Lupin III: Il castello di Cagliostro

Ever since I first viewed the Disney-released version of Princess Mononoke last year, I have done everything in my power to see Hayao Miyazaki's other films. My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, at least the dubbed versions, were readily available, and they were perfect. The next one I found was this film. It was released on DVD by Manga company. This one does not contain the visual mastery, or even the storytelling mastery, as the other three films of his that I've seen, but there is definitely great promise shining through. The animation is not great. It's a lot more stiff than what would come later. There are a few physics-defying scenes that kind of made me cringe (the car driving sideways up a steep incline, Lupin jumping off the roof of the castle is still able to catch the side of a turret). The story is quite good. It has a lot of excitement, reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies. The characters are fun. In short, it is just a very entertaining film.

So if you have any interest in anime or in Miyazaki, by all means, the DVD is worth buying. Unfortunately, the Japanese soundtrack is a little weak. The English side is much better for its sound quality, but I realize most animephiles despise dubs; this one is particularly good, and the remastered soundtrack makes it worth it. The DVD has a really nice layout. I was kid of expecting it just to have been thrown on a DVD and sent out. At least they took their time. Now, if Buena Vista Home Entertainment (which had no part of this pre-Ghibli film) would release all of his other films to DVD!!!

I don't like Japanese anime most of the time. In fact, the only anime I genuinely love comes from Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Now, I knew this movie was a Miyazaki film, but the fact that I'd never even SEEN or READ Lupin the series made me veeery hesitant to check this movie out. I'd seen it at the Library movie section but wasn't willing to fork over the one dollar to rent it.

I finally saw it yesterday, thanks to my sister, and MAN! was it awesome! I didn't expect it to play out like a regular Miyazaki film, but it did in every aspect I can think of: the animation style, the facial expressions, the plot, storyline and script, and the overall feel of the movie screamed Miyazaki. By the end, I even learned to love Lupin and the whole cast of characters who were all strangers to me at the beginning of the movie.

Aside from the corny 70's music, this movie was fun every step of the way. It was funny, romantic, dramatic, action-packed: everything! So I guess that sums it up well. I'm sorry I didn't watch it before, so now i'm telling you--GET THIS MOVIE! I'm sure you will find at least something in it that will entertain you.

And I have to say, to some extent, I agree with him. This is certainly the funniest of the pre-Studio Ghibli movies, all of which are extremely good. Even PomPoko and Cat Returns, considered as the weakest Ghibli efforts are well worth watching. Anyway, the best aspect of Castle of Cagliostro is the hilarious mix of James Bond, Hitchcock and the Marx Brothers. When Zenigata is flying the plane, that is one of the funniest bits of the film, as it reminds me of that hilarious plane scene from It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. The title song is so beautiful, and I have it in my head still while writing this review. The script is witty, and very inspired, and the character of Lupin is very likable. The Count isn't exactly sinister, but he is a very convincing and somewhat creepy villain. The animation is very good, as are the voice talents, none of the stars are huge names, unlike Princess Mononoke and the Cat Returns. I also want to say, Studio Ghibli do so many landmark animes, that are completely superior to the atrocious follow up movies from Pokemon. Before I round off, there is one thing, I am confused about. Is Clarice a lady, or a princess, because the version I have on DVD, I think is different to the one I saw on TV? Anyway, Castle of Cagliostro is a 9/10. Bethany Cox

I have two Japanese animated feature films from 1979, this one and one of the sequels to Space Battleship Yamato. Compared to the animation in Yamato (which is flat and often motionless), Lupin is Snow White. There is so much movement (more than some of Miyazaki's later films), and there are some truly incredible "set" pieces (Lupin scaling a sheer castle wall, for instance). One of the things that has always been noted about Japanese animation is that while it's not as fluid as Disney animation (12 frames per second as opposed to 24, not to mention the animation is generally before the voice track), it has incredible style and originality in its design and cinematography. Lupin is a perfect example of this, and it's no wonder the movie is still so well revered in Japan.

This film is very enjoyable!

I can see how this film can appeal to both young and older audiences. It is filled with memorable characters. It is entertaining. It is also quite visually stunning and fast paced.

If you have not seen an anime before, then this is a great one to get you started. This is a very energetic film and it has a very fast pace to it. The storyline is easy to follow. It is also filled with comical and touching moments that bring an honest smile to your face.

Quite honestly, I cannot think of anything really negative to say about this film at all. I suppose it is an older movie so the animation is dated by today's standards, but this will likely be the last thing on your mind as you watch the film.

It is far too enjoyable to watch right from the very beginning to the very end! It is quite inspirational.