Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Reviewed By: Mario Aguilar

Disney DVD/ Studio Ghibli

2 discs

Rated PG

What it’s (basically) all about: It has been 1000 years since most of mankind was destroyed in the “Seven Days of Fire”.  The few patches of civilization that survived now strive to keep their kingdoms safe from each other and a toxic jungle that is home to the giant and ancient Ohmu, insects of unrivaled size.  Nausicaä, the young princess of the Valley of the Wind seeks to understand the jungle instead of destroying it, as others intend to do.

Nitty Gritty: The trademarks of Miyazaki films are present throughout.  His infatuation with flight, environmentalism, and feminist leanings are all used throughout the film and are best represented by Nausicaä, the princess of the Valley of the Wind.  She offers a great alternative for those used to American animated female characters. 

Nausicaä and the rest of the post apocalyptic inhabitants of the world find themselves trying to survive while trying to kill each other off.  Gunfire and sword fighting are consistently finding their way into scenes, and while frequent, are mild and not graphic in nature.  The most violent scene is probably when Nausicaä gets shot a twice by Tolmekian soldiers. She survives.

One of the interesting things in the film is the use of Japanese cultural themes and historical elements.  For one, there are feudal kingdoms in a constant state of conflict with one another, something reminiscent of feudal Japan.  There is also great use of myth and legend in the forms of giant warriors and the “savior in blue” from legend.  And last but not least, there is the issue of pacifism.  Pacifism is addressed not only in Nausicaä’s struggle to remain peaceful, but also in the battles between kingdoms, which eventually determine the destiny of mankind. 

The voice cast includes a number of Hollywood types including Uma Thurman, Alison Lohman, Shia LaBeouf, Patrick Stewart, and Luke Skywalker himself Mark Hamill, all of whom deliver great performances, particularly Lohman and Stewart.

Pre-menu previews include Bambi, Porco Rosso, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Cat Returns, and The Incredibles (all of which you can view again in the menu under “sneak peeks”).  Special features include a Behind the Microphone featurette and original Japanese trailers and TV spots.  Last on disc one is a special piece on Studio Ghibli titled “The Birth Story of Studio Ghibli”, where you can not only find out how the studio was created, but also what the heck a Ghibli is!  Disc two contains full feature storyboards for the film.

Survey says:  Nausicaä has some violence in it, but there is no graphic violence, nudity, or cursing.  The gunfire in the film is plentiful, but is more of the G.I Joe-like laser shots than bullets.  Sword fighting and a little shed blood are also shown, but unlike the similar and more recent Princess Mononoke, there are no beheadings.  The story can be easily understood by children and is best suited for the children’s collection.

Personal Ad:  It’s ironic that of the Miyazaki films that I have seen, I saw this one, one of the earlier Miyazaki films, last.  Perhaps that’s why I felt like I had seen it all before, only the other stuff was better.  This was not my favorite Miyazaki film, but it was filled with all the hallmarks of a Miyazaki film, including great animation.  I also love the use of myth, legend, and things coming full circle.  If you like the others, you would probably like this one, only slightly less.