Get The Run Down #1 Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind

When films are often rated as the greatest of all time, it is usually an exaggeration well, not this film. Anime fans around the world agree that Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is one of the greatest animated films of all time. This film is a masterfully crafted story that not only wows its viewers with its terrific visuals but also makes them think.

Hayao Miyazaki directed this film alongside fellow members of Studio Topcraft. After the studio went bankrupt, Miyazaki purchased and renamed it to Studio Ghibli. Japan got its first look at Nausicaa with its release in 1984.

The film has two English dubbing versions; one in 1985 and the other in 2005. Disney dubbed the 2005 version where the other is the version changed the title to “warriors of the wind”. The film is approximately 116 mins in length. Nausicaa of the valley of the wind is celebrating an impressive milestone with its 35th anniversary.

It is hard to classify exactly what genre Nausicaa falls under because it contains elements from sci-fi, adventure, and fantasy. This film has many tones including peaceful, happy, angry, despair and hope.

Nausicaa’s story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity is on the brink of extinction and as predicted the bugs are in charge. It is never fully explained how the world ended up this way. The movie does hint throughout that it was a result of pollution and destructive warfare.

What remains of humanity has broken into rival factions which at war. The jungle contains poisonous spores that can kill any living thing that inhales it. Destroying the forest and all its inhabitants is humanities’ only solution. Nausicaa must be willing to lay it all on the line if she is to prevent the destruction; of the forest, the Ohmu and humanity.

Nausicaa is the main protagonist of the story. Brave, smart, honest and compassionate are her main traits. The story follows Nausicaa’s journey and experiences.

Nausicaa desires that humanity lives in peace with themselves and the environment. For more analysis on Nausicaa, here is a link to a more in-depth discussion of the film that I recommend reading after watching the film.

Lord Yupa is Nausicaa’s friend and ally to her people of the valley. He has the most badass moments in this movie and is the greatest swordsman in the land. His design is unique combining elements of a knight, wizard and a cowboy. When this guy shows up the viewer knows that business is about to pick up.

Kushana is the foil and main antagonist to Nausicaa. She is like Nausicaa because she also is a princess and wants to save the world. Kushana’s method are what set her apart. Her troops which come from the Tolmekian empire force the people of the valley to partake in her plans. She desires to destroy the forest instead of learning to live with it.

Kurotowa is Kushana’s right hand man, he is cunning and cowardly. He has some the best lines in the film. Kurotowa is the one character in the film that you love to hate.

This story has three major conflicts. The first is the conflict is humanities struggle again the forest and its inhabitants.

The second is the war between the Tolmekians and the Pejites with the people of the valley in the middle.

The third conflict is Nausicaa’s world view vs the Pejites and Tolmekians.

The third conflict is interesting because it is battle of ideas rather than with fists.

This story is simple and easy to follow. The characters are great, relatable, and grow throughout the story.

The villains are understandable and ambiguous.

This film maturely and productively calls to attention the issues of pollution, nuclear war, and cooperation.

The film serves as a warning of a possible future if humanity does not change its ways.

This film has a great climax and it serves a landmark of far anime has come

How about the name, why not call it Nausicaa from the Valley of the Wind?

She uses that exact phrase when she introduces herself to Asbel.

Jokes aside there is little to dislike about this film. The film is not an action pack summer popcorn flick.

It is a slow burn and takes its time creating tension and world building.

The film’s ending makes the audience want more which can be either a bad or good thing.

Teto who is Nausicaa’s pet is not liked among fans of the film.

This film’s subject matter might alienate people’s people if they have strong opposition to it.

This film’s art style combines aspects of the middle ages with modern technology including planes, guns and tanks.

The different factions have unique attire which helps the viewer to not confuse them.

Nausicaa’s design is unique and is the template of all female characters use in every Miyazaki film to come to date.

All sounds in this film from footsteps to airplane fire sound authentic.

The music fits what is happening in the scenes that have them. The ending is the best song in the film because it makes the audience feel a sense of hope and accomplishment.

Nausicaa of the valley of the wind will continue to relevant for years to come.

This is a movie that anyone can watch and get something out of it.

It is the hope that people who watched this film become inspired to take on today’s world conflicts.

A solid eight out of ten and a movie that absolutely deserves your attention. Are you interested in watching Nausicaa of the valley of the wind?

What are some great things about this movie that I missed?

Whatever your thoughts are leave a comment to let me know. Join the list to stay up to date on what I am working on, so you never miss a thing.

Until then take care.