PS - I didn't know it was Miyazaki's debut film before watching, but looking back, I can definitely see his style.
The country, the architecture, the castle are all just so beautifully drawn. The fight scenes are incredibly fluid and energetic. It was made in 1979 and so, there are a couple of tropes that haven't aged well - specially the Damsel in Distress, but other than that, the plot is solid. The female characters, when they're present, aren't overly sexualized. It's just a very well made film. Above all, it's just so fun! The chase scenes are freaking hilarious. The villain is plain evil so you don't have to think about any morally gray areas or whatever. Just sit back, relax, laugh and have a good time.
Highly recommended.
Having a Damsel in Distress isn't a bad thing. Its when media turn every woman into one, especially the lead actress, when it becomes a problem.
Fujiko is meant to be a femme fatale but she is competent and doesn't have the typical "I seduced a guy then got in trouble cos the guy is now being violent and I have to wait for a man to save me" situation.
Fun movie, highly recommend for anyone interested in some light entertainment.
Oh yeah agreed. Fujiko was great I felt. I meant Clarisse. And I liked that she wasn't a love interest or anything and Lupin just said she's like a little sister (which thankfully stops him, unlike other anime protag nowadays).
Sorry, I knew you were talking about Clarisse, I should have added that I think they handled her well so I don't think it ages poorly. A movie in 1979 where the damsel in distress doesn't end up being the reward for the male protagonist is well ahead of its time. There are some shows where Lupin saying Clarisse is like a little sister means they're more likely to become a love interest lol.