Older Children (May contain mild bad language, bloodless violence)
Vintage:
March 11, 1984
Status:
Completed
Summary:
The story takes place one thousand years after the "Seven Days of Fire", an apocalyptic war which destroyed human civilization and most of the Earth's original ecosystem. Scattered human settlements survive, isolated from one another by the Toxic jungle, a forest of giant plants and fungi swarming with giant insects, and other arthropods which seem to come together only to wage war. Everything in the Toxic Jungle including the air is lethally toxic. Nausicaä is a charismatic young princess of the peaceful Valley of the Wind. Although a skillful fighter, Nausicaä is humane and peace-loving. She has an unusual gift for communicating with the giant insects (particularly with the Ohmu, gigantic, armored, caterpillar- or isopod-like insects who are the most intelligent creatures in the Toxic Jungle.) She is also noted for her empathy toward animals, humans, and other beings. An intelligent girl, and inspired by the Valley's Lord Yupa, a wandering warrior possessed of great wisdom, Nausicaä frequently explores the Toxic Jungle and conducts scientific experiments in an attempt to define the true nature and origins of the toxic world in which she lives.
This movie definitely ranks among my top 5 animes. In a way I’ve liked post-apocalyptic worlds since a while, but this is a true masterpiece.
Story-wise, a masterly woven plot with a solid background - a vast and complex universe where a group of people struggles for peaceful survival, until a single incident causes a political power struggle in which individuals are set up against other as well as against nature.
An emphasis on environmental themes (though not overwhelming); raw, touching emotion; and a deep and beautiful message - this film is heartwarming and made me think at the same time. An old anime movie, yes, but with a deep lesson about loving the world and nature, Hayao Miyazaki-san has created a timeless classic.
The dialogue flows smoothly, and the voice acting is brilliant. The artwork is just beautiful; animation-wise, there's no special effects, but then again this film doesn't need those.
A definitely moving work IMO, a true gem in anime - unless you're into hardcore action only, or can't stand post-apocalyptic works, I'd suggest you at least give it a try.
