Master thief Lupin infiltrates an impenetrable stronghold that contains more hidden tricks, traps and secrets than a Magic Circle convention, in this outstanding action adventure anime. Directed with cinematic style and pace by Japanese pioneer Hayao Miyazaki, who went on to further success with such modern classics as Princess Mononoke, it combines the neat gadgetry and death-defying confrontations of James Bond with the comic irreverence of silent slapstick. The simplistic character animation doesn't detract from an elaborate, highly entertaining story that never stops moving and even those normally disconcerted by the genre's deep philosophising will gain pleasure from Lupin's clear-cut mission to get the girl, beat the bad guy and take the treasure.

After a successful robbery leaves famed thief Lupin the Third and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of expertly crafted counterfeit bills, he decides to track down the forgers responsible—and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the 'damsel in distress' he finds imprisoned there.