Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind: - A Miyazaki Masterpiece that Delivers

Hayao Miyazaki is probably the most well known name in the Japanese entertainment industry. The Nation, and many others around the world, has fallen in love with this man's work. It should be no surprise then that anime fans in the US were quite pleased that Disney brought over one of his most famous works, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to Western audiences for the first time only a few years ago. Is Nausicaa as classic as Miyazaki's other films? Read on to find out.

The main character in this story is a young red haired girl named Nausicaa. Nausicaa is the princess of a small and peaceful kingdom, and she is beloved by everyone living in it, even though times are not so great for the human race. In this post apocalyptic world, a poisonous and dense forest, referred to as the 'toxic jungle', is quickly taking over the land. With no clear way to stop it, and huge insects threatening the valley of the wind everyday, these people live in constant fear.

Part of the reason Nausicaa is loved so dearly by her subjects is because of her kindness toward all living things. She has a rare connection with animals and insects, and this alone has saved the valley of the wind numerous times from the dastardly bugs. Things change one night when a huge carrier airship from another country crashes in the valley, carrying a foreign item in it's tow. It turns out that this is a dormant giant, capable of destroying the Earth, and now that it's in the valley of the wind, all great powers in the world want to use it for their own bidding. For how long can the valley remain peaceful, and what about the ever looming threat of the toxic jungle?

The story, while you're usual dark Miyazaki tale, is better rounded than most of his other efforts. This is one of the few of the master's work that you can't tell is his by just a glance. Where most of his works feature little in the line of story elements to distinguish themselves, Nausicaa comes through with some interesting approaches. This is definitely one of his most unique pieces, and coming from the man whose movies most often feel too similar, that alone is worth praise.

Nausicaa also features what is easily the most likeable protagonist Miyazaki has ever created. She loves nature, her people, and she does everything she can to keep the two from harm. It's common Miyazaki fare to humanize the antagonists, but I was surprised to see a lack of this in Nausicaa. Even though it lacks this common and interesting aspect, I'm inclined to say that Nausicaa might just be one of Miyazaki's top three films.

If there's any problem at all that I have with the film, it would have to be it's soundtrack. Not all of it is bad, but during the more intense scenes it's a bit distracting when a glaringly odd rock song strikes up. This can make you feel a bit out of place, because none of these really match the feeling of what's happening on screen, but it doesn't occur enough to really ruin the film.

One of it's greatest aspects though is the film's animation. Everything is drawn with fantastic and whimsical detail; every scene from Nausicaa soaring through the skies in her hang glider-esq rig, to the devastating march of the ohms is all breathtaking. Nausicaa is especially well drawn when you realize that it was actually made in the late 80s, yet, it still surpasses much of what Disney has produced, even recently.

The voice acting is of very high quality. Handled by Disney, the dub track is even spectacular. Every character, even the lesser ones who have only a moment or two of screentime are all masterfully performed. The strongest performance, in both the English and Japanese versions, is easily that of Nausicaa herself. Both actresses play the role strongly and assertively, and it's part of what makes the film so memorable.

Final Recommendation
No real anime fan hasn't seen this film yet, but this is also a perfect film to get you started with the medium. Nausicaa is classic Miyazaki. In other words, it's unforgettable.