Lupin III: O Castelo de Cagliostro

This movie is an absolute blast to watch! Represents the Lupin series at its best. A fine anime film that doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves. Then again, nothing less could be expected from the man who gave us "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Princess Mononoke." It's a bit hard to find since it's been out of print for some time. But if you can find a copy, it's well worth checking out. Hopefully this masterpiece will be reissued on video someday.

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.

Hilarious comedy, tasteful romance, intense action, and colorful characters.. . No one who sees this movie would believe it was a low-budget 1979 flop. With world name director Miyazaki (few of his movies rank under 9 even on this database), the highly successful Lupin cast and the angelic Shimamoto as Clarisse, who WOULD believe it failed? This movie is the most underrated movie of all time.

Just make sure you acquire a GOOD translation, if one exists. Carl "the Butcher" Macek's Streamline Pictures release got horrible ratings due to his unchecked editors, unfaithful translators and third-rate voice actors. Fan-made subtitled copies are far more enjoyable, but quality is still not guaranteed. Good luck hunting; this movie is gold.

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.

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!!!