The streets of 1998 France echo with the roaring anticipation of the soccer World Cup Finals. Amidst this excitement, young Assane, a seventeen-year-old, tries to navigate a life of abandonment. A refuge finds him in the form of Bruno, another orphan, and his sister. This trio, along with other youngsters, finds shelter under Jean-Luc Keller, who runs a local boxing gym. But this shelter comes at a price: committing crimes for Keller. As the three make a harrowing escape from a police chase, disaster ensues, cementing the paths their futures will take.
A Mother’s Embrace: The Heartwarming Reunion
Fast forward a bit, and the story takes a heartwarming turn. Assane, after enduring countless ordeals, finally reunites with his long-lost mother, Mariama. Their emotional embrace acts as a balm to Assane’s scarred soul. Introducing her to his wife, Claire, and son, Raoul, this tender moment makes us momentarily forget Assane’s darker pursuits. Such is the charisma of Assane, played effortlessly by Omar Sy, who seems ready to give even the legendary James Bond a run for his money.
The Past Resurfaces: Assane Confronts Keller
The iconic Arc De Triomphe of Paris becomes the backdrop of a gripping showdown between Assane and Keller, his former mentor. The encounter bristles with tension, with both men prepared for a final confrontation. The stakes rise with the black pearl from the French-Tahitian War of 1815 on the line. As the police, including Youssef Guedira, close in, past events flash before our eyes, painting a clear picture of the vendetta between the two.
The Mastermind’s Last Trick
Even in the face of adversity, Assane’s cunning shines through. Using a rose as a clever decoy, he manages to secure the black pearl. His childhood friend, Bruno, reappears, bringing the narrative full circle.
Closing Moments: A Fresh Start, or a New Challenge?
The climax sees Assane taking stock of his life. With the wealth from the pearl, Bruno and Manon repurchase the boxing gym from their childhood, renaming it “Lupin“. But Assane, amidst the happiness of being with his family, makes a poignant decision: to surrender to the police. His conditions? The release of his friend Ben Ferel and a collection of Arsene Lupin novels in his cell.
However, just as we think we’ve reached the end, a twist! Assane receives a chilling message from his old nemesis, Hubert Pellegrini, hinting at the thrilling adventures that Part 4 of Lupin might bring.
In Conclusion
Netflix’s “Lupin” masterfully delves into the intricacies of family – both by birth and by choice. With Paris as a breathtaking canvas, it portrays Assane’s roller-coaster journey of love, betrayal, and redemption. As we anxiously await the next chapter, one thing is certain: Assane Diop has etched an indelible mark in the annals of television history.
