Directed by Hayao Miyazaki (prior to the establishment of Studio Ghibli), the film is an adaptation of Kazushiko Kato's 'Lupin III' manga series, itself loosely based on (and not entirely legally) Maurice Leblanc's 'Arsène Lupin' stories. 'The Castle Of Cagliostro (1979)' actually the second in a series of feature adaptations, though it's much more well-known (at least in the west) than its counterparts - primarily, perhaps, because of Miyazaki's involvement. Luckily, you don't need to have prior knowledge of the series to enjoy the piece, which references past adventures but does so in way that just makes its characters feel like they're part of a wider world. The picture is a fun-focused adventure featuring an evil count, a kidnapped princess and a band of gadget-toting thieves. It's generally an entertaining time, with fun set-pieces and enjoyable characters. It mixes humour and action well, ultimately exuding its own kind of charm. It isn't exactly deep, nor particularly gripping, but it's likeable enough and ought to keep you engaged throughout. It's a solid animated adventure. 6/10.
