Ali Baba to 40-hiki no Touzoku

A film marking Toei's 20th anniversary follows a boy descended from the leader of a group of thieves who suffered a tragic end in the 1001 Nights. He teams up with 38 cats and a mouse to reclaim a lost treasure from Ali Baba XXXIII, the descendant of the original Ali Baba who now governs the kingdom with strict authority. The narrative flips the traditional roles of hero and villain from the original tale. The film is known for its lively and action-filled scenes, presented in a highly exaggerated and animated style different from typical Toei productions. It features a notable group of animators, including Hayao Miyazaki, Yasuji Mori, Akira Daikubara, Yoichi Kotabe, and Reiko Okuyama. At one point, the original story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves is presented in a unique and intriguing manner using shadow-puppets.