Castle of Cagliostro: Review
There comes a time in every fan's life when they must return to their roots in order to understand where they are now. For mech fans, that generally means watching Macross or Evangelion-- preferrably both. Naruto fans need only look back on Shounen classics like Astro Boy or Dragon Ball to note the advances. They won't, because they're all fair weather fans, but that's another tale for another time. But what was I, a Cowboy Bebop lover, to do? I went back to old CB's inspiration-- the wonderful, glorious Lupin the IIIrd.
I decided to start my Lupin-based pilgrimage with the readily available "Castle of Cagliostro", one of Miyazaki's earliest films-- starring the original suit-wearing ladies' man: Lupin. The film was made in 1979, but, like Jerry Hall, it's aged gracefully. It doesn't look at all dated, and there's nary a crap CGI in sight. Just goes to show that old animation has a lot going for it.
From the first crazy carchase "Cagliostro" sucks you in with a combination of intelligent humour and personal drama. There's a lot of interesting inter-character relationships, which develop in entertaining ways.
The story circles around a princess, whose name escapes me. Sorry about that. She's been ordered to marry the Count of Cagliostro, so that two sides of a divided family may rejoin each other. Lupin and Jigen's (
) lawless pursuits lead them to Cagliostro, a small independant nation. While crusing along, the encounter and rescue the princess, who in turn saves Lupin and gives him a ring. This sets up a chain of events which make up the bulk of the movie. Officer Zenigata, Goemon and Fujiko all have their roles to play, Zenigata especially. It all culminates in... Well, let's just say you'll never look at clock towers the same way again.
This movie is nothing short of fantastic. It has charm, wits and style, much like Lupin himself. There's lots of fighting, but very little blood; in fact, a little more blood would have been very well recieved, by me, anyway.
The art's a little choppy, and the animation's none too slick, but don't let it put you off. My only complaint is that the normally flirtatious Lupin seemed somewhat subdued, and perhaps a little noble, which is unusual, having read a few of the comics. I mean, the girl passes out at least nine times and he doesn't even cop a feel? Oh, Lupin. You're so inconsistent.
At any rate, if you're a Bebop fan, or a Lupin fan, or a fan of good movies, even, and you're looking for a Saturday night anime film to watch, give "Castle of Cagliostro" a look. You won't regret it.
Comments
mercury yume Says:
I feel so bad that I haven't watched this movie :(
color me Says:
Clarice.
I agree with you, very Cowboy Bebop-esque. I was discussing with my friends recently the similaries between Lupin and Jigen, and Spike and Jet. I agree with you on the "noble" factor, but I'm pretty sure this was due mostly to it being a Miyazaki film. However, I saw the film years and years ago, before I had ever read the manga, so the sexual crazed monster that he is came kind of as a shock. Nothing short of a rapist, but a FUNNY rapist.
When I saw a new work from you up, and it had Lupin on it no less, I had a grand old smile cross my face. I had the BIGGEST crush on Lupin for a while.
I'm glad you enjoyed the film. I did too.
ThunderboltCookie Says:
If we are talking about the same Miyazaki, you should go se his "Nauiscaa (don't remeber her eksact name) Of The Valley Of The Wind".
That's one of the greatest movies ever.
And you should take a look at a movie named "Metropolis", based on a manga from 1940(2).
FlamingScorpion Says:
i'm not sure if u DID insult me or not but even if u did i must comment on this
i've heard a lot about this film and decided to check this out. i'm glad i did. i'll have to go to hollywood video to see if they have it to rent. wonderful review!
maridah Says:
This is a nice writeup.
Sorry I have to dissent... though not from the points you made, just from the overall regard for the movie.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and be maybe the only one to ever say it, but I don't like Cagliostro. I don't feel Miyazaki is as strong of a director as he's painted by the anime community, and I feel this is where it shows through. Clarisse ruined the film for me, and after watching this movie, I was forever left with the impression that his heroines are weak unless he makes them 'men' like Mononoke or it's a children's fairytale story with little to characterize besides childish awe and naivety.
The grotesque damsel in distress gag takes over the whole film and destroys the group dynamic, giving too little screentime to Zenigata, Fujiko, and Goemon in favor of this girl de jour.
I would be much more willing to recommend 'The Secret of Mamo' as a representative movie for Lupin. It feels closer to the source.
Obviously many will disagree with this opinion of mine, but hey, I have it, and I'm just putting it out here as one of the many.