A Japanese watchmaker and a gunslinger with an El Primero A384 on his wrist
Directors know that true aficionados can identify a watch with ease. So they usually place watches subtly — hidden so as not to interrupt the film's narrative with an air of advertising, but visible enough to be recognised. That is not the case with Jigen Daisuke, directed by Hajime Hashimoto: in this live-action spin-off from the "Lupin III" universe, the El Primero A384 appears very clearly identified.
This film, set in a dystopian city in Japan, tells the story of Chiharu Yaguchi (Mitsuko Kusabue), an elderly watchmaker and gunsmith who, after perfecting her watchmaking skills, found no place in the watchmaking world and turned to making guns, later returning to watchmaking. Although the main character is the gunslinger Tetsuji Tamayama (Daisuke Jigen), much of the action takes place in Chiharu's watch shop.
Lupin III
This film premiered in 2023 and is a live-action spin-off from the "Lupin III" universe, produced by TMS Entertainment and Amazon Prime Video.
Lupin III (Japanese: ルパン三世, Hepburn: Rupan Sansei) is a Japanese franchise based on a manga created by Monkey Punch. The series follows the adventures of the master thief Lupin III, grandson of the thief Arsène Lupin (by Maurice Leblanc, 1905), accompanied by his gang of criminals.
The original Lupin III manga began in Weekly Manga Action on 10 August 1967.
Jigen Daisuke - the Film - 2023
Jigen Daisuke can be watched on Amazon Prime Video, with subtitles in European Portuguese.
- WARNING -
Before you continue, please note that this text contains
major revelations about the plot.
Read on only if you have already seen the film or do not mind spoilers about the crucial dynamics between the characters and the key points of the story.
- WARNING -
At around two hours long, the film follows the adventures of the protagonist (Tetsuji Tamayama) on his mission to repair his iconic Combat Magnum.
The search takes him to Japan, to meet the legendary gunsmith Chiharu Yaguchi, now retired and devoted to the craft of watchmaking. The story gains complexity with the arrival of Oto (Kotoka Maki), a mute girl caught up in a sinister trade in young people's blood run by the ruthless Adel (Yôko Maki). The blood of certain children made it possible to create a substance capable of controlling time, and in turn ageing, which made it very valuable. This theme of time also comes up when Chiharu remarks that Tetsuji's gun, being his first and only one, must have been repaired so many times that not a single original screw could be left. Perhaps a reference to the Ship of Theseus. At one point Tetsuji walks into Chiharu's watch shop, and she immediately recognises his watch, a Zenith El Primero A384.
As Chiharu refuses to repair his Combat Magnum, Tetsuji asks her to make him a watch, so as to gain the closeness he needs to ask her again to repair his gun.
There are several scenes of Chiharu at her bench with typical watchmaking tools; in one of them she is fitting the balance bridge of what appears to be a 6497.
The film delves into dark themes, exploring trauma and violence in a considered way, without ever seeming gratuitously shocking. Jigen's vulnerability and emotional depth are brought out very elegantly, offering a more intimate view of the characters. Tetsuji Tamayama shines, capturing every facet of Jigen with a memorable performance.
The action sequences are vibrant, making the most of a limited but effective budget. Among several particularly striking scenes are the assault on Adel's tower and the claustrophobic confrontation with the shapeshifter Kawashima. These moments skilfully combine dramatic tension with the absurdity typical of the series. The scene in which Adel clears a room of drug dealers with a single gun, from a wheelchair, and even ends up doing a somersault while firing, reminds us of Jack Burton's legendary scenes in Big Trouble in Little China, from 1986.
The tense moments are relieved by humorous ones that balance its gloomy atmosphere. Jigen Daisuke is a pleasant surprise and a valuable addition to the "Lupin III" universe. Despite a few visual slips, there are some emotionally very powerful moments. Jigen Daisuke boasts memorable villains, thrilling action and a captivating narrative centred on a charismatic protagonist. A must-see for fans, provided they are prepared for its darker tone and intense content. Lovers of the Zenith El Primero A384 can also enjoy seeing this watch given pride of place.
Have you spotted watches in other films that you would recommend? Share your observations in the comments.
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