Movies From the Hat III – The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

This is my 1,979th movie review

Thanks to SG for recommending this film to me!

“Lupin! Don’t you dare die before I get to arrest you! ” – Inspector Zenigata

Number of Times Seen – 1 (2 Feb 2016)

Brief Synopsis – Two thieves travel to a country where they have plans for a big ‘score’ but get sidetracked when they need to save a princess from being murdered on her wedding day.

My Take on it – I have always loved watching animated movies and tv shows but have generally relied only on American fare and stated clear of the stuff from the Far East.

For a number of years, a few of my blogging friends have tried to get me to watch Studio Ghibli films in order to change my perceptions.

I tried a few, but nothing really floored me and I stayed apathetic to the genre.

In order to get me to try another one, SG chose this film to see if it would succeed in getting me to change my views on these kind of movies.

He actually did…

I immediately liked the characters introduced to us and found them very funny and entertaining to watch.  We slowly learn enough about them to care what happens to them despite them being thieves.

The story itself is compelling despite going a bit overboard with the outrageous.

Loved how they sued animated “tricks” in order to allow the impossible to actually become the possible; defying gravity, super healing powers, being able to invent any disguise or gadget in seconds and of course the ability to fall down a shaft and hold on to the wall without falling are just a few examples.

I can’t say that I’m now gonna watch all of the Ghibli movies, but I am now willing to give more of them a chance than I would have in the past and  think that’s enough of a start.

Bottom Line – Very good story that goes a bit overboard but is still quite entertaining. Interesting characters with intricate histories make us care about what will happen. Great use of animation ‘tricks’ that allow for the impossible to seem possible. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Steven Spielberg called the film “one of the greatest adventure movies of all time.” (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

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