Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro

るぱんさんせい かりおすとろのしろ

Aired: 1979

A theatrical anime produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and distributed by Toho, the directorial film debut of Hayao Miyazaki and the second theatrical film in the Lupin the Third series. It is based on the manga that Monkey Punch serialized in Futabasha's Manga Action. The phantom thief Lupin the Third and Daisuke Jigen steal a large sum of money, but realize it is exquisite counterfeit currency known as Goat banknotes, and head to the small Principality of Cagliostro to trace its source. Lupin rescues Clarisse, a girl fleeing the hands of the Grand Duke, and confronts the mystery of the immense treasure hidden in the principality and the Count's ambitions. A pinnacle of Miyazaki's direction fusing meticulous action, exhilarating adventure, and graceful human drama, it has grown in reputation with each passing generation beyond its release and remains an immortal masterpiece beloved at home and abroad as a triumph of Japanese animated film.