Rupan sansei: Kariosutoro no shiro (The Castle of Cagliostro) (Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro) (1979)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Christopher H

  
  The animation is a little dated and underwhelming when compared to Miyazaki's later works, but "Castle of Cagliostro" remains a wildly fun action/adventure flick that is sure to entertain people whether they are fans of anime or not. This is the first film directed by… More
  The animation is a little dated and underwhelming when compared to Miyazaki's later works, but "Castle of Cagliostro" remains a wildly fun action/adventure flick that is sure to entertain people whether they are fans of anime or not. This is the first film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and his signature grand vision can easily be seen in the level of detail in the film's settings. The way Miyazaki sets up scenes allows the audience to fully appreciate the film's colorful sets and action sequences. The film is based off the Lupin III manga series, however, no knowledge of the source material is required to understand the story. Aside from seamlessly blending comedy and drama, the film is also very action-packed. The movie contains action sequences that put most live action movies to shame, they are very well shot and overwhelmingly entertaining to watch. Combined with the movie's colorful and memorable characters, and "Castle of Cagliostro" ends being one of the greatest animated adventure movies ever made.

• Jan Marc M

  
  Lupin III: Castle Of Cagliostro features the wild adventure of world famous thief Arsene Lupin III. A Hayao Miyazaki work, Lupin III: Castle Of Cagliostro tells of a mystery haunting the Castle Of Caglistro with meritorious themes on passion and compassion.

• Dean M

  
  One of the greatest animated adventure movies of all time that comes from director Hayao Miyazaki (his directorial feature debut) in the late 1970s before Studio Ghibli founded in 1985. It is funny, romantic, dramatic, action-packed: everything! This movie is heavily based on sight… More
  One of the greatest animated adventure movies of all time that comes from director Hayao Miyazaki (his directorial feature debut) in the late 1970s before Studio Ghibli founded in 1985. It is funny, romantic, dramatic, action-packed: everything! This movie is heavily based on sight gags, and just setting up characters in the right place at the right time to generate something hilarious. It is based on Japanese Manga series (comic book). I like two characters are Lupin III, the world's greatest thief and Inspector Zenigata, a Japanese Interpol inspector who is so devoted to capture Lupin III. Miyazaki's attention to detail is what truly elevates this beyond typical animation quality. There are enough moments of quietness and atmosphere to balance out the loud scenes. A strong sense of setting also comes from the imaginative "photography". Too many animated movies disorientate the audience with frenetic direction and over-indulgence, but <i>The Castle of Cagliostro</i> works so much better by taking its time and choosing the best angles to cover the action. His trademark flying machines and overeating scenes make their first big screen appearance here.

• Zach B

  
  Before Myazaki became the mega animated king he became, he was known in the Anime underground for making one of the many films in the famous Lupin the III franchise: The Castle Of Cagliostro. Now, for those not familiar with Lupin the III, it is just the tale of a thief who gets… More
  Before Myazaki became the mega animated king he became, he was known in the Anime underground for making one of the many films in the famous Lupin the III franchise: The Castle Of Cagliostro. Now, for those not familiar with Lupin the III, it is just the tale of a thief who gets caught up in these bizarre plots that requires them to steal treasure from around the world. Now, while the plot may not be as weird as the plots of the film Myazaki would later make, this is easily his most crazy film and the only one that would be best for older teenagers to watch due to the violent nature and language used in this film. Now, lets get to the aspects. Now, this being the first film that Myazaki directed and written, one must excuse the flaws that he had as he tried to keep true to the Lupin that people love. As such, the direction of this film is mostly good in terms of pacing. But in character development and parts of the plot, not so much. There are a few parts that could have been chopped out, but for the most part it is acceptable. Now, the animation is something that is done on purpose: being crude and roughly drawn. Why, you might ask. Well, like all animated adaptations, they have to keep with the source material. While this is understandable, I would have personally like it if they did enhance some parts. But seeing as how this was made in 1979, I guess that this could slide. Now, the voice actors in the version I saw actually done a good job. But, there are none that stand out to me. The script for this film is actually pretty good for an early anime film. If you like stories that deal with trapped princesses, corrupt governments, and dark histories, then the script is something that you would enjoy. Overall, this is a film for the most hardcore of Myazaki and Lupin the III fans, but not really for the casual viewer.

• Dead A

  
  It was okay. A bit funny. But didn't blew me away.

• Sanjaya &

  
  I think there's no need to have a lot of money on CGI to make a great animated movie... This movie answer it.... It has a great story, too great I thought... Even Danny Ocean would acknowledges that Wolf is better than him.... Pretty, and very shocked that this movie made in the… More
  I think there's no need to have a lot of money on CGI to make a great animated movie... This movie answer it.... It has a great story, too great I thought... Even Danny Ocean would acknowledges that Wolf is better than him.... Pretty, and very shocked that this movie made in the year 1979 because the animation was great if this movie was make in that year.... Very very love the story... Great debut from Hayao Miyazaki... He is a winner when it comes to an animated movies...

• Kylie B

  
  Okay, so it's not as serious as Miyazaki's films usually are, but it still possesses that essential quality that marks one out: its heart is good. Its architecture and scenery is beautifully drawn as usual, and even if it wasn't based on original material it makes for… More
  Okay, so it's not as serious as Miyazaki's films usually are, but it still possesses that essential quality that marks one out: its heart is good. Its architecture and scenery is beautifully drawn as usual, and even if it wasn't based on original material it makes for great entertainment.

• Luke B

  
  Castle of Cagliostro may be directed by the great Mitazaki but this certainly isn't in the same league as his Studio Ghibli works. Perhaps it's adapting somebody elses material or being part of a TV and movie saga that dampens his creative side. Whatever the case the film is… More
  Castle of Cagliostro may be directed by the great Mitazaki but this certainly isn't in the same league as his Studio Ghibli works. Perhaps it's adapting somebody elses material or being part of a TV and movie saga that dampens his creative side. Whatever the case the film is still a vastly enjoyable caper. The animation hasn't degraded in quality too badly over the years and there are plenty of inventive action sequences and a rather interesting plot. It's certainly not Miyazaki's finest and so should be watched as part of the series or on its own merits rather than as a comparison to his later work.

• Lafe F

  
  Cliffhanger!

• Tsubaki S

  
  A very fun ride from start to finish, Miyazaki knows how to combine action and heart.

• Matthew Y

  
  Eh?!? Lupin III is a quirky, charming and at times humorous hybrid of traditional characters like Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, James Bond, etc. He is a rather interesting character as he's a bit of a detective, a bit of a thief and a bit of a spy. Despite being a modestly… More
  Eh?!? Lupin III is a quirky, charming and at times humorous hybrid of traditional characters like Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, James Bond, etc. He is a rather interesting character as he's a bit of a detective, a bit of a thief and a bit of a spy. Despite being a modestly intriguing character the film is not all that interesting and can even be rather boring in parts. Lupin has apparently been in many anime series and films, this one is the most highly rated on just about every website I could find. Whether that's true or if it gets a boost being a Miyazaki work I don't know. I mildly recommend the film for Lupin's charisma but for little else.

• Chris B

  
  One of the first Miyazaki films that delights with its likable characters and amazing setting! The film is filled with adventure, suspense and just the right about of adventure throughout. An amazing film that is a wonder to behold. Highly Recommended!

• Marion R

  
  A fun heist film. Lupin is a very likable character, I enjoyed the whole castle and the cat and mouse thing he has going with the inspector. It's a fun Saturday afternoon film.

• Ivan D

  
  Impressive directorial debut by Hayao Miyazaki, and upon watching this film, there's no doubt that he would go on to be hailed as one of the masters of Anime filmmaking. The best thing about "Castle of Cagliostro" is its combination of a Bond-like international… More
  Impressive directorial debut by Hayao Miyazaki, and upon watching this film, there's no doubt that he would go on to be hailed as one of the masters of Anime filmmaking. The best thing about "Castle of Cagliostro" is its combination of a Bond-like international intrigue, humor, and adventure. Again, the Lupin character and his various film and TV incarnations would not work as a live-action fare, because it would look too cheesy(Don't believe me? Philippine television has already made one, and it's very bad). The plot was heavy-handed with situational dangers, filled with Sherlock Holmes type disguises, diabolic henchmen, and fortress infiltrations. Now, we all know that 007 was cool and calm as a Zen master, but he would make such situations look perilous, but not Lupin. Armed with his wit and unexpected blunders, he made all of it look very easy.

• Remi L

  
  I had to watch this movie because I LOOOOVE Lupin III and his gang! Even though Lupin is known for its "bad animation" its the plot and dialogue that makes Lupin so entertaining. But with this movie you have that, plus the combination of Hayao Miyazaki's award-winning… More
  I had to watch this movie because I LOOOOVE Lupin III and his gang! Even though Lupin is known for its "bad animation" its the plot and dialogue that makes Lupin so entertaining. But with this movie you have that, plus the combination of Hayao Miyazaki's award-winning work and its just doubly enjoyable. I think I've seen almost every Lupin movie, and if you enjoy comedic anime with a good plot, definitely check "Cagliostro"

• Sarah B

  
  It's Miyazaki.

• Marcus W

  
  This is probably Miyazaki's worst film, but then as we're talking about Miyazaki that means it's still a cracking film but not as good as his later work. Still , it's highly enjoyable and well worth a watch for fans, it's just lacking that certain something… More
  This is probably Miyazaki's worst film, but then as we're talking about Miyazaki that means it's still a cracking film but not as good as his later work. Still , it's highly enjoyable and well worth a watch for fans, it's just lacking that certain something that films like Porco Rosso (it's closest companion) and Spirited Away have in abundance.

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