Hayao Miyazaki's directorial debut, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, has arrived on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, complete with both English dub and subtitle options. This 1979 film is a foundational work for the legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder, offering a blend of high-octane heists and heartfelt adventure.
The movie follows the charismatic gentleman thief Arsène Lupin III as he attempts to pull off a counterfeiting operation that quickly spirals into a rescue mission for a kidnapped princess and a conspiracy involving a fictional European principality. It’s a classic Lupin III caper, elevated by Miyazaki’s burgeoning directorial flair, which would later define his iconic feature films.
With a strong 8.16 rating on MyAnimeList from nearly 80,000 voters, The Castle of Cagliostro is widely regarded as one of the franchise's best entries and a significant piece of anime history. It won the Oofuji Noburou Award in 1979, recognizing its artistic merit.
Produced by Telecom Animation Film and Tokyo Movie Shinsha, the film predates many of Miyazaki's more fantastical works, grounding its action in thrilling chase sequences and meticulous world-building. Its availability on major streaming platforms marks a welcome opportunity for both long-time fans and newcomers to experience a pivotal moment in anime filmmaking.
