This is what happens when Tarantinos DNA mixes with Lupin IIIs. There is lots of style violence and samurai movie influences that really bring Goemons character to life a la KillBill. The only problem is it lacks dialogue and plot to really bring said character into the spotlight. Goemons Blood Spray is a bit of an understatement its a bloody stream of consciousness that ends up overshadowing any attempt to extend on Goemons backstory besides him being a badass samurai. I think the main issue once again is that the focus is taken away from Goemon himself and its intercut with moments from Lupin and the gang. Lupin and Fujiko got way too much screen time that detracted from Goemons revenge story. I didnt even mind Zenigata being in this special actually it helps juxtapose Goemons bloody quest with a lawful good. Im just left wondering why even have the Lupin III segments here at all as it wastes away time the writers couldve spent on fleshing out Goemons journey and its antagonists. If they wanted to have the same kind of observer watching Goemon Jigen wouldve sufficed. I wouldve loved it if it was strictly a Jigen and Goemon adventure because they get shafted so often in favor of Lupin snaking his way into the important story bits. Goemon Ishikawas Spray of Blood is a super stylistic Lupin spinoff film with a fantastic ending song. It just gets brought down a few levels as it actively tries to have Lupin be the key player instead of Goemon which irks me to no end. Goemon even asks why Lupin didnt aid in his fight if he was just going to observe it the whole time and he has a point. To which Lupin replies that he knew Goemon could handle it by himself so then why have him here at all? Lupins appearance only served the title of this being a Lupin III entry and nothing beyond that. I liked it more than Jigens Gravestone partly because Lupin didnt have a huge hand in being the driving force of the plot being reduced to a reoccurring side character that everyone else is usually. Although I cant help but feel as if this one wouldve shined more if it was a film centered around our favourite mysterious samurai who rarely receives proper development in the main series.
80 /100
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