: Lupin III and Arsène Lupin III

Lupin III was created by Monkey Punch in 1967 (without permission from the estate of Maurice Leblanc) and has starred in several manga series, television series, and films. GMA had previously aired a dubbed version of the television series.

The world's most skillful and most wanted thief, this Lupin is the grandson of the original. Sometimes he just steals whatever he wants, and at other times he prefers to steal from disreputable people. Often he will take it upon himself and his gang to foil other criminals engaged in more serious crimes. He often appears incompetent, but it is mostly a disguise. While he has been arrested and thrown in jail on a number of occasions he has always managed to escape. He also has a fondness for fancy gadgets from time to time.

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

Extended and Guest cast

Production Crew

Pre-production

Casting the leading ladies

Ehra Madrigal was the first of the leading ladies to be in the cast. It was thought of that she will play the role of Fujiko Mine from the anime. Rhian Ramos was then included in the cast leading some people to think that she will play Lady Clarisse Cagliostro from the Lupin movie The Castle of Cagliostro. But when a third leading lady, Katrina Halili, was included in the cast, GMA Network announced that nothing except only some elements of the characters from the anime will be in the series.

Weeks before its initial release date, a fourth leading lady was brewing. Some suggested that it would be Georgina Wilson, Richard Gutierrez's girlfriend. It was denied by the network, and beauty queen-model Abby Cruz was included for the fourth leading lady role instead.

Cesar Montano

Cesar Montano was included in the cast and has done all the promotional photo shoots for the series. He was set to play Lupin's master. But he had to leave the series after he decided to run for senator in the 2007 Philippine elections, as his appearance in Lupin during the campaign would constitute a violation of election laws.

Edu Manzano was initially eyed to replace him, but he also had to turn down the role due to two prior commitments he has made with GMA Networks rival station ABS-CBN: to host Pilipinas, Game KNB? in place of original host Kris Aquino and to appear in the drama series Walang Kapalit.

It was Michael de Mesa who finally took on the role of Minggoy Buang/Miguel Apacer that was initially offered to Cesar Montano and Edu Manzano.

Reaction

Overall, the series was well received by critics and audiences, but fans of the Lupin III anime and manga series expressed disappointment at the perceived unfaithful adaptation. Many critics have mentioned that Richard Gutierrez has improved a lot on his acting and Mike Tuviera, the director of the series, for his directing skills. Janno Gibbs was also praised by many critics, viewers and anime/manga fans for his comedic portrayal of the detective (homage to Detective Zenigata of anime series) with a personal commitment to put Lupin behind bars for good. GMA Records has decided to release a DVD Series some time in September.

Synopsis

Lupin (Richard Gutierrez) is a veteran thief trained by his father Duroy (Tirso Cruz III) in the art of stealing from a young age. But after meeting his girlfriend Angelie (Abby Cruz), Lupin sought to turn over a new leaf by quitting his job as a thief and then marrying her. Upon learning of this, Duroy, fearing of losing his greatest asset, secretly connived with the Maskardo Gang to ruin his son's dreams by assassinating Angelie during her wedding with Lupin. The plan was eventually consummated, and Duroy then secretly killed the perpetrators to cover his tracks. Duroy's involvement might have forever remained a secret had it not been for his female asset Ashley (Katrina Halili),who is mastered at using pistols, who managed to get wind of the consummated plot when she chanced upon hearing about it in a secret conversation between Duroy and his right-hand man Perez (Ramon Christopher). Ashley then informed Lupin about this, thus starting Lupin's quest to avenge Angelie's death without ending up behind bars.Meanwhile, Inspector Clavio Angeles (Janno Gibbs) was assigned to the mysterious thief,later identified as Lupin.Ashley and Brigitte,a knife-wielder assassin are Lupin's loyal henchmen that follows his every work.Ashley later succumbed on her wounds and died on her car after a failed assassination attempt an Duroy.Duroy later died when he faced Lupin.

DVD release

The series was released onto DVD-format by GMA Records. The DVDs are in volumes, containing all of the shows episodes.

Soundtrack

The theme song was composed and performed by Janno Gibbs who also played Inspector Clavio in the show. The arrangement of the song is an homage to the James Bond theme songs of the 60's and early 70's, most especially "The World is Not Enough", from movie of the same title, sung by Garbage.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Lupin, and his Ladies!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last February 25, 2007.
  2. ↑ Cool French Comics - "Arsène Lupin". Accessed last April 29, 2007.
  3. ↑ Cool French Comics - "Arsène Lupin in the Media". Accessed last April 29, 2007.
  4. ↑ "Atras-abante si Cesar!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last April 1, 2007.
  5. ↑ "Ehra, Getting spunkier!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last February 25, 2007.

External links