“From
the Director of Spirited Away
comes the animé The Castle Of
Cagliostro, where two thieves who’ve
just robbed a Monte Carlo Casino
(only to discover the money is all
counterfeit) flee into the dangerous
country of Cagliostro — where a chance
encounter with a maiden in need of
rescuing from a despotic Count leads
to the discovery of a truly amazing
treasure...”
THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING STUDIO GHIBLI has added to its string of enchanting
animés with the superb The Castle Of Cagliostro, directed by the highly-respected
Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke; Spirited Away).
A terrifically exciting story centred around Arsene Lupin III from the hugely-popular
animated television series of which Miyazaki wrote and directed a number of
episodes, The Castle Of Cagliostro is the first feature film by the distinguished
director and also marks the latest instalment of the series.
“...thrilling
car chases,
perfect characterisation
and an intriguing
story combine to make
The Castle Of Cagliostro
utterly unforgettable...”
Famous
super-thief Lupin and his friend Daisuke Jigen charge into one of Monte Carlo's
top Casinos and escape with five billion in notes of various denominations.
But as they pack themselves into their tiny Fiat 500 with their booty and speed
off, Lupin realises that all the notes are forgeries and tosses them out of
the car.
And he works out where they come from: it is 'Goat money' from a tiny country
called Cagliostro, where an evil Count is forging money and distributing it
around the world. As they reach the Duchy of Cagliostro, Lupin tells Jigen that
nobody who has investigated the country has ever returned.
Suddenly, a young woman in a bridal dress races past in a 2CV, hotly pursued
by men in dark suits driving a large black sedan. With some very interesting
driving techniques that defy the laws of gravity and a dangerous cliff-hanging
episode during which Lupin's useful gadgets saves the girl from a watery grave,
Lupin and Jigen manage to get her to safety, only to see her snatched from under
their noses and carried off in a steamboat.
In true Cinderella style, the beautiful young woman has left behind a glove
and inside is a ring bearing a goat crest. At the ruined palace of the late
Archduke and Duchess, it becomes apparent that Lupin has been there before and
at Count Cagliostro's castle the pair witness him arriving in an autogyro to
be greeted by his sinister butler, Jodo.
The village is buzzing with visitors who have come to see the wedding of Lady
Clarisse d'Cagliostro and the Count, a notorious womaniser. But unbeknown to
Lupin, the Count has discovered that the ring is not on the finger of his sedated
fiancée and, as he needs it for a special, secret purpose, he is hot on their
trail.
Lupin's old adversary Inspector Koichi Zenigata of Interpol arrives; and Lupin
sees the lovely Fujiko Mine, a clever thief whom he has met before and who makes
a deal with him before she will tell him where the Lady Clarisse is being held
captive.
Lupin and Jigen are soon joined by their Samurai friend Gozaemon Ishikawa, but
they will find out that Lupin will have to face an underground water maze, the
might of Cagliostro's guards, imprisonment and death-defying stunts over lofty
rooftops in his attempt to rescue Clarisse, save the kingdom and find the legendary
treasure that is said to be hidden in Cagliostro. Will Lupin succeed or meet
the fate of so many others who have failed?
Maintaining the lineage of the Lupin III franchise, Miyazaki also imbues
the proceedings with his customary wit and sense of the romantic: Miyazaki's
heroes are always ready to come to the aid of a damsel in distress and the thrilling
car chases, perfect characterisation and an intriguing story combine to make
The Castle Of Cagliostro utterly unforgettable. As always, the backdrops
include beautiful, classical architecture and magical landscapes.
Voice cast includes David Hayter as Arsene Lupin II, Kirk Thornton as Count
Cagliostro and Bridget Hoffman as Lady Clarisse d'Cagliostro. Writers: Monkey
Punch (graphic novel series), Hayao Miyazaki (Screenplay), Haruya Yamazaki (Screenplay)
and Maurice Leblanc (Characters); Director is Hayao Miyazaki.
*
From
the Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli and Director Hayao Miyazaki comes the
UK Blu-ray premiere of The Castle Of Cagliostro, out to own on Double
Play on 12 November 2012. Feature Running Time: 100 Minutes approximately |
English language and Japanese With Subtitles | Catalogue No: OPTBD0306 | RRP:
£24.99.
Extras: Storyboards: Picture In Picture | Trailer.
"…Thrilling car chases, perfect characterisation and an intriguing story combine
to make The Castle Of Cagliostro utterly unforgettable" —Maggie Woods, MotorBar
"With Miyazaki's characteristic magic touch, the film is a feast of lush European
scenery, relentless sequences of death-defying action and a hint of touching
nostalgia" —Anime World
“From
the Director of Spirited Away