Lupin The III: The Castle of Cagliostro: Here we have the first of the Lupin the 3rd movies. In this film Lupin instead of selfishly stealing great treasure instead uses his skills to help rescue a princess in need.

I have to say after watching it I have a bit of mixed feelings over it. On the one hand it was a fabulous adventure. The sheer scope and magnitude of the castle and the lengths Lupin went to rescue the princess were amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat during most of the film.

On the other hand, I kept thinking to myself during the film that it really didn't seem like Lupin. He seemed a bit too kind in a way and I expected him to be more of the letch and con-man that we've all come to know and love and yet here we see a more kind and caring Lupin. That's not to say it's a bad thing, it's just different.

This film has taken a life of its own thanks to its director, Hayao Miyazaki. Before creating Studio Ghibli and creating such classics as Totoro and Spirited Away, Miyazaki was an animation director for a few Lupin the 3rd TV episodes and was chosen to direct this film. This is most certainly the reason for the changes and the art style of the film is very Ghibli-like.

I definitely recommend this film to all anime fans and also to those looking for a good movie. After checking it out, though, I suggest you go check out the Lupin the 3rd TV series next.

Labels: Anime, Classics, Japanese