Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) is a Japanese animated film based on the manga of the same name. The movie occurs in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is in danger by a toxic jungle filled with giant insects. Nausicaä, the royal princess of a region known as the Valley of the Wind, is a brave and compassionate young woman who communicates with the jungle’s creatures. She attempts to prevent two rival kingdoms from starting a war, where they plan to use an ancient weapon to destroy the wilderness and each other. Along the journey, Nausicaä uncovers the jungle’s secrets and how it connects to the world’s past and future.
Although the story occurs a millennium into our future, its themes reflect the contemporary political climate and the constant drumbeat of planetary destruction humans have steadily drummed over the last few centuries. It is an emotional story about promoting peace among humanity and respecting the world we live in. It is a message that will fall on the deaf ears of our neighbors, who are overflowing with hatred and rage. This movie should be part of every literature appreciation course in primary school; the teacher should assign a reading of the manga volumes, followed by a viewing of the movie adaptation at the end of the term.
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the world’s most influential and acclaimed animators. He co-founded Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio that has produced many award-winning and beloved films, such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Miyazaki’s films are known for their imaginative worlds, complex characters, environmental themes, and humanistic values. He is also a prolific manga artist who created the epic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind series, which he adapted into this film. Miyazaki has worked in the animation industry since 1963 and has directed over 20 feature films and TV series. Recently, he finished working on his final film, How Do You Live?, which will be Studio Ghibli’s first IMAX release.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki.
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki.
MPAA RATING: Unrated
GENRES: Animation, Adventure, Science Fiction.
LENGTH: 1h 57min.
LANGUAGE: Japanese.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch, ReelGood
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: July 9, 2023
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