Bagudajo no tozoku (1926)

Bagudajo no tozoku / 馬具田城の盗賊 (Burglars of 'Baghdad' Castle in English) is a Japanese early cut-out animation movie released in 1926. This silent movie was the first official directorial work by the renowned Japanese film director and animator Noburō Ōfuji. Ōfuji was among the pioneering Japanese animators to achieve worldwide fame for his work.

The story in brief:

This short anime film is about Dangobei, a lazy young man from the city of Ba-gh-da, Azuma. Upon learning that whoever obtains the treasure of the Dragon Castle can marry the princess, he joins other suitors in pursuit of this treasure. On his journey throught the snow country, he rescues the Snow Fairy from a horse monster and receives a magic umbrella, cautioned by the fairy not to waste the snow accumulating on it. At the Devil's Abyss, he is saved from a fierce dragon by the snow-covered umbrella. The Snow Fairy appears and guides Dangobei to the underwater Dragon Castle where he acquires the precious wish-granting stone. Upon returning to Ba-gh-da, he finds the city under enemy attack. He defends the city using the stone's power and marries the princess.

More info on Bagudajo no tozoku and Noburō Ōfuji:

• Reviews and ratings of Bagudajo no tozoku - IMDb
• More info on Noburō Ōfuji - Wikipedia
• Detailed info of the restoration process - Japanese Animated Film Classics

Animation Movies by Noburō Ōfuji