Lupin (Philippine TV series)
| Lupin | |
|---|---|
| File:Lupin07.jpg | |
| Genre | Drama |
| 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 |
| Release | |
| Original network | GMA Network |
| Picture format | 480i SDTV |
| Original release | April 9 – August 17, 2007 |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | Lupin III |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Lupin is a Philippine drama series 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[citation needed], in turn loosely based upon the original works. "Lupin" aired its last episode on August 17, 2007.
Contents
Overview
Background
Arsène Lupin
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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
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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
- Richard Gutierrez as André Lupin / Lupin De Dios / Xedric Apacer
- Janno Gibbs as Inspector Clavio Angeles[4]
- Katrina Halili as Veronica Arkanghel a.k.a. Ashley Calibre
- Rhian Ramos as Avril Legarda
- Ehra Madrigal as Brigitte Maisog[5]
- Boy2 Quizon as Castor
Supporting cast
- Tirso Cruz III as Fundador "Duroy" De Dios
- Ricky Davao as Master Moon Raven
- Lani Mercado as Cecilia Lupin
- Ara Mina as Sister Anna Nicole
- Polo Ravales as Josh Apacer
- Bearwin Meily as Danggoy
- Alicia Alonzo as Tiya Nelia
- Ramon Christopher as Perez
- Almira Muhlach as Victoria Apacer
- LJ Reyes as Elaine
- Sandy Talag as Angela
Extended and Guest cast
- Michael de Mesa as Minggoy Buang / Miguel Apacer
- Elvis Gutierrez as Sundance Raven
- Melissa Mendez as Edith Legarda
- Alyssa Alano as Marry
- Dick Israel as Warden Jouquin Bagbag
- Benjie Paras as Generoso / Jenny
- Debraliz as Tita Guring
- Andrew Wolfe as Adonis Angeles
- Dante Rivero
- Patricia Ysmael as Christa
- Rea Nakpil as Trixie
- Gerard Pizzaras as Ernie
- Neil Ryan Sese as Lopez
- Sheree as Virgin
- Abby Cruz as Angeli Villavicer
- January Isaac as Sister Jorja
- John Apacible as Maskardo
- Tuesday Vargas as Magdalene
- Roy Alvarez as Mayor Ybrahim Santiago
- Nonie Buencamino as Arsenio Lupin
- Joyce Jimenez as Courtney Amor
- Giselle Sanchez as Mama Sanaita
- Rez Cortez as Lt. Milyones
- Kier Legaspi as Sgt. Katas
- Paul Alvarez as Cpl. Uno
- Mang Enriquez as Pvt. Enriquez
- Gary Estrada as Captain Rosas
- Joyce Ching as young Brigitte Maisog
Production Crew
- Writers: Jules Katanyag, Zita Garganera, Tina Samson, and Kit Villanueva-Langit
- Head Writer: Suzette Doctolero
- Creative Consultant: RJ Nuevas
- Musical Director: Richard Gonzales
- Executive Producer: Hellen Rose Sese
- Production Managers: Redgie A. Magno and Rams David
- Executive-in-charge of Creative: Anette Gozon-Abrogar
- Executive-in-charge of Production: Wilma Galvante
- Directed by: Mike Tuviera, Lore Reyes
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 Calibre (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.He eventually accomplished his plan and sent Lupin to an escape-proof prison,where Lupin met his real father,Arsenio 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.
He lastly sets up Inspector Clavio's promotion and honor ceremony by stealing his medal and replacing it with a box full of wasps,all while in a yacht.
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
- ↑ "Lupin, and his Ladies!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last February 25, 2007.
- ↑ Cool French Comics - "Arsène Lupin". Accessed last April 29, 2007.
- ↑ Cool French Comics - "Arsène Lupin in the Media". Accessed last April 29, 2007.
- ↑ "Atras-abante si Cesar!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last April 1, 2007.
- ↑ "Ehra, Getting spunkier!", igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last February 25, 2007.
