Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film is also one of his best. Taking the reins from Monkey Punch and running wild with their iconic master thief, Lupin, Miyazaki’s caper comedy is as breathlessly inventive today as it was 40 years ago.
Following the misadventures of Lupin and his best buddy Jigen, Castle of Cagliostro kicks off with an effortlessly cool casino heist, which turns sour as Lupin realizes the casino itself has been duped by counterfeit money. Determined to find out who is making such impressive fakes, and then rob them instead, Lupin and Jigen set out to the town of Cagliostro. There, they are faced with ancient prophesies, ninjas, and a maiden trapped in the tower of the eponymous castle.
Featuring some of the best action set pieces this side of a Jackie Chan movie, Castle of Cagliostro is one of Miyazaki’s most dazzling spectacles in his career. Whether it’s the dizzying car chase on the winding roads to Cagliostro, a nighttime raid into the castle, or the all-out brawl capping off the finale, there isn’t a single wasted moment in the film.
The animation has stood the test of time, as well. Lupin is an animated goofball, literally charmed off his feet by any woman he meets. Jigen is the epitome of cool, with his perpetually doffed cap and cigarette dangling off his lower lip. In typical Miyazaki fashion, the leading women are no worse off. Fujiko turns from damsel to capable anti-hero, and even the princess, Clarisse, has more strength to her than initially expected.
Like most of Miyazaki’s films, Castle of Cagliostro is for almost everyone, though I’d argue it’s not exactly for the youngest members of the family. The action is more hard-hitting than in his other films, and there’s a fair bit of lechery from Lupin himself. It’s all very farcical and innocent, but there is an unexpected darkness to it. Probably as a remnant of the far more adult Monkey Punch films.
That said, Castle of Caglistro is one of the great Miyazaki masterpieces. It’s astounding that this is his first full feature. In his hands, a potentially run-of-the-mill action story turns into an all-time great adventure, with a series of stunning visuals that stick with the audience long after the film is finished. Capping it off is the perfect score from Yuji Ohno, that gives the film its dreamlike quality.
It’s a rare pleasure to see classics like this on the big screen. Don’t miss it.