4.5 out of 5 stars
The Netflix original series Lupin (original French title LUPIN: DANS L’OMBRE D’ARSENE) has preformed like no other French series before it by attaining the number one spot on the US Netflix charts only the week after its release. And with good reason. It is an edgy and entertaining heist drama with a flawed but utterly charming main character, including stunning shots of Paris' streets and some of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Musée du Louvre.
Lupin is based on the series of books featuring protagonist Arsène Lupin, created by novelist Maurice Leblanc at the beginning of the 20th century. The original stories permeate the series – in the structure and stories of the episodes, in the themes, in the characters. But Leblanc's stories are a thoroughly modern story: not a modern retelling of the Leblanc stories, but a contemporary tale inspired by them.
The series protagonist is Assane Diop, played by the charismatic Omar Sy (The Call of the Wild). Assane is a gentleman thief and an absolute master of disguise, in an echo of Arsène Lupin, who is a big fan. Assane is a loving father and family man despite his family unit having dispersed. He lives apart from his childhood sweetheart and mother of his child Claire (Ludivine Sagnier) and teenage son Raoul (Etan Simon). But Assane is also driven by revenge, payback for his father's death following his arrest for a crime he did not commit.
Each episode of the five part series has its own self-contained story and contributes to the development of the overarching narrative of the series, a bit like the short stories upon which it is based. There are several flashbacks to Assane’s teenage years, when his father found himself in prison. The relationship between the past and the present and the present and the future is a significant theme. It makes us wonder: will Assane be able to break free of the chains of injustice, anger and grief that are holding him captive?
The significance of family ties is of crucial importance in the Netflix series. Even the introduction to the Arsène Lupin stories was passed to Assane from his father. Then Assane in turn passes on his love of the stories to his son Raoul. The master thief has a deep and abiding love for his son. Yet, he continually fails and disappoints in his parental duties. Similarly, we see the father/son relationship ebb and flow over the years. Assane struggles to reconcile his love for Claire with his pull to a secret life of disguise, adventure, and theft.
Still, the most significant theme of the series is linked to that of disguise. As the thief proves his abilities to be seen, but not being recognised by others. Of course, this plays out in each episode in visible ways, as Assane dons disguises and shifts identities. But in a more symbolic sense, we wonder whether accomplished thief will remain in disguise, hidden in the shadows as he moves from one alias to the next. Or possibly will he look into his past and reconcile it with his future, allowing himself to be both seen and recognised, or, we could say, known and loved. In this sense, Lupin touches on the very heart of human nature and hints at Eden. Will we allow ourselves to be seen and known, or will we run and hide?
Audiences will have to wait until season two to see what plays out for Assane Diop. Every fan will hope they will not have to wait long, because season one is quite the cliffhanger.
Miriam answers some questions about the series:
- Is this show for families? This is great family viewing for families with older teenagers. There is very little swearing and very few sexual references in this series, however there are some references to death which could be troubling for some viewers. Remember that IMDb has a handy Parents Guide for each title.
- Do I have to speak French to appreciate this series? Remember that Netflix enables you to change the language of the dialogue and the subtitles. This is a great feature, but for English-language viewers, the danger is that we opt for English and miss out on the richness of the foreign language offerings that is one of the benefits of Netflix. I would encourage you to watch it in French with English subtitles (or if you’re learning French, consider switching to French subtitles) – to catch Omar Sy’s wonderfully expressive voice and all the fullness of a production in its original language.
REEL DIALOGUE: What does it mean to be a father to your children?
'Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.' Psalm 127:3-5
Lupin provides multiple opportunities to discuss the value of fathers. Many of the series' examples are not very positive, but that should not diminish dads' fundamental importance in their children's lives.
One aspect of fatherhood that tends to get overlooked is that it is not only a responsibility, but it is a privilege. Children are indeed a blessing. It can be hard to remember this during the early morning feedings or the latest car smash. Still, these unexpected things should not diminish the gift that they are in our lives.
Fathers need to look at this opportunity as an honour and do all that can be done to be the men our children need us to be. Some days are harder than others, but thankfully the Bible gives us the instruction manual to help mould our children. While prayer provides the comfort to watch over them in all situations.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15
