Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Detailed Summary

The Heist at the Casino

The film begins with master thief Arsène Lupin III and his partner Daisuke Jigen pulling off a daring heist at a casino. However, they quickly realize the money they’ve stolen is counterfeit, leading them to the small European country of Cagliostro, believed to be the source of the fake bills.

Discovering the Castle and Clarisse

Upon arriving in Cagliostro, Lupin and Jigen encounter a young woman named Clarisse being chased by armed thugs. Lupin rescues her but is injured in the process. Clarisse is revealed to be the princess of Cagliostro, forced into an engagement with the sinister Count Cagliostro. The Count plans to marry her to legitimize his control over the country and the counterfeit operation.

Infiltrating the Castle

Determined to save Clarisse and stop the Count, Lupin infiltrates the heavily fortified castle. He encounters various traps and obstacles, showcasing his skills and wit. Along the way, Lupin’s old adversary, Inspector Zenigata, arrives, hoping to finally capture Lupin but ends up assisting him against the Count.

The Underground Secret

Lupin discovers that the Count’s counterfeit operation is run from an underground workshop beneath the castle. He learns that the Count plans to use Clarisse to unlock a hidden treasure left by her ancestors. Lupin teams up with his other allies, Goemon and Fujiko, to sabotage the Count’s plans.

The Climactic Showdown

The film builds to a thrilling climax as Lupin and his team confront the Count in the castle’s tower. A dramatic battle ensues, culminating in the revelation of the hidden treasure: a vast, ancient hoard that had been lost for centuries. Lupin exposes the Count’s treachery to the world, saving Clarisse and liberating Cagliostro.

The Bittersweet Farewell

With the Count defeated, Clarisse offers Lupin a place by her side, but he declines, knowing he must continue his life as a thief. The film ends with Lupin and his friends driving off, leaving Clarisse with a hopeful future.

Movie Ending

The movie concludes on a bittersweet note. Lupin saves the day and exposes the Count’s counterfeit operation, but he chooses to continue his adventures rather than stay with Clarisse. The film ends with Lupin, Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko driving into the distance, leaving the viewer with a sense of both resolution and the promise of more adventures to come.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is an animated action-adventure with elements of comedy and romance. It is a classic heist movie infused with fantasy and swashbuckling adventure.

Cast

• Yasuo Yamada as Arsène Lupin III (Japanese voice)
• Eiko Masuyama as Fujiko Mine (Japanese voice)
• Kiyoshi Kobayashi as Daisuke Jigen (Japanese voice)
• Makio Inoue as Goemon Ishikawa XIII (Japanese voice)
• Gorō Naya as Inspector Zenigata (Japanese voice)
• Sumi Shimamoto as Clarisse (Japanese voice)
• Tarō Ishida as Count Cagliostro (Japanese voice)

Film Music and Composer

The final cut of the film largely realizes Miyazaki’s vision for the story. No widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes exist for this film.

Filming Locations

As an animated film, animators craft all the settings. They draw inspiration from real European architecture and landscapes, evoking a romanticized vision of an ancient, mysterious European castle and its surrounding countryside.

Awards and Nominations

“Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro” did not win major awards at the time of its release. However, critics have since praised it, considering it a classic of Japanese animation. They often commend its animation quality, storytelling, and Hayao Miyazaki‘s direction.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Hayao Miyazaki’s Directorial Debut: This film marks the first feature-length directorial effort of Hayao Miyazaki, who would later become renowned for his work with Studio Ghibli.
• Animation Challenges: The animators faced significant challenges in creating the dynamic action sequences and detailed backgrounds that would become hallmarks of Miyazaki’s style.
• Voice Acting: The film features standout performances by a veteran voice cast, many of whom were already established in the “Lupin III” series.

Inspirations and References

• Lupin III Manga: The film is based on the “Lupin III” manga series created by Monkey Punch.
• Classic Heist Films: The plot and style draw heavily from classic heist and adventure films, with nods to James Bond and “The Pink Panther.”
• European Architecture: The castle and other settings are inspired by real European castles and landscapes, lending the film an authentic yet fantastical feel.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of the film largely realizes Miyazaki’s vision for the story. No widely known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes exist for this film.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film is based on the “Lupin III” manga, it takes considerable creative liberties. “The Castle of Cagliostro” features an original plot crafted specifically for the film, showcasing Miyazaki’s distinct storytelling style.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Lupin’s Rescue of Clarisse: The daring rescue scene where Lupin saves Clarisse from the Count’s men.
• The Clock Tower Fight: The climactic battle in the clock tower, featuring stunning animation and choreography.
• The Car Chase: An exhilarating chase scene that highlights Lupin’s resourcefulness and daring.

Iconic Quotes

• “This castle is amazing, Lupin! No matter how many times I come here, I always find something new.” – Jigen
• “Clarisse, the world is still a beautiful place. Don’t give up.” – Lupin
• “I’m just a thief, after all. Can’t stay in one place for too long.” – Lupin

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Miyazaki’s Future Works: Fans can spot early elements of Miyazaki’s later films, such as intricate flying machines and lush, detailed backgrounds.
• References to Earlier Lupin Works: The film contains subtle nods to previous “Lupin III” stories and characters, rewarding long-time fans of the series.

Trivia

• The film’s original Japanese title is “Rupan Sansei: Kariosutoro no Shiro.”
• Miyazaki’s attention to detail in animation would become a defining feature of his later films.
• Several re-releases of the film have occurred, maintaining its status as a beloved classic both in Japan and internationally.

Why Watch?

“Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro” is a must-watch for fans of animation, adventure, and heist films. It offers a blend of humor, action, and heart, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package. As Miyazaki’s directorial debut, it also provides insight into the early development of one of animation’s greatest directors.

Director’s Other Movies

• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
• Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
• Princess Mononoke (1997)
• Spirited Away (2001)
• Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Spirited Away (2001)
• The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
• Porco Rosso (1992)
• Castle in the Sky (1986)
• The Wind Rises (2013)