THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO

Version: Manga Entertainment 2006 SE DVD; English dub

I've had this movie for a while, but I only watched it a handful of times. I popped it in again because I was waiting on the next Fushigi Yugi disc from Netflix, and what did I find? THEY BOTH SHARE THE PRINCIPAL CAST! The heroine and her love are the same voice actors in both dubs! Not only that, but the guy trying to steal the girl in this film, shares his voice with the king who tries to get the heroine's heart in Fushigi Yugi! One more: the samurai in this film, clearly the calmest character, has the same voice actor as the healer in Fushigi Yugi, also the calmest of the bunch. Damn! And I never even noticed it when I was watching Fushigi Yugi! What a coincidence, eh?

Castle of Cagliostro is a Lupin III film. Lupin is a famous thief character in Japan. He's got a big catalog, much like Batman (I'm not saying everyone knows Lupin, but there's a lot of merchandise). You really don't need to be in deep to understand this film. The characters may not seem familiar, but if the plot needs it something it is explained. Nothing major is lost by coming into this fresh. Lupin's speeches are really corny, but that may be part of his character.

You should be aware that this movie is 30 years old. It was made in the 70's, but it isn't as dated as some things. Vampire Hunter D was more dated than this. The only thing I don't like is that the camera is shaky in some parts. The humor makes up for it, though. This is definitely a cartoon. Lupin tries to swim back up a waterfall at one point after he got sucked in. I found that so funny. Don't expect to see fast paced action on the level of 90's cult stuff. This movie has action, but it's the cool kind that Miyazaki has in all of his other movies. Yes, this is a Miyazaki film. It shows sometimes. The only thing missing is Joe Hisaishi's music.

I am a little disappointed at the presentation, but nothing can be done about that. The opening credits are a series of stills. The original Japanese opening was animated, and apparently it was awesome. A lot of people don't like this release because of that. They also don't like the language added to the dub. I personally think it is appropriate. So Lupin says "shit" when he gets frustrated. Wouldn't you?

Just like with Vampire Hunter D, I didn't like the ending. I tend to hate all endings that leave the girl hanging like that. At least stay and chat for a while after you save her, don't just fly off to the next one!

See the movie so you can bitch about the ending with me. ^^;