Criminal roué Lupin III (Hayter) and his sidekick Jigen (Snyder) escape a Monaco casino with millions of dollars of stolen banknotes. On discovering the notes are counterfeit, they drive to the European Duchy of Cagliostro, where Lupin suspects they are being manufactured. There, they learn that the evil Count (Thornton) has imprisoned a young girl named Clarisse (Hoffman) and plans to marry her against her wishes. Lupin infiltrates the castle in an attempt to rescue the girl and unearth the ancient treasure of the Cagliostros.

Famed writer/director Miyazaki’s first feature follows the adventures of popular Manga character Lupin III, which was inspired by Maurice Leblanc’s Arsene Lupin books. Our titular hero is dashing and crafty, suggesting a sort of animated Cary Grant. His Interpol nemesis is Inspector Zenigata (Grant) who doggedly pursues Lupin. Here, Miyazaki kicks off his ongoing fascination with aerial stunts and European culture. Packed with thrilling capers, underwater escapes and rooftop chases, “Lupin” stands as kinetic, exhilarating anime from an emerging master.