Review: "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind" (1984)
- Aaron Nell Millado
- May 8, 2017
- 4 min read
One of the most impressive things about animation is its versatility. Being able to convey various ideas and themes in beautiful masterpieces within every frame, and combining it with the timelessness of film, takes an elegant brush and a true artist. Hayao Miyazaki is one such artist capable of commanding such great themes and composing brilliant stories to life. It is nearly impossible to talk about Miyazaki's work without talking about the Master himself. This is one of the instance where artist and art meld perfectly as one. Being the first of his original masterpieces, based on the Japanese manga of the same name--also by Miyazaki-- Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is the first glimpse we have to the man himself. The story of this great film takes place in a dystopian future where the last traces of humanity has been destroyed by war, engulfed in forests of beautiful yet toxic plants, and dominated by massive insects--among these insects are the majestic Ohms, giant god-like trilobite creatures that roam the land. While the insects have maintained distance from the humans, humanity still has not yet forgotten its war-like roots, with kingdoms at war with each other in an effort to consolidate whatever strength it has left to win their world back from the mighty insects. However, there is one kingdom that has yet to be destroyed by the ravages of the toxic forests, insects, and war: The Valley of the Wind, a peaceful and isolated kingdom that has lush plant life, and have managed a way to utilize the wind--via wind mills--to keep poisonous pores away from the valley. Nausicaa is the valley's beloved princess who has a deep fascination with the toxic forests and the insects that inhabit them. She often retreats to a secret room where she has discovered a way to grow non-toxic plants, and learn more about the environment; she is also gifted with the skill of pacifying insects with the use of a charm to put the enraged creatures into a hypnotic trance, allowing for people to go about their business unharmed. One day, a war plane chased by a swarm of insects crash lands on the Valley and brings the war to the Valley's doorsteps. The invading troops bring with them an ancient war machine that has the potential to wipe out both humanity and the insects. The princess escapes, in an effort to bring an end to the war and bring harmony between humans and the insects, as well as save her kingdom.
This is the perfect piece to introduce anyone to Miyazaki's films. We see the scopes of his concerns and fascinations. The film is very much an attempt to return--or at the very least, reconnect-- with the 'old days'; simpler times. Nausicaa is very much a film that explores the effects of humanity to the environment and to each other, and though the movie explores themes of 'good-versus-evil', it rarely comes off as a two-dimensional topic of discussion. Every faction has its motives and the stakes are always high.
War between humans and insects exist as much as war among humans; and though the insects may pose a threat to humanity, they rarely attack unless provoked. The insects are portrayed as awe-inspiring, yet (sometimes) grotesque, creatures that protect their homes; thus, they become nature's bodyguards almost. Miyazaki crafts a complex arrangement of plot, story, and characters that put into perspective a broader picture. The film is complex for what others may call a simple 'children's movie' but there is hardly anything 'childish' about Miyazaki's storytelling. There is much weight to the film, that gives it a mature quality that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. These ideas on nature, though much complicated in a 'real life' setting, are explored with an artful brush; and maybe a few possible solutions to real life problems. However, there are no easy solutions in real life, nor in the film. There are quite a few hard decisions characters must make in this film, and their choices have heavy consequences. Let's not, of course, neglect the animation. It is breathtaking! It is one of those films that will have you in awe by the visuals alone, while telling a story at the same time. Miyazaki decides to provide us beautiful illustrations of 'toxic landscapes'--consisting of exotic plant-life, and often covered in this other-worldly veil of poisonous fog. There is this beautiful moment in the film, where Nausicaa scavenges resources from an old Ohm's shell. She lingers a bit while it begins to 'snow' beautiful spores. It is these quiet moments that Miyazaki becomes known for-- moments where he allows the image to tell the story itself. Among this hostile environment, a moment of tranquility and silence tugs at the horrors, the beauty, and the sheer weight of everything at stake. The colors also create an amazing sensation to the eyes, as the soft blues provide an amazing watercolor quality that can also be found in Miyazaki's original Japanese manga. Nausicaa is a peaceful and soft soul, but her strength and courage certainly becomes heightened when the soft blue motifs associated with her warm character comes into a clash with the overwhelming bright colors of yellows and reds of the fires and explosions throughout the film. One of my favorite parts of this film, aside from the visuals and story, is by far the music composed by Joe Hisaishi--who would later compose for all of Miyazaki's films. There's this dreamlike atmosphere that gets pulled over Miyazaki's animation like a snug blanket. It has a lullaby that can pull in the audience as if being hypnotized by Nausicaa's insect charm.
Take a listen at this beautiful music composed by Hisaishi
Only a few rival Miyazaki's films--in fact, probably only Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli's co-founder, can achieve such an accomplishment. It has always been a great pleasure of mine to watch the Master's films. He is one of those rare artists that come only once in a lifetime. Though Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was not animated under the Studio Ghibli name (Ghibli being founded after Nausicaa), it is the quintessential Miyazaki film. It is a perfect introduction to the great animator's body of work, with enough gorgeously painted imagery, and meaty and delicious substance, that can inspire a generation to dream of a better place to live.
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