Lupin III Part IV Review ~ The Italian Adventure Of Love And Freedom

Lupin III Part IV: The Italian Adventure is a unique entry in the *Lupin III* franchise, pushing the boundaries of the series while retaining its classic elements. The 2015 anime series combines high-stakes heists, psychological elements, romance, and philosophical exploration into a cohesive and engaging narrative. Set against the backdrop of Italy, the series explores the legacy of historical figures, identity, memory, and the clash between individual will and overarching societal control. At its core, it delves into questions of freedom, self-determination, and the role of art in shaping the world.

In Part IV, Lupin and his crew face not just external antagonists but also confront complex, deeply psychological forces that challenge their moral compass. The narrative introduces a series of innovative ideas, chief among them being the concept of "Il Sogno Italiano" or "The Dream of Italy," which serves as both a literal and metaphorical battleground for the characters' identities. Part IV uses these narrative threads and characters to address themes of identity, memory, legacy, and the tension between personal freedom and control by powerful institutions.

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Italy serves as the rich backdrop for the events of *Part IV*. While *Lupin III* has always incorporated international settings, Italy’s historical significance, artistic legacy, and cultural identity, and connection to Lupin III as a franchise resonate deeply within the narrative. The choice of Italy is not just geographical but symbolic. The country is home to some of the greatest figures in art, history, and philosophy—none more so than **Leonardo Da Vinci**. The series uses Italy to emphasize the interplay between history, legacy, and individual freedom, with **Da Vinci** representing both the artistic pinnacle of human achievement and the destructive potential of unbridled genius.

The Italian setting also plays a crucial role in character development, particularly with our heroine Rebecca Rossellini, whose connection to Italy and its cultural heritage influences much of her arc. *Part IV* uses this rich cultural landscape not only as a backdrop for Lupin's heists but as a reflective surface for the deeper themes at play, such as personal identity, the ghosts of the past, and the freedom to shape one's own destiny.

Central to the plot of  Part IV is the idea of **"Il Sogno Italiano"** (The Dream of Italy), a psychological phenomenon based on the research of **Wataru Uraga**, a brilliant Japanese researcher who explored the idea of preserving the consciousness of deceased individuals using the dreams of humanity. Uraga's research, particularly his attempt to maintain the spirit of those who had passed, became instrumental in the creation of a **dreamscape** where the memories and identities of the dead could be preserved and interacted with based on our on dreams of them.

This research is co-opted by MI6, the British secret service, to bring back historical figures from the past, most notably **Leonardo Da Vinci**, through a process of cloning and psychological implantation. Da Vinci, in this new form, is faced with the limitations of his cloned body, leading him to use the research to "rebuild" the world in his image, to create a time of innovation, invention, and creativity for those who have shown such talents. His ultimate goal is to create a new world order through his concept of **"World Harmony"**, which would only allow individuals with strong wills and talents to remain true to their original selves. Those who fail the test based on that persons own skills would have their personalities overwritten by Da Vinci's persona.

Da Vinci’s motivations speak to deeper questions about legacy, creation, and control. By attempting to redesign the world, Da Vinci is not just imposing his genius on others but trying to preserve his own greatness in the face of mortality. This leads to a philosophical conflict between **art** and **life**—between the desire to immortalize oneself through control and the organic, unpredictable nature of living, breathing individuals. Lupin, the ultimate thief, becomes the primary figure standing against this ideal, not because of a desire for destruction, but out of a deep sense of personal freedom and a refusal to allow anyone, even Da Vinci, to impose their vision on the world.

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The most compelling character in *Part IV* is **Rebecca Rossellini**, whose character arc is heavily influenced by her relationship with Wataru Uraga. Rebecca is a complex character driven by grief and the desire to live out Uraga’s vision of **libertà**, a world free from the strict confines of societal rules and expectations. Her role as a thief is not motivated by greed but by the thrill and the freedom that it represents. Her connection to the past, particularly to Wataru’s research, shapes much of her behavior and emotional trajectory throughout the series.

Rebecca’s involvement with **Da Vinci’s Dream of Italy** and the subsequent psychological takeover he tries to impose on her underscores the tension between personal freedom and the control of powerful forces. The **"test"** that Da Vinci puts Rebecca through symbolizes the loss of self-control and the forced erasure of identity. Rebecca’s failure to pass Da Vinci’s test represents the dangers of allowing external forces to redefine her, and it is through Lupin's intervention that she is able to reclaim her memories and agency.

Lupin’s actions towards Rebecca are grounded in compassion and respect for her autonomy, as seen when he helps her regain control of her memories through the use of Da Vinci’s own machine. Lupin’s desire to “steal her memories” is not an act of selfishness but an act of liberation, a way to help Rebecca reclaim her past and her sense of self. His actions mirror the themes of personal autonomy that run throughout the series, as he refuses to let anyone, not even a figure as great as Da Vinci, dictate what should be done with someone else’s mind or soul.

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Lupin’s role in *Part IV* is multifaceted. While he is still the charming and daring thief, the series elevates his character by exploring his **perception** and **intellect**, which are far beyond those of ordinary people. Lupin’s ability to see through Da Vinci’s schemes and his realization of the artist’s true motivations demonstrate his **perceptiveness** and **intellectual depth**, which often is underestimated by those who oppose Lupin. Lupin's claim, "there’s nothing I can’t steal," takes on greater weight in this context. It not only refers to material objects but also to **identity**, **memory, **consciousness, and peoples souls, the things that are most precious to individuals which Lupin even draws the comparison between him and Da Vinci, a thief and an artist, “We Both Steal Peoples Souls”.

Lupin’s relationship with Rebecca also reflects his complex morality. While he is a thief, Lupin is not portrayed as a villain. His actions, particularly when he saves Rebecca from MI6 or helps her reclaim her memories, reveal a deep-seated compassion for others and a sense of moral responsibility. His relationship with Rebecca transcends the typical romantic or adversarial dynamic seen in other installments of the series. Instead, it is a **catalyst for Rebecca's liberation**, where Lupin encourages her to live by the ideals of **libertà**, honoring Wataru’s dream for her and enabling her to live freely, unburdened by grief.

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In Part IV MI6 specifically the Italian sector**—is a significant antagonist force. The most significant agent is the cold and calculating agent known as Nix, MI6's involvement in the plot further complicates the battle between personal freedom and societal control. Nix, a formidable agent with abilities "similar to a rat," symbolizes the clandestine, often ruthless nature of governmental power. His pursuit of Lupin and his grudge against the thief after he threatens Nix’s family to protect Rebecca, which mirrors Nix’s will to do whatever it takes to protect his loves ones and his duty towards his family and his employment at MI6 mostly for the sole reason  of protecting and helping his own family.

MI6’s opposition to Lupin mirrors the larger conflict between individual freedom and institutional control. While Lupin embodies the spirit of autonomy, MI6 represents the cold, calculated force of power that seeks to crush anything that threatens its control. MI6’s relentless pursuit of Rebecca and Lupin, Alongside its use of Wataru’s research to find a form of controlling the conscious and wills of others emphasizes the overarching theme of **personal agency** versus **institutional power**, which runs throughout the series.

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Part IV explores complex philosophical and psychological themes, such as **legacy**, **freedom**, and **identity**. Through its intricate narrative involving Leonardo Da Vinci’s clone, the Dream of Italy, and the complex characters of Lupin and Rebecca, the show highlights the tension between personal autonomy and societal or institutional control. It challenges the notion of legacy, questioning whether true immortality lies in the preservation of one’s self or the freedom of others to live without the weight of the past.

The series ultimately emphasizes that FREEDOM, and the concept of libertas, true and complete freedom to shape one’s own destiny, is the most valuable treasure of all. Lupin, through his actions and intellect, becomes the symbol of this freedom, constantly challenging the forces that seek to dictate or control him and others. *Part IV* is not just an action-packed adventure; it is a thoughtful exploration of the human spirit, the complexity of identity, and the importance of living freely and authentically, unburdened by the constraints imposed by both powerful individuals and institutions.

As the series ends, Lupin’s departure from Italy is bittersweet, but it is also a reaffirmation of his desire to remain unbound by anything or anyone. The closing message, "GOODBYE ITALY WITH ALL MY LOVE, LUPIN III," serves as a final declaration of his ever-present love for freedom and adventure, as he moves forward into the unknown, leaving behind the legacy of his time in Italy.