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Lupin the 3rd - The Castle of Cagliostro Director: Hayao Miyazaki Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Letterbox Format: Dubbed, Subtitled Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Running Time: 100 minutes Studio: Palm Pictures/Manga Video Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2000-04-25 Buy from Amazon

Customer Reviews: Total numer of reviews: 91 Average rating: 4.5 "Amazing!!" Probably the best of the Lupin Movies, this is an animated treasure that the whole family can enjoy. "Miyazaki=Anime Excellence" One of my all-time favorites. I personally prefer it with the original Japanese dialogue, but the english dub included on this DVD isn't bad. Though I must say the English dub directed by Carl Maceck was better, if less literal. (Quickly dodges all the Robotech-haters out there...) (Carl Maceck's translation is NOT included on this DVD) Lupin III is a master thief. With his cohorts Jigen and Goemon and the unwitting help from his ex-girlfriend Fujiko as well as Lupin's self-proclaimed nemesis, Inspector Zenigata, they free a beutiful Princess from her evil captor who is intent on marrying the young princess to steal the family fortune. Like all of Miyazaki's other works, this film has gorgeous animation that compliments a very intricate and heartful story. Fans of the original Lupin III comic by Monkey Punch may not appreciate it as much since the characters act a little 'nicer' than the fans may prefer, but Miyazaki's talent lies in weaving a good story together with beautiful animation, and it is clearly evidenced here. This film stands not just as a good example of whats good about Japanese animation, but as a good movie in general... Interesting characters, clever plot twists, amazing action, and a good dose of heart. I still stand surprised that some hollywood shmuck hasn't bought the rights to it and mangled it into the lame "blockbuster" live-action formula that America is currently plagued with. But I digress... I can think of no better introduction to anime than Hayao Miyazaki. Castle of Cagliostro is definitely one of his better works, and you will find yourself amazed at how 'real' this hand-drawn animation feels compared to the generic pocket-monster-giant-robot-half-naked-girls-with-guns-otaku-fanboy-teenager-boobshow stuff... in fact I'd say that's the only thing this film is missing. :) ... again, I digress... This work is a cut above and deserves a higher respect, as it's done by a man who clearly has more respect for the art. "A Classic" If you want to see a runaway bride carrying an extremely important ring, an evil Duke, a good crook, and a gullible detective, then this anime is for you. I found the plot somewhat slow moving, but the ending was great! However, with all of the screaming and yelling you definitely know it's anime! "It's just good" With so much anime making its way over to the US with nothing more to offer than 30 minute fight scenes, I find myself more and more drawn to Miyazaki's films. I wouldn't call this one Miyazaki's best, but it is a great deal of fun. I wouldn't reccomend it to young children; there are instances of violence and death, though nothing too gratuitous. But if car chases, adventure, comedy, and romance are up your alley, you'll probably dig the movie. "Too many foul words for a family movie!" We got this movie for Christmas based on the great reviews I read here at Amazon. My children and I sat down to watch it with eager anticipation. The first 5 minutes had 4 or 5 swear words in it. The envelope mentions mild language, so I was not surprised to hear h... and d.... But there was also a b......, s..., and Ch....! I would not reccommend this movie for families, at least in this translation, no matter how wonderful the plot.