The Castle of Cagliostro

Miyazaki, Hayao (director). The Castle of Cagliostro. DVD. Sony, 2006 (1979) Running time 102 min.

Plot Summary
Master thief Lupin III and his sidekick Jigen have just robbed a casino of counterfeit bills. So they make a new plan- they'll steal the plates used to counterfit the money. Their plan takes them to the small principality of Cagliostro where they land in the middle of a royal wedding. The Count is going to marry Princess Clarisse  against her will. If the Count and the Princess marry, and they unite the matching rings that they wear, a treasure will be revealed. So now Lupin has two reasons to save the princess. Of course, Inspector Zenigata is quick on Lupin's tail.

Critical evaluation
While the animation style is more befitting a children's film, this movie is really for ages 10 and up. If you can adjust your expectations, you'll find the film to be daring heist, similar to James Bond. Although this is the only feature length film to star Lupin III, there is also a tv series so some of the characters from the series show up but aren't explained. The princess was mostly passive, looking to Lupin to save her, although there is one scene where she attempts to escape and a car chase ensues. Luckily, Lupin's old paramour Fujiko is also in the film, and she is a take charge, adventurous character much like Lupin himself. All in all, a great adventure film that happens to be animated, rather than an animated adventure.


Readers Annotations
With car chases, gun fights, a runaway bride, a government conspiracy, hidden treasure and a samurai, The Castle Cagliostro is a fast paced animated adventure.

Information About the Director
Hayao Miyazaki is the director of such award winning films as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. He has worked in Japanese animation since the 60's. Miyazak is married to fellow animator Akemi Ota. They have two grown sons.


Genre
Adventure

Curriculum Ties


Booktalking Ideas
First person as Lupin discussing his ideas for breaking into the castle.

Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 10+ Rated PG-13

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
Possible objections to the language (mild curses, but frequent) or to the violence (gun fights, but no graphic injuries)

The movie is rated PG-13, so parents should have an idea if the movie is appropriate for their kids.

Why Film Included
Recommended by a classmate