One might not think the antics of one pervert thief, his two right-hands of a swordsman and smoking gun, and a femme fatale would blend with what Western audiences understand of animator Hayao Miyazaki’s sensibilities. Wrong! This is the guy whose self-insert character was a pig who flew a WWII plane! Drawing from his time on Lupin’s television series, Miyazaki brings a softer side out to the turquoise-suited criminal – more damsel saver than boob-groper – while still keeping the mile-a-minute goofs so everyone’s happy. Oh, and don’t worry: Lupin and lawman Inspector Zenigata still have that “one-night-together-we-never-talk-about” vibe. – James Scott
Oct. 13-16
