Alibaba and Globalization (1980's)

Alibaba and 40 Thieves, or Alibaba Aur 40 Chor is a Hindi/USSR film released in 1980. Taking an old story that had been passed through the generations and putting it into a film. The tale of Alibaba, a poor man who stumbles upon the magical cave of the rich king of 40 bandits, Abu Hassan, it exciting and compelling. However, it is also a great example of the Globalization that was happening at that time.

During the late 70's, early 80's, technology had suddenly grown and  transportation of goods and people had become so much easier.  This led to a speeding up of the process of Globalization. Basically, it is when cultures all over the world mix. For example, during the 70's and 80's, it was cheaper to make many products in countries like China and Taiwan, and ship them to America. The price of labor was so much less. Because of that, there was a mixing of cultures. Now, the results of Globalization can be seen everywhere. Even in 3rd World Countries you can buy the I <3 New York Shirts, and can have access to some level of technology. Another example is how McDonalds' can be found EVERYWHERE in the world. There are pros and cons to Globalization, such as access to better and more safe lifestyles, but also there is sometimes a loss in the folk culture. However, now that the cat is out of the bag, it is too late to stop it.

Alibaba and The 40 Thieves is a good example of how globalization affected the traditional cinema of Hindi Films. While it still has the songs and dance numbers, the music has changed slightly, as well as other hints of a change in culture. The music sounds more 'pop' than before. It is obviously still Indian, but it has a disco sound to it. Disco never really left India, but the movie Alibaba Aur 40 Chor is one of the first movies that really had a strong disco influence in the music.

Another thing that I noticed that didn't really fit with India was that the main religion of the movie was not Hindu, but rather Islam. While a lot of Muslims lived in India, the movies made usually contained a strong Transcendental worldview, typically in the form of Hinduism. That was not the case in Alibaba and the 40 Thieves. There were many times the characters talked about Allah, which is Islams god. Also, the heroine who kills the king of the bandits, Abu Hassan, forces him to say, "Allah is god, and Muhammad is his prophet." What is so intriguing about this is how Islam isn't even all that similar to Hinduism. Islam is considered a Theistic worldview, that believes in one god. Hinduism (again, the traditional Indian-Bollywood film religion) is a Transcendental worldview that worships many gods. In my opinion, this still falls under the banner of Globalization even though Islam had been present in India for a long time. It was still a very significant change in what the culture was watching in the pop media.

"Get ready to face Allah."

Finally, would Russians enjoy this film? Made by both India and the USSR, I think some would enjoy it. There wasn't a ton of stuff that would appeal to the average Russian as far as any Russian culture, but there is nothing that would offend anyone. However, the two main women in the movie were both very strong characters. There were weak. One lived through captivity by large group of men who assaulted her, she also took a knife to save Alibaba, and tried to save her father. The other was also captured and sold as a slave, but Alibaba loved her and bought her back. This I think would appeal to Russians, as in their culture women were very respected.  Another thing that is important to note, that there a happy ending in this movie, and only one of the main characters die. I am pretty sure that part came did not come from the Russians..... :)

Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, or Alibaba and The 40 Thieves was a film that took the old folk tale of the poor Alibaba who stumbled upon the magical cave the rich bandit, and turned it into a classic Indian movie. The rapid Globalization of the world, and the mixing of cultures during the time this movie was released can be clearly seen by those watching. The movie was a mix of old folk culture, and new pop culture that turned it into a blockbuster.

Whhaatttt??? USSR must not have had a say in the ending.