Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika)

Release Year: 1984

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Review: True to the spirit of Miyazaki's key themes of environmentalism and harmony, the film is set up as man versus nature.  In the dystopian world, humans are living in fear of the insects, and the toxic jungle.  In a role reversal, nature is the one with the upper hand and the humans are the ones that are on the verge of extinction.  And even still, the message of peace, and good will towards the forrest is the dominant theme of the film.  Violence and destruction are only met with death, hatred and destitute.

In the familiar Miyazaki style the lead character is a strong female lead, who is the peacemaker.  She is the mediator between the insects, jungle and men and is put in the middle of the battle between the two, acting as mediator.  This is a common theme in Miyazaki's work and is an effective way at showcasing the futile wars and rage of the two sides.  Also on display is Miyazaki's signature imaginative, dreamlike, visual sense with a richly developed alien-esque jungle and futuristic fighting machines.  Beyond the environmental themes there is a great adventure plot line.  While I did think the film dragged a bit in some parts, overall the film works incredibly well as a war epic.  Its a thrilling action adventure film with actual substance, and that is what makes this film so great.

Rating: 4/5