Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna

Yet an another female lead in Yamamoto's next "girl's power" artistic statement. 

Both shows are centered around outlaws. Both have heavily prominent element of criminal underworld. Both shows use drama and comedy. Visual style is very similar, with use of vibrant colours, character design seems heavily influenced by design of 70´s era as well as rest of the designs. 

Both series feature extremely complex and sex-positive female protagonists. That is not to say they fit some generic 'strong and sexy' role; but that they are written as flawed individuals despite their determination, physical strength, and confidence. A realistic and laudable attempt at deconstructing of the femme fatale trope. Both shows are actually really violent in content, but the violence is underplayed. There is no excess gore or unnecessarily stretched out death scenes despite there being plenty of both just outside of the camera. 

Both shows are built around a strong willed, independent, complex, sexy and sex-positive female criminal as protagonist. They both use 70s influenced stylish animation and jazz influenced OST. Both have a large cast in which some archetypes are shared, such as the police investigator secretly helping the protagonist. Both series are fairly violent, but underplay it by taking the consequences off-screen. 

Both series contain a similar feeling involving the script, characters, action, style, and drama. Both series also contain characters are are quite driven and even Spike/Lupin shares similarities. Both series contain plenty of action delivered for more of the mature audience but still enjoyable and entertaining to watch. Both series' soundtracks also contain a similar style mixed in with the action as well as the drama.  

Both have jazzy tunes and the plot structure is very similar. Also Bebop takes influence from Lupin.  

Both series have beautiful and well-thought animation styles, featuring anti-hero protagonists navigating mature themes within episodic storytelling. Both feature captivating soundtracks, complementing their character dynamics within a group setting. 

As Shinichiro Watanabe himself has said that Lupin III had the most influence on his work, it is no surprise that Cowboy Bebop shares strong similarities with this show. Faye and Fujiko are both manipulative characters who use their sex appeal for personal gain. Jet and Jigen have similar character designs and attitudes towards women, as chivalrous opponents who have misgivings about them but will aid them when necessary. While Spike and Lupin have different personalities, there is noticeable overlap in their slim body types and facial expressions. I am recommending this Fujiko Mine reboot over the 1971 original because it has a grittier and more serious tone which fits some of Bebop's drama-oriented and solemn episodes. read more 

I’ll be damned if the production team of The Woman Called Fujiko Mine weren’t inspired by this film as part of their inspiration not only due to the fact that both are more on the erotic and sensual side of ecchi (as opposed to bouncy boobs for shits and giggles) as well as aesthetics. As I was watching Belladonna, I kept thinking how this movie kept giving me major WCFM vibes in its artwork and overall themes. 

Both shows are built around a strong willed, independent, complex, sexy and sex-positive female criminal as protagonist. They both are styled in late 60s / early 70s stylish and somewhat abstract art-house designs and have jazz influenced OSTs. Obviously Belladonna is from that time period, while Mine Fujiki clearly pays an homage to both the time period and Belladonna in particular. For both protagonists, female eroticism and sensuality are driving character traits. Both have a tragic backstory of abuse by male figures of authority. 

Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna draws heavily on the symbolism and ideals presented in Utena. This is particularly evident in Oscar's character arc, with multiple direct references made to Utena's universe. Both series feature a number of openly queer characters, and actively mocks and deconstructs the heavily biased contemporary portrayal of queer characters in media. This is done in a largely underhanded and subtle way in both series, so some level of critical thinking is required to access the contents presented at this meta level. 

These both examine how women are often forced into certain archetypes and burdened by societal expectations. Both narratives challenge the viewer’s perception of the female leads and supporting characters, using symbolism and unreliable narrator with a complex storyline that is tied together under the surface. Fujiko plays more with the different portrayals of women in media, with one queer character having references to Utena, while Utena is more focused on gender roles and queer identities. Both provide feminist commentary with their female leads defying societal expectations and offering a deconstruction of their archetypes. The art and music are also very unique and a pleasing addition to their respective anime! read more